Lt. Christopher Kapuschan sky, right wing

WELCOME to MacDill AFB and the 2022 Tampa Bay AirFest

On behalf of the men and women of Team MacDill, it is my pleasure to welcome you to your Air Force base. It is a great honor and privilege for us to provide you the opportunity to witness first-hand the capabilities of your armed forces.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force that provides a unique opportunity to highlight the contributions of our Total Force Airmen, both past and present, who have fought and defended our nation in air and space.

As you view the exhibits and watch the spectacular aerial demonstrations overhead, you will have an opportunity to meet the service members who have dedicated themselves to defending our country and preserving our freedoms. Please take a few moments to talk to them, find out who they are and what they do in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. I’m sure you’ll be as proud and impressed with them as I am.

Throughout the day, you will see a wide variety of aircraft demonstrations. This year’s AirFest features the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Team. Since 1946, they have represented the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad as they showcase the excitement, precision, and power of naval aviation.

Additionally, Tampa native Air Force Maj. Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson, Air Combat Command’s F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, will take your breath away as he performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the Air Force’s premier fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

The AirFest would not be possible without the continued support of our neighbors of the greater Tampa Bay community. Our outstanding relationship makes events like this air show a remarkable success. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful community. Thank you for attending AirFest 2022. We hope you have an enjoyable and memorable day as you watch your armed forces in action. AIM HIGH!

U.S. Air Force photo

Colonel Benjamin R. Jonsson, commander, 6th Air Refueling Wing

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Refueling Wing or the Publishing Company of the products or service advertised.

For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. Email: 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@ us.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are considered for publication based on news value and timeliness.

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

MacDill on the web

Website: www.macdill.af.mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MacDillAirForceBase Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb