Thunderbolt 4/11/2024

Vol. 52, No. 15

Thursday, April 11, 2024

-

News/Features: page 3 Warrior family

News/Features: page 3 Dyess AFB War Center

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

World War II veterans are recognized during the opening ceremonies at MacDill Air Force Base Saturday. Tampa Bay AirFest was a free event for the public and featured a variety of military and civilian flight performances aimed at inspiring the next generation of military aviators.

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

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

NEWS/FEATURES

Advanced capabilities earns aerospace excellence

by Samuel King Jr. 96th Test Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics recently selected the 40th Flight Test Squadron’s Advanced Capabilities Division the 2024 Aerospace Excellence Award.

This relatively new 96th Test Wing unit that began in April 2023, is responsible for artificial intelligence and autonomy-based experimental aircrafts at Eglin.

“This award is a culmination of tireless hours by a collaboration of military, government, industry, and academic partners. Together the team has achieved remarkable accomplishments in such a short time, and I could not be prouder,” said Maj. Ross Elder, Advanced Capabilities Division Chief. “This division is truly leading the projects that will carry the Air Force into the future, and this is just the beginning.”

The AIAA awarded the unit for its milestone work last year with the XQ-58A Valkyrie and the first-ever AI-enabled, high-performance, uncrewed air vehicle flight.

Using neural networks developed and trained through reinforcement learning, the

Photo/2nd Lt. Rebecca Abordo

A XQ-58 Valkyrie launches for a test mission Aug. 22 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The mission successfully tested components that greatly reduce the risk of large scale crewed and uncrewed autonomous systems.

See AEROSPACE, Page 10

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,

2

u

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.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MacDillAirForceBase Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb 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 , FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. : 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.

NEWS/FEATURES

Bravery in tandem: A family of warfighters

by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim 325th Fighter Wing TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FL—The journey into the military is not always a planned one. Individuals may join for the financial security, pride for America or travel opportunities. These two sisters however, joined to enable stability for their families and unintentionally continued their family legacy.

Keishnel Torres, currently Kieshnel Smith, and Karla Torres lived in the town of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, surrounded by their family, friends, culture, language and normalcy. It wasn’t until their father left to join the U.S. Army that everything would change.

“For me it was a huge culture shock when we arrived to the states,” said Senior Airman Karla Torres, 325th Medical Group command support staff technician. “The culture, schools, language was all different. There is also a huge diversity here compared to Puerto Rico.”

In certain families, serving in the military runs deep through generations. Stories of bravery and sacrifice may be passed down, inspiring others to join and continue the legacy.

“In our family, we’ve had at least 18 members that served or are currently serving,” said Torres. “Our oldest relative that served would be our greatgreat-grandfather that fought in the Spanish American War. My grandfather and his five brothers were all drafted into the Vietnam War. Currently our father and cousin serve in the Army as officers, and my sister and I are See FAMILY, Page 9

Courtesy photo

From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Keishnel Smith, Maj. Carlos Torres and Airman Karla Torres, pose for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The Torres family has had military serving members dating from the Spanish American War to current day.

Dyess AFB establishes WAR Center

by Tech. Sgt. Dana J. Cable 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas—Dyess Air Force Base has taken a significant stride towards enhancing mission readiness with the recent establishment of their own Warrior Airman Readiness Center.

This initiative follows a benchmark visit to Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, where members Team Dyess observed the successful implementation of their WAR Center and its impact on mission readiness and brought the curriculum home to Dyess AFB. The newly established WAR Center will serve as a central hub for mission-focused training and integration of warfighting skills.

The primary objective of the 5-day course is to provide Airmen with a realistic and immersive environment to hone their leadership abilities, decision-making processes, and mission planning expertise, all crucial components of mission readiness.

Airmen demonstrated their newly acquired skills during a capstone event on the last day of training that highlighted their knowledge and ground warfighting skills.

“While the course is designed to cement those hard and soft skills, ul-

Photo by Master Sgt. Victoria McCreath

Team Dyess Airmen participate in a capstone training event at the Warrior Airmen Readiness Center at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, March 29. The newly established WAR Center will serve as a central hub for mission-focused training and integration of warfighting skills.

See WAR CENTER, Page 12 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team “Thunderbirds” perform during Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base March 30. The Thunderbirds headlined Tampa Bay AirFest and showcased the pride, precision and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen across the globe.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing conduct a foreign object and debris walk on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base April 2, following the Tampa Bay AirFest. Airmen routinely clear debris and foreign objects from the flight line which could cause engine or structural damage to aircraft.

Frank Coppola, World War II veteran laughs on the flightline during Tampa Bay Airfest, at MacDill Air Force Base March 29. Tampa Bay AirFest was a free event for the public and featured a variety of military and civilian flight performances aimed at inspiring the next generation of military aviators.

4

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

NEWS/FEATURES 22ARW tests new WARP capabilities

by Airman 1st Class Gavin Hameed 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.—The 22nd Air Refueling Wing received its first sets of KC-46A Wing Air Refueling Pods (WARP), which will undergo extensive Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation (IOT&E), as well as increase the aircraft’s air refueling capabilities for probe and drogue - equipped receivers.

On March 5, 2024, the 22nd Maintenance Squadron installed its first set of WARPs onto a KC-46. The installation of the pods was overseen by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), as well as the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wings.

McConnell is the first KC-46 main operating base to receive the pods to assist AFOTEC as they execute IOT&E. The process of getting the WARPs certified has been in the works since 2019.

“We’ve gone through numerous plans, processes and training events to reach this point,” said Col. Robert Meadows, 22nd Maintenance Group commander. “Over the next two months, we plan to conduct flights with See WARP, Page 8

Photo by Airman 1st Class Gavin Hameed

Airmen assigned the 22nd Maintenance Squadron assemble KC-46A Pegasus Wing Aerial Refueling Pods (WARPs) Jan. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The WARP is an optional capability for the KC-46, it allows for the simultaneous refueling of two probe and drogue receivers, doubling fuel transfer rates.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5

DAF announces 2023 athletes of the year

by Debbie Aragon AFIMSC Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – A Space Systems Command handball player and an Air Mobility Command triathlete were recently announced as the 2023 Department of the Air Force Athletes of the Ye ar.

Congratulations to Capt. Andrew Donlin, SSC’s Resilient Global Capabilities Branch deputy chief in El Segundo, California, and 1st Lt. Rose Smith, the 436th Healthcare Operations Squadron’s Resource Management Flight commander at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

“Our major commands and field commands submitted their best and our team took the evaluation process very seriously,” said Maj. Tiffany Lewis, DAF Fitness and Sports Division chief at the Air Force Services Center.

“It was extremely difficult choosing our DAF-level winners but I’m confident we got it right with Captain Donlin and Lieutenant Smith. Although all of the packages we received were incredibly strong, their accomplishments represented the athletic community and DAF in a way few others can,” she said.

Female Athlete of the Ye ar Smith, who is also AMC’s Female Athlete of the Ye ar, excelled during numerous triathlon competitions in 2023.

In the Rock Hall Triathlon in Maryland, she finished first in her age group and 93rd overall, earning her a spot in the 2023/2024 USA Triathlon National Championships.

Over the summer, she was rated 165th among 4,532 female triathletes and earned a Bronze All World Athlete Status in her age group after finishing 35 of 56 in the Ironman 70.3 Musselman.

A few months later, Smith was in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she qualified for the 2024 Ironman World Championships. In the same month, she did the Waterman’s Triathlon Festival Relay and received five different triathlon club offers before deciding on Team Zoot, the largest triathlon organization in the U.S. She rounded out the award period with October’s Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C., where she finished 5,348 in a field of more than 230,000.

Smith attributed her success to the pe ople who surround her.

“One of my best friends in Dover, Jessica Heckman, challenged me to do a half Ironman this year, then as we pushed each other we figure d we may as well do a full since we are half trained,” she said. “I’ve had so many wonderful people around me helping me succeed though that I have this mindset of ‘how could I not do great things.’”

Smith also believes being an endurance athlete carries over to her ability to be a resilient Airman.

“What makes us different is our ability to tolerate pain and discomfort, because I can push through physically hard things, it makes a lot of other challenges seem easier to manage,” she said. “For example, my Ironman took me 13 hours and 25 minutes.

About 4 hours in, everything was already sore. In comparison, completing tasks I don’t want to do, but need to get done are easy to mentally justify.”

Endurance sports have also taught her discipline, she said.

“One doesn’t just wake up one day and de cide to do an Ironman. You need to train for months in advance, which could mean early mornings, two-a-days and giving up certain habits that don’t serve the bigger goal. Having increased discipline has also allowed me to change my mind set to get the work done because I understand long-term pay off.”

6

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

Smith, who joined the Air Force Reserve in 2015 as an enlisted ways knew she wanted to be an officer and started her bachelor’s d she learned about healthcare administration officers. She starte during COVID about 2 years before her first race in 2021.

“I say all this to show that waiting for what you want is worth i for one dream to finish to start a new one,” she said. “Also, belie others don’t, and if those around you don’t believe in you find a wouldn’t be where I am without the encouragement from many pe also remember there were times where people doubted my path b tion of what was possible was limited. The human body is capabl ible things if given the opportunity.”

Outside of her passion for triathlons, Smith coached Dover’s M ball team to a championship win, biked more than 500 miles acro Force Cycling Team to promote the Air Force mission, raised mo the Air Force Association’s Wounded Airmen and Guardians Prog teammates, and led a three-person team in a 26.2 mile ruck to h also raising more than $1,000 for the Military Friends Foundation Male Athlete of the Ye ar During the award period, Donlin led the Men’s USA Nationa their first and second victories ever in the International Handb World Championships. He also led his club team, the Cal Heat, to California Cup and was selected as the tournament’s most valuab Additionally, the captain led Team USA in the Pan American Colorado Springs, Colorado, helping the team earn a spot in the Games, a primary qualifying competition for the Summer Olymp leading scorer in both the qualifier and games with a total of 21 go Donlin continued as leading scorer at the National Champions goals, leading his Cal Heat team to first out of 20 teams at the 202 tional Championship. Be cause of the win, his team represented t American and Caribbean Club Championships where they earn selected for the All-Tournament Team.

Looking at his athletic success, he attribute s it in large part people around him.

“Family, friends, military leadership, coaches, teammates, med … without the m I wouldn’t be able to continue competing and trai he said.

He also believes always being ready to take advantage of opport presented contributed as well.

“So many of the opportunitie s I’ve had in my athletic career h and right time moments.’ A lot of that has to do with coaches who and taken a chance on me , but the other part of it is being prep mentally to step up when your number is called,” Donlin said.

As with many careers or past times that require focus, commi hard work, resiliency plays a key factor in both military service an “Resiliency can mean a lot of different things to different people circumstances but for me it’s about being able to stay on the path my team’s goals even when it’s difficult,” he said. “The two bigge s me in the area of resiliency in my sport and life have been know what I’m doing as well as having a great support system around m

See

d Airman, said she aldegree program when ed triathlon training

it, but also don’t wait eve in yourself when a better community. I eople in my life, but I because their perceple of so many incred-

Medical Group volleyoss Iowa with the Air ore than $15,000 for gram with her cycling honor the fallen while n.

al Handball Team to ball Federation Men’s o a gold medal in the ble player. n Games Qualifier in e 2023 Pan American pics. He was also the oals. ship game with eight 23 USA Handball Nathe U.S. at the North ned gold, and he was

Photo Courtesy of Handball Today

(Above) Capt. Andrew Donlin, the 2023 Department of the Air Force Male Athlete of the Year, competes in a handball match during the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.

(Left) First Lt. Rose B. Smith, 436th Medical Group resource management flight commander, carries her bicycle at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 6. Smith, an avid runner and cyclist, was recently named 2023 Department of the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year and Air Mobility Command Female Athlete of the Year.

to the support from

dical staff and others ining at a high level,”

First Lt. Rose B. Smith, 436th Medical Group resource management flight commander, poses with her bicycle at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 6. Smith, an avid runner and cyclist, was recently named 2023 Department of the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year as well as Air Mobility Command Female Athlete of the Year.

tunities when they’re

have been ‘right place o have believed in me pared physically and

itment and just plain nd athletic prowess. e, depending on their toward my goals and st things that helped wing the ‘why’ behind me.”

e ATHLETES, Page 10

Photo by Mauricio Campino

Photo by Mauricio Campino

WARP From Page 5

other aircraft to test the pods. This will provide training for our aircrews and maintenance teams on servicing and inspecting the pods on the wings, which will enhance the capabilities of the KC-46.”

WARPs are mounted on the aircraft’s wings, allowing the KC-46 to refuel two aircraft simultaneously.

“Decreasing the amount of time receivers spend refueling is important,” said Master Sgt. Kyle VanderWagen, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center deputy test director. “WARPs should allow us offload fuel twice as fast to probe and drogue equipped receivers, which allows them to get back to their primary mission quicker.”

On March 19, 2024, the 344th Air Refueling Squadron flew its first air refueling flight utilizing the WARPs, where they refueled two U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets out of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.

On March 20, the 349th ARS repeated the task with Marine AV-8 Harriers from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

“We’ve been waiting for a while to get started on using WARPs,” said Airman 1st Class Cord Nakaahiki, 344th ARS boom operator. “Using the new system felt just like our usual practice on simulators, which made using the real thing pretty straightforward. To be out there flying them has been exciting and rewarding.”

During the IOT&E, the KC-46 will refuel U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine airframes that receive fuel utilizing their probe and drogue systems.

“The WARPs are an optional capability that was included in the original design of the KC-46, so there is very little difference in handling characteristics of the aircraft,” said Capt. Taylor Johnson, 344th ARS KC-46 Chief pilot. “The big challenge is making sure aircrews are properly trained and understand the additional considerations with WARPs installed on the aircraft, so they can properly execute missions.”

This testing phase concentrates on performing operational evaluations and training exercises to ensure proficiency among aircrews and maintenance teams with the new system.

“Team McConnell has been an invaluable partner during IOT&E and we are extremely thankful for their dedication and support,” said VanderWagen.

The 22nd ARW will continue evaluating the WARPs in the following months to improve the KC-46’s efficiency and flexibility. Through these efforts, the 22nd ARW is demonstrating its commitment to excellence and leadership in aerial refueling.

8

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

FAMILY From Page 3

enlisted in the Air Force.”

Following in their families’ footsteps was never the intent for either sister. It wouldn’t be until later in life that Smith and Torres would make the decision to enlist. For Smith, she decided after obtaining an associate degree in information technology at the age of 21 that she needed more stability in her life. It would be during the peak of Covid-19 that Torres felt a change was needed. As of today, both sisters are the first in their family to serve in the U.S. Air Force.

“It’s funny when people ask the question, “Why did you join?” said Staff Sgt. Keishnel Smith, 53rd Test Support Squadron client systems technician. “They think oh yeah, it’s definitely the family history, but in all reality, we just needed stability. However, it’s an honor to say that my dad is in the Army. Being able to say that I served alongside him fills me with pride.

My son is already telling me that he wants to join the army because he loves his Grandpa so much.”

With the inspiration running down to even more generations, the sisters received news in 2021 that would adjust their career paths: a brain tumor was found in their father, Carlos Torres.

“It was devastating when we found out,” said Karla Torres. “At first the

doctor only gave him a few months to live, but after getting a second opinion that doctor said that they could operate and give him treatment. After a successful first operation, he was tumor free, but not cancer free. Our father continues to have a good attitude and tries to be as positive as possible.”

Carlos was stationed at Tyndall, so the sisters applied for humanitarian orders after receiving the news, giving them the opportunity to all be stationed at the same installation together.

“It was actually my husband who found out about [Humanitarian orders] when talking to his first [sergeant],” said Smith. “We applied to get sent to Tyndall and a month later we were packing to move. Having that chance to be around family was such a blessing. Being able to have my sister and my kids spend quality time with their grandparents was invaluable.”

Unfortunately, a year after being stationed together Carlos Torres would be relocated for treatment purposes. As of today, Carlos is currently undergoing treatment and is set to retire from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service.

The Torres family has a long dedication to military service ranging from the Spanish American War to current day. The Torres sisters expressed that they want to continue to build upon their families legacy and are thankful for the resources provided.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9

AEROSPACE From Page 2

team demonstrated autonomy algorithms controlling an uncrewed XQ-58A to perform aviation, navigation, and air-to-air combat operations.

To accomplish that feat, the team developed safety protocols and constructed an autonomy development framework to discover, design, develop and deploy autonomyenabled systems on crewed and uncrewed platforms.

The first demonstration was a proof of concept that allowed for further testing to begin for the Air Force and most recently the U.S. Marine Corps.

The XQ-58 program is only a piece of the ACD’s mission.

The team’s portfolio includes Collaborative Combat Aircraft development, human-machine teaming, rapid tactical autonomy and artificial intelligence, digital test environments, and multi-domain operations.

Of note, the division is the executing test organization for the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed program, designed and funded to accelerate testing of autonomy software on crewed F-16 aircraft.

ATHLETES From Page 6

In addition to his work on the handball court, the captain serves as the elected representative of the Men’s National Team on Team USA Handball’s Athlete Advisory Council, representing and advocating for national team athletes to the board of directors.

During the award period, he also provided an instruction clinic to more than 100 students at a Colorado Springs middle school to introduce them to the sport.

“I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me,” Donlin said, “and feel extremely blessed to get to wear the two best uniforms in the world and represent our great country and what it stands for on and off the court.”

(Editor’s Note: Donlin was recently selected as one of two American male athletes for the International Handball Federation’s Beach Handball Showcase at the Paris Olympic Games this summer. The showcase is viewed as the next step in making beach handball an official sport in future games.

10

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Family Fun Night Join the fun at SeaScapes on April 12 from 5– 8 p.m. 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/wp-content/uploads/ AprilFFN_24.pdf for more information.

Virtual Cooking Classes Don’t miss this fun opportunity to brush up on your cooking skills or learn how to prepare a new dish alongside (via Zoom) season 4 winner of Master Chief, Luca Manfe.

To register and view the zoom sessions available April through Oct., 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/.

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.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

The Champ!

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Raun Howell, 6th Air Refueling Wing command chief (right), and Senior Master Sgt. Kyle Massengale, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron senior enlisted leader, recognize Airman 1st Class David DeJesus, 6th CES command support staff, as Champ of the Week at MacDill Air Force Base April 4. DeJesus is responsible for streamlining internal Enlisted Performance Briefs processes to reduce delinquency, while also diligently scrubbing 88 personnel records for accuracy.

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 Cha-

pel 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 11, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11

WAR CENTER From Page 3

timately we are driving home Mission Command and leadership skills,” said Master Sgt. John Mitchell, WAR Center NCOIC. “We want Airmen to be confident, make a decision, and follow-through with that decision, which could be right or wrong.”

By offering realistic scenario-based contingency training to Team Dyess personnel, the center will rely on resident subject matter experts to train and equip next generation warfighters for future over-the-horizon conflicts.

Additionally, the course serves as a way for Airmen to complete 22 predeployment Ready Airmen Training requirements.

“This course fully prepares Airmen to be Mission Ready,” said Master Sgt. Victoria McCreath, WAR Center cadre. “They go through different requirements that meet Mission Command and have a more comprehensive understanding of warfighting.

According to Mitchell, the long-term goal of the course is to not only develop students but develop cadre and instructors as well.

“We want to host more advanced courses,” said Mitchell. “We will continue to look for cadre and instructors and continue to grow a strong network of operators as we shift our focus from counter-terror operations to Great Power Competitors.”

According to McCreath, the WAR Center is hoping to host the course six times a year and is open to all medically ready Airmen from any Air Force Specialty Code assigned to Dyess AFB.

12

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, April 11, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

Photo by Master Sgt. Victoria McCreath

Team Dyess Airmen complete the first beta test course of the Warrior Airmen Readiness Center at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, March 29.

The primary objective of the WAR Center’s 5-day course is to provide Airmen with a realistic and immersive environment to hone their leadership abilities, decision-making processes, and mission planning expertise, all crucial components of mission readiness.