Thunderbolt 4/04/2024

Vol. 52, No. 14

Thursday, April 4, 2024

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News/Features: page 3 National Nutrician Month

News/Features: page 3 Red Flag 24-2

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

Community: page 11 Events, Chapel, more...

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” perform during the Tampa Bay AirFest practice show at MacDill Air Force Base March 28. The Thunderbirds will headline Tampa Bay AirFest to showcase the pride, precision and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force Airmen across the globe.

NEWS/FEATURES

Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 hometown Hero

by Senior Airman Jessica Do 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

A long-standing airshow tradition for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is to award hometown heroes with an opportunity to fly in one of their famous F-16 Fighting Falcons. While Tampa Bay had many entries, one in particular stood out, exemplifying one of the Air Force core values, service before self.

Trooper Toni Schuck was recognized for her heroic action on March 6, 2022. Schuck was providing traffic control and security at the south end rest area of the Skyway Bridge in order to close interstate 275, for the Armed Forces Family Skyway 10k race. Just before 9:00 a.m., Schuck was alerted that a female driving a BMW had driven through the barricades and traffic cones at 100 MPH. “In a split-second decision during a crisis event, Trooper Schuck summoned selfless courage and bravery for the sake of others and her community,” said an anonymous source. “As the United States Armed Forces, Trooper Toni Schuck is a warrior and deserved the unique opportunity to fly with the heroes of the sky.”

Schuck knew she was the last line of defense between the driver and the runners, and poSee Hero, Page 8

Courtesy photo

Florida Highway Patrol Master Trooper Toni Schuck is recognized as the American Police Hall of Fame 2022 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year on Oct. 13, 2023, at the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. Schuck was selected as the Tampa Bay AirFest ‘Hometown Hero’ and will fly with the United States Air Force Demonstration Team “Thunderbirds”.

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,

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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.

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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.

NEWS/FEATURES

Beyond the table, behind the label

by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida 81st Training Wing Public Affairs National Nutrition Month aims to educate people about making informed food choices while also developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Table”, highlighting the places and ways we consume outside of the dining room.

While Airmen are encouraged to seek methods that lead to healthier lifestyles, there are many products on the market that should be avoided. With over 800 items on the Department of Defense’s list of prohibited dietary supplements, service members are advised to research the ingredients in the products they’re consuming.

“The biggest thing is giving Airmen the tools that they need to make those smart decisions, whether it’s wanting to maintain your weight, losing weight or improve your sports performance.” said Capt. Rachelle Goebel, 81st Medical Group nutritional medicine chief.

Airmen can use the tool on the Operation Supplement Safety website to easily access the prohibited dietary supplements list and search for the products they are using. Many ingredients in common preworkouts, artificial greens, and protein powders are not authorized for service members to consume and can have adverse effects on the body.

“I think when we’re looking beyond the table, it’s important for us to take look at the whole picture, not just the foods we’re eating.” said Goebel. “When it comes to health, we need to adopt a total force focus See TABLE, Page 8

Photo by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida

U.S. Air Force Capt. Rachelle Goebel, 81st Medical Group nutritional medicine chief, and Airman 1st Class Darren Overton, 81st MDG diet technician, hold an “Ask a Dietitian” panel for National Nutrition Month at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Mar. 22. The 81st MDG held the panel for Airmen to stop and ask questions without an appointment, receive healthy recipes and informative resources.

Red Flag-Nellis 24-2: shaping the future of air combat

by Airman 1st Class Jordan McCoy Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.—During Red Flag 24-2, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps personnel trained alongside the Royal Netherlands Air Force from March 11 to 24, 2024.

This exercise presented a prime opportunity to forge pathways for collaboration with joint services and NATO countries. It showcased the cutting-edge capabilities of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning IIs and sophisticated threat replication techniques.

“Operations with our fifth-generation platform, the F-35, are critical to us,” said Air Commodore Johan van Deventer, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Air Combat Command. “It’s an information platform that uses forward sensors to exchange that information, and it can go to a high-threat area. This is the place where we can practice that together with our coalition partner, the U.S., and we need to do that in the high-end fight. That’s why we come to Nellis.”

See RED FLAG, Page 10

Photo by 1st Lt. Jimmy Cummings

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler takes off for a Red Flag-Nellis 24-2 night mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 18. Red Flag provides participants the opportunity to plan and employ together in the air, domain (supported by space, and cyber) in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

U.S. Air Force Maj. Tyler Clark, United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” pilot, flies next to a KC135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base over Mississippi, March 27. The Thunderbirds were en route to MacDill to headline Tampa Bay AirFest.

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

A family stands for a photo during the Tampa Bay AirFest practice show at MacDill Air Force Base March 28. Tampa Bay AirFest features a variety of aerial performances and static aircraft displays aimed at inspiring the next generation of military aviators.

Members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing command team present the General Mark A. Welsh III “One Air Force” award to the 6th and 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons, on the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base March 22. The General Mark A. Welsh III “One Air Force” award is awarded to a team that demonstrates improved effectiveness, operational readiness, and mission accomplishment through integrated solutions.

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NEWS/FEATURES Leading with empathy and a will to win Gen. Minihan addresses 2024 Logistics Officers Association, presents OAR Medals

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, spoke during the 2024 Logistics Officers Association Symposium as a keynote speaker March 28.

During his speech, Minihan delivered the state of air mobility and the importance of interoperability with the larger logistics enterprise.

“We’re here to put a joint and coalition team in a position of advantage so they can be lethal,” said Minihan.

He expressed the importance of generating leadership and the key traits of leadership such as integrity of character, sense of responsibility, and emotional stability. Minihan compared leading Airmen with being a coach. “A strong leader is firm, fair, takes action from a position of love, and they want to win.”

Minihan noted how the Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 35-15, published in 1948, was filled with words like love, belonging and fear. Words that no longer exist in modern guidance. The generation that wrote this manual “knew what See MINIHAN, Page 12

Photo by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, speaks at the 2024 Logistics Officers Association Symposium on March 28. Minihan covered mobility updates and talked about leading with empathy and a will to win.

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U.S. Marine Corps Major Adam Luff, aide-de-camp to the deputy commander of United States Special Operations Command, and his four children pose for Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, Calif, Sept. 28, 2018. Luff is not just a spectator at airshows but a mentor and father, eager with his children. The MacDill AirFest, in particular, stands out as a family tradition and a potent reminder of his own journey from awe-struck child to deco

MacDill’s AirFest: inspiring generations and fostering dreams

by Senior Airman Michael Killian 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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he Tampa Bay AirFest, known for its stunning aerial displays and as a beacon for aviation enthusiasts, holds a special place in the heart of U.S. Marine Corps Major Adam Luff, Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commander of United States Special Operations Command. From a young age, Luff was captivated by the power and grace of military aircraft, a fascination that would chart the course of his life and career in the Marine Corps.

Luff’s journey into the world of aviation began at age 5, sparked by witnessing a Harrier jet, a marvel of engineering and power, take off at Clearwater International Airport.

“I remember the smell of the ocean, how hot it was, and seeing a Harrier take off,” Luff recalls. “It was that moment I knew what I wanted to do.”

Throughout his youth, Luff’s enthusiasm for airshows never waned. He attended every event possible, his fascination growing with each performance. The bombers, fighters, and agile demonstration teams weren’t just machines to him; they were beacons of 6

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possibility.

Today, Major Luff is not just a spectator at airshows but a men to share his passion with his children. The Tampa Bay AirFest, out as a family tradition and a potent reminder of his own journey child to decorated Marine. Luff sees the airshow not just as an e tal opportunity to inspire the next generation, to light the same s their friends that was lit in him decades ago.

For Luff, the AirFest is a powerful reminder of the role such ev futures. It’s a chance for parents to co nnect with their children o for kids to dream of flying among the stars, and for the communit celebration of human achievement and potential.

“Stay as long as the kids are excited,” Luff advises parents pla them have it, let it develop, experience this opportunity in the mom As Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 draws near, the base stands rea generation of aviators, engineers, and dreamers. It’s a reminder th limit but the beginning, and for many like Major Adam Luff, it truly begins.the globe.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

r a photo at the 2018 to share his passion orated Marine.

(Above) Adam Luff sits inside a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Memphis Belle” during the 1992 MacDill AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base April 11, 1992.

From a young age, Luff was captivated by the power and grace of military aircraft, a fascination that would chart the course of his life and future career as a major in the Marine Corps.

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ntor and father, eager in particular, stands y from an awe-struck exhibition but as a vispark in his sons and

(Left) U.S. Marine Corps Major Adam Luff, Aidede-Camp to the Deputy Commander of United States Special Operations Command, poses for a photo at MacDill Air Force Base Mar. 15. Throughout his youth, Luff’s enthusiasm for airshows never waned. He attended every event possible, his fascination growing with each performance. The bombers, fighters, and agile demonstration teams weren’t just machines to him; they were beacons of possibility.

vents play in shaping over shared interests, ty to co me together in

anning to attend. “Let ment alongside them.” ady to inspire a new hat the sky is not the t’s where the journey Photo by Senior Airman Michael Killian

HERO

From Page 2

sitioned her vehicle directly in-front of the incoming BMW. The driver collided head on with Schuck’s patrol car, halting the chase and saving over 8,000 runners from potential harm.

Schuck had a long road to recovery following the accident, both physically and mentally.

She was out of work for Courtesy photo three months attending many medical appoint- Florida Highway Patrol Master ments and was put on Trooper Toni Schuck is nationlight duty upon her re- ally recognized by the American turn.

Association of State Troopers “It was very over- as the 2023 Trooper of the Year. whelming with the attention that the accident created. I am a very private person so to see myself constantly for months caused a lot of anxiety,” said Schuck. “I am always grateful for the recognition that I received and the opportunities given to me, but it was a hard time for me mentally.”

Schuck added that although the experience was difficult, she was super glad that it brought a positive light to not only Florida Law Enforcement, but also women in law enforcement.

On April 21, 2023 the American Association of State Troopers recognized Trooper Toni Schuck as the 2023 National Trooper of the Year for her heroic actions.

“My husband and son both served in the Air Force,” Schuck said. “I am still in shock today that I get the opportunity to fly with the Thunderbirds, I am a little nervous but I am more excited.”

TABLE From Page 3

on other aspects of our well-being which includes our sleeping habits, stress management and supplement usage.”

While the pursuit of healthier lifestyles is paramount, it’s imperative to exercise good judgment with the abundance of quick-fix solutions on the market.

With a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with unauthorized dietary supplements and resources that support informed decision-making, Airmen can proactively safeguard their well-being.

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NEWS/FEATURES ‘Combat Cardinal 2024’ rehearses home station, deployed readiness

by Airman 1st Class Tyler A. P. Moody 375th Air Mobility Command SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—Airmen from the 375th Air Mobility Wing demonstrated their readiness skills during a combined mobility and mission assurance exercise “Combat Cardinal,” which took place March 7 - 15.

Combat Cardinal was divided into two efforts: “Cardinal Sword” exercised the ability to rapidly deploy to meet any combatant commander’s requirements, and “Cardinal Shield” tested the wing’s ability to respond to crisis response and force protection scenarios at home station with fewer Airmen.

“We designed it this way so we could work on the fundamentals that allow us to ‘explode into theater’ as part of Air Mobility Command’s objective to equip all of its wings with the capability to not only execute mobility fundamentals, but execute them flawlessly and with speed. Once at the location, we would operate in that contested environment with the ability to disperse and aggregate as needed,” said Col. John Poole, 375th AMW commander. “This exercise format also allowed us to work through threats and adversary injects at our home station [to practice] protecting our assets and close on our objectives.”

Cardinal Sword: For Cardinal Sword, the wing simulated processing and sending 300 Airmen overseas. With weapons issued and buses loaded, they deployed to a cantonment site on base that represented their forward location. Additionally, two deployed hub locations were created to simulate the “hub and spoke” logistics built into the Air Force’s deployment model.

The locations tested Airmen’s skills in operating out of barren contested environments, with Wing Inspection Team members developing threat scenarios as injects that they may encounter from enemy forces.

Airmen, regardless of their specialty, pitched in to construct semi-permanent tents that the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron transported to the site. Medical personnel coordinated to assemble what would become the location for treating simulated injuries. Meanwhile, members from the 375th Force Support Squadron assembled a Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen, or SPEK, to feed those at the cantonment site.

Scott’s Detachment X, which oversees the wing’s small-Unmanned Aircraft System program, provided compound security such as getting a visual overview of the battlefield and identifying the locations of potential adversaries. A specific exercise inject recalled by Capt. Matthew Bolton, Det. X director, involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, or VBIED. “[The vehicle] came to one of our ECPs (entry control points), so we flew the drone to get a good look inside to find that it two IEDs inside. [Having this capability] is honestly something that could save real lives in the field,” said Bolton.

Thanks to Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, a KC-46 refueler landed at one of the simulated forward deployed locations to provide a platform to evacuate the wounded. Having this airframe for the exercise added an extra opportunity for Aeromedical Evacuation specialists to hone their timesensitive, and mission critical care for those injured in combat.

During the mass casualty portion of the exercise, medical teams set up an en route patient staging system where Airmen were stabilized before transport aboard the aircraft. AE teams worked to coordinate with multiple agencies the rapid movement of these patients with minimal informa-

Photo by Airman 1st Class Tyler A. P. Moody

U.S. Airman 1st Class Tianna Scarborough and Staff Sgt. Bryan Cruz, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Aeromedical evacuation technicians perform patient care while under simulated fire during Combat Cardinal ‘24 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, March 12. tion in order to get them to their next higher level of care. While aboard the flight, AE specialists along with a three-person Critical Care Air Transport Team, provided advanced care to those critically injured who required continuous stabilization during transport.

Deployed commander, Col. Richard Kind, expressed his overall impressions of how the week went by sharing that “our Airmen are incredible.

Our Airmen are ready. And, our Airmen will ‘Deliver Victory.’”

Our Airmen are incredible. Our Airmen are ready. And, our Airmen will ‘Deliver Victory.’

Col. Richard Kind, 375th Air Mobility Wing deputy commander Cardinal Shield: Meanwhile, those who weren’t part of the deployed mission had a role to play during Cardinal Shield, and the Inspector General team didn’t hold back on the scenarios. The wing practiced responding to a simulated bomb threat, cyber and drone attacks, potential violent protesters arriving at the base and to an active shooter incident. While none of these crisis response scenarios were anything new for the 375th AMW, the real test was exercising these skill sets while missing 300 key personnel. As with any large-scale movement of equipment and manpower, home station capabilities can become stretched.

Poole said, “In a real conflict, you don’t just deploy and then nothing happens stateside. So, as we operate this Flagship at home with degraded resources, we have some additional responsibilities we need to test. We must ensure the ongoing defense of the base and ensure the connectivity of the global C2 (command and control) structure. So, that’s really the point of this exercise—to practice both at the same time. That’s how a real conflict would unfold.”

Overall, both aspects of Combat Cardinal exercised critical readiness skills for the entire wing. Lessons learned from this will be gathered and then applied to future exercises and real-world deployments that are on the horizon for the 375th AMW. MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, April 4, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9

RED FLAG From Page 3

Photo by 1st Lt. Jimmy Cummings

An F-35A Lighting II takes off for a Red Flag-Nellis 24-2 night mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 18.

The evolving security landscape in Europe underscores the importance of not only possessing advanced aircraft, but also seamlessly integrated tactics within the NATO alliance. By operating with a common platform and leveraging advanced communication systems, enhanced coordination and joint operations during critical missions can be achieved. These advanced aircraft bring unprecedented capabilities, including enhanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network connectivity, which contribute to maintaining air superiority and deterring potential adversaries.

“Integrating these capabilities is essential to deterring our adversaries and assuring allies,” said Col. David Stamps, commander of the 366th Operations Group. “Red Flag 24-2 affords us the opportunity to fully integrate the joint force with our NATO allies to solve the most complex tactical problems in a peacetime environment. We plan together, fly together, and debrief together as one team across all combat specialties.”

Reflecting on the significance of the joint training during Red Flag 24-2, Stamps emphasized, “Our alliance needs to be deeper than a piece of paper. Meaning we must put actions to our words. Red Flag 24-2 brings together our joint services and NATO allies in a very tangible way that allows us to learn ways to employ integrated airpower better and celebrate victories along the way.”

Amidst the expansive Nevada Test and Training Range, NATO partners integrated seamlessly with U.S. joint services. This exercise marked one of the most extensive fifthgeneration Red Flag exercises to include NATO and joint partners.

“Nellis is the best place on Earth to simulate ‘tomorrow’s’ fight,” said Stamps. The professionalism of the Aggressors is unmatched, and they are essential to the development of integrated Blue Force tactics. The dedication of all the services maintenance teams proves no one on the planet generates combat airpower better than the United States and our allies and partners.”

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Family Fun Night Join the fun at SeaScapes on April 12 for a delightful Family Fun Night in your pajamas, Dive into the excitement with our Kiddieoke Krafts, where children can unleash their creativity through crafts and enjoy singing their hearts out with karaoke. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to bond, create lasting memories and enjoy breakfast for dinner. Visit macdillfss.com/wpcontent/uploads/AprilFFN_24.pdf for more information.

Outdoor adventure trips Experience the thrill of adventure with 6th FSS Outdoor Adventure Tours. From mastering the basics of kayaking to embarking on exhilarating kayak tours, swimming alongside majestic manatees, and exploring the depths through scuba diving. Visit macdillfss.com/ outdoor-adventure-tours/tours to view upcoming classes and unforgettable trips, sell out quickly.

2024 Air Force Art Contest Do you have artistic skills? Register and enter your 2D and 3D artwork for the 2024 Air Force Art Contest from March 1 – April 30. The contest is open to eligible adults and children ages 6-17. For more information about eligibility, submissions, prizes, judging and categories, visit forcesupport. awardsplatform.com.

April base theater movies Your MacDill Base Library will be offering free movies at the Base Theater. Movies are open to anyone with base access to MacDill AFB. For a complete movie schedule, visit macdillfss.com/library/ Find more events at: macdillfss.com

The Champ!

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Raun Howell, far right, 6th ARW command chief, pose for a photo with Airman 1st Class Donald Hicks, 6th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems journeyman, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base March 22. Hicks was recognized for replacing parts, installing new equipment and conducting comprehensive tool and equipment training for new Airmen in the section.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call the Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

(confessions by appointment)

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Chapel at 828-3621 or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved) Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, April 4, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11

MINIHAN From Page 5

it meant to lead in combat when it’s going horrifically bad [and] knew exactly what it took for a generation to commit themselves fully to the ideals of this nation. These are the same [initiatives] that will guide us should a future fight come,” he said.

He emphasized how logistics will be the difference between winning and losing. “Over the next few years, logisticians will play a crucial role in leadership as they lead Airmen who are pivotal in the maneuver of the Joint Force.,” said Minihan. “We’re just going to do our job as best as we can to make a positive impact on the most people that we can.”

During his keynote, Minihan also presented decorations to four Airmen for their actions during Operation Allies Refuge in Al Udeid, Qatar.

TSgt Tara Repose, 514 Security Forces Squadron, Raven; Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat Device TSgt Joshua Cramer, 822 Base Defense Squadron, Raven; Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat Device MSgt Elrico Edwards, 512 Airlift Wing, Crew Chief; Air Medal with Combat Device SSgt Vincent Brooks, 305 Maintenance Squadron, Crew Chief; Air Medal with Valor Device “In case you missed it, two crew chiefs just earned air medals, and two cops just earned distinguished flying crosses. The point is, it takes all of us to do the mission,” exclaimed Minihan.

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Photo by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, presents MSgt Elrico Edwards from the 512 Airlift Wing with an Air Medal with Combat Device and Staff Sgt. Vincent Brooks from the 305 Maintenance Squadron with an Air Medal with Valor Device at the 2024 Logistics Officers Association Symposium.

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