Thunderbolt 4/13/2023

News/Features: page 3

Bonus offering

News/Features: page 3

Onewebsiteforstudymaterials

Week in photos: page 4

Images from the week

No obstacle too tall

Community: page 15

Events, Chapel, more...

emotionally

cognitively

Photo by Miriam Thurber

Candidates compete in a morning obstacle course during the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment and Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, March 15. The training wing prepares candidates physically, mentally,

and

for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

NEWS/FEATURES

6th ARW welcomes home re-deployers with Operation Homecoming

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The 6th Air Refueling Wing held a celebration for Airmen returning from deployment, March 30.

The event, named Operation Homecoming, served as an opportunity for Airmen and their families to reconnect following their recent deployment.

“We wanted to put on an event that was just as much for the family as it is for the service member,” said Master Sgt. Daniella Clements, 6th Maintenance Group superintendent. “The intent behind Operation Homecoming was to reverse the roles, give families an opportunity to go through mock deployment lines, climb onboard a KC-135 and many more activities.”

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joshua Stewart, 6th Maintenance Group analysis plans and scheduling section chief and Operation Homecoming committee member, described the event as a chance for children to engulf themselves in the deployed location with a little bit of fun mixed in. Featured in the event was a bouncy house, easter egg hunt, go-karts and free toy bar sponsored by Blue Star Families

The event provided an opportunity for Airmen deployed together to

See HOMECOMING, Page 10

Be

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.

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 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.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Tom Burkett, Troop Rewards volunteer, gifts a teddy bear to children during Operation Homecoming at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 30, 2023. The event served as an opportunity for Airmen and their families to decompress following their recent deployments.

ReserveCommandannounces$10K bonus forprior-service enlistedAirmen

byMaster Sgt.Bobby Pilch 367thRecruitingGroup,AirForceReserveCommand

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS)—To remain competitive in a tight labor market and retain valuable talent, Air Force Reserve Command is offering a $10,000 incentive bonus to fully-qualified, priorservice enlisted Airmen who sign up to fill open positions and agree to a three-year service commitment.

One of several incentives available to those who join the Air Force Reserve, this particular program opens a wider aperture for recruiters to capture qualified Airmen separating from the active-duty Air Force.

“The Air Force Reserve affiliation incentive is a clear demonstration of how we value those who continue to serve and are ‘ready for more,’” said Brig. Gen. Lisa M. Craig, Air Force Recruiting Service deputy commander. “Ready for more time with family, work-life balance, community involvement, educational goals and connections At the same time, we get to retain the knowledge and experience of that prior-service Airman.”

Historically, the Air Force Reserve has targeted a recruiting mix of 70% prior-service and 30% non-prior-service members. This incentive

SeeBONUS,Page10

Squadronunveilsone-stopwebsitefor enlisted promotionstudymaterials

StudiesandAnalysisSquadron AirEducationandTrainingCommand

JOINTBASESANANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas(AFNS)—For manyyears, Airmenhavehadtosearchmultiplewebsitesandresourcestofindthenecessarymaterialfortheirenlistedpromotionstudies. Thiscouldbeanythingfromlearningwhattheyneedtostudyorfindingaudiofilestohelpthemprepareforthetests. However, allofthisis nowathingofthepastthankstotheStudiesandAnalysisSquadronat AirEducationandTrainingCommand.

MembersoftheSAShaveworkedhardduringrecentmonthstocreateonecomprehensivewebsitewhereAirmencanaccessalltheirenlistedpromotionstudymaterialsinoneplace–TheAir ForceEnlisted PromotionStudyGuideswebsite.Thesitehostselectronicversionsof AFHandbook1,includingbothpublicationfilesaswellasaudiofiles; studyguidestailoredspecificallytowardsthosetestingforstaffsergeantortechnicalsergeant;plus, theEnlistedPromotionsReferences & RequirementsCatalog, whichprovidesadditionalinformationoneverythingrelated to promotions within individual career fields.

SeePROMOTION,Page12

bonusalignswithhelpingtoachievethisbalanceandhelpingtheReservemeet its annualrecruitinggoalandoverallend-strength.

“Thisbonusisoneofmanypoliciesandincentiveadjustmentstohelp theAir ForceReserveensurewecanrecruitthequalityAirmenweneed tosafeguardourcombatreadiness,” saidMaj.Gen.EdThomas, AFRS

PhotobySeniorAirmanMeganEstrada Atechnicalsergeantselecthigh-fivesherpeersduringapromotion releaseceremonyatOsan AirBase,SouthKorea,July21,2022. Technical sergeantsare expertsintheircareerfield,providingsupervisiontotheir subordinatesandassistingtheirteamwith attentiontodetail,positive workclimatesandclearcommunication.

Courtesygraphic

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Children from General Clarence Tinker K-8 School practice marching maneuvers during a Contingency and Readiness Education event at MacDill Air Force Base April 4. The event provided youth from across the installation the opportunity to learn about some of the Air Force’s diverse career fields including Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Public Health, Security Forces and many more.

Team Aeroshell from Northport, Alabama performs during the Sun n’ Fun Airshow in Lakeland March 31. Team Aeroshell has performed in T-6 Texan aircraft at airshows across the globe for more than 20 years.

A U.S. service member participates in the Norwegian Foot March at MacDill Air Force Base Mar. 31. The march was first held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army. The goal today is to simulate the general interest of marching over extended distances amongst military and civilian personnel.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Kendall, Brown, Saltzman tell lawmakers ‘on-time’ budget needed to meet security challenges, transform Air, Space Forces

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Delivering a unified and unambiguous message, the Department of the Air Force’s highest-ranking civilian and military leaders told Congress March 28 that progress is being made modernizing the Air and Space Forces but to fully succeed, Congress must pass the budget on time so critical “transformation” is not delayed.

To properly modernize and transform both the Air Force and Space Force to meet real-world threats, “the Department of the Air Force needs timely authorizations and appropriations,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

“The (Department of the Air Force) is ready to move forward with the next generation of capabilities we need and there is no time to lose,” he told lawmakers on a key subcommittee responsible for crafting and helping to pass into law the annual spending bill providing funds to the Air Force and Space Force.

Kendall’s request was echoed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. All three took part in a hearing before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee.

See BUDGET, Page 13

Photo by Andy Morataya

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall delivers testimony during a House Appropriations Committee hearing in the Capitol Building, Washington, D.C., March 28.

NEWS

The USPTO helps service members start businesses

by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The United States Patent and Trademark Office hosted an Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop and Resource Fair at MacDill Air Force Base March 28.

Multiple panelists shared business tactics, stories, and advice that helped them through the years as they transitioned from military service to a personally owned business or started a business as a military spouse. Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the, wants service members to know that the USPTO is willing to help those looking for a future in entrepreneurship.

“We as the USPTO are trying to bring more service members into the field of innovation,” said Vidal “Any time we come on base to meet military members, we look forward to talking about opportunities and ideas involved with entrepreneurship.”

Each panelist at the convention had a prior military connection and provided a lot of information to the service members and their families in attendance.

“It’s vital in the world of entrepreneurship to make friends and network in your local area,” said retired U.S. Air Force Col. Russ Barnes, Tampa Action Zone vice president of education and workshop panelist. “This workshop helps people get on the right track when it comes to starting or maintaining their own business.”

Attendees were given time to network before and after the workshop with panelists and others in attendance. They were able to share ideas and information to make their lives as business owners easier.

“We’re here to help you,” Vidal said. “We make sure military members and their families know what’s out there, so when the time comes, they know where to go and what to look up.”

The USPTO has many options open to help with starting a business. They have free attorneys available when needed, articles and discussions dedicated to advice, and business help and more.

Vidal says that the USPTO is also looking to employ veterans and families of service members. “We currently employ several veterans, military spouses, and families of service members Our agency offers many employment benefits that support the military lifestyle including the flexibility to work remotely anywhere in the country.”

Find more visit the USPTO website at https://www.uspto.gov/, or call their toll-free call center at 800-786-9199.

USTRANSCOM Commander: Logistics is vitaltosecuring US’ strategic advantage

byJonathanStefanko U.S.TransportationCommand

SCOTTAIRFORCEBASE,Ill.— FortheUnitedStatestomaintainitsstrategicadvantage, wemustinvestinourmilitarylogistics, Air Fo rceGen. Ja cqueline Va nOvostto ld theHou se ’s jo ints ubcommitteetodayon“PostureandReadinessoftheMobilityEnterpriseTRANSCOMandMARAD.”

VanOvost , thecommanderof U.S. TransportationCommand(USTRANSCOM),testifiedalongsideretiredRearAdm.AnnPhillips, administratoroftheMaritimeAdministration,onthepostureandreadinessofthemobilityenterpriseandthe challengesahead.

Onesuchobstacleistheagingfleetoflargeroll-on/roll-offships, whichthemilitarywouldusetodeliver90%ofitsvehiclesandequipmentduringaconflict.

“Myhighestconcernslieinreductionsincapacityandreadinessin bothsealiftandairrefueling,” VanOvostsaid. “Weareageneration lateinrecapitalizingareadysealiftfleettomeetournationalobjectives.”

The averageageofthe44roll-on/roll-offshipsthemilitaryusesto surgefromthe U.S. is44yearsold. Infact,17ofthe44shipsare50 yearsorolder.

“Igreatlyappreciateyour[Congress]supportforstabilizedfunding towardsoursealiftrecapitalizationeffort,andIamheartenedbythe currentprogressonthefirstfiveships,” VanOvostsaid.

Alongwithexpandingitssealiftcapabilities, USTRANSCOMalso concurredwiththeAir Forceontheneedformoreadvancedairrefuelingtechnologies.

“Intheair, theairrefuelingfleetisthebackboneofrapidglobalmobility—andisourmoststressedcapability,” VanOvostsaid.“TRANSCOM supportstheAir Force’scontinuedeffortstoward... thenextgeneration airrefuelingsystemtoensureourcapacityandreadinessremaincredibletocoversimultaneous globalrequirements.”

VanOvostendedherstatementtothesubcommitteebyaddressing USTRANSCOM’sGlobalHouseholdGoodsContract(GHC),whichshe called thecommand’s“flagshiptransformationaleffort.”

USTRANSCOMisgainingmomentumonitseffortstobeginaphased launchofpersonalpropertyshipmentsmovingundertheGHCinSeptember of 2023.

“Just asweareengagedgloballyinsupportingtheDOD’soperations ...weoweittoourmembersandtheirfamiliestoensuretheyhavethe bestrelocationexperiencewecanprovide,” VanOvostsaid.

USTRANSCOMexistsasa warfightingcombatantcommandtoprojectandsustainmilitarypoweratatimeandplaceofthenation’s choosing.Poweredbydedicatedmenandwomen,TRANSCOMunderwrites thelethalityofthe Jo int Fo rce, advancesAmericaninterestsaroun d theglobe, andprovidesournation’sleaderswithstrategicflexibilityto selectfrommultipleoptions, whilecreatingmultipledilemmasforour adversaries.

Ahouseholdgoodsinspectorperformsaninspectionofahouseholdgoodspack-outperformedbymovers

Ahouseholdgoodsinspectorperformsaninspectionofahouseholdgoodspack-outperformedbymovers recentlyinHawaii.Theyall arepracticingsocialdistancingandwearingfacemasksinaccordancetopolicies.

(Farleft)TheMilitarySealiftCommandBob Hope-classlarge,mediumspeed ro ll-on/ roll-offshipUSNSBenavidez(T-AKR306), transitstheEnglishChannel.Benavidezis operatingintheAtlanticOceaninsupportof navaloperationstomaintainmaritimestabilityandsecurityinordertoensureaccess, deteraggressionanddefendU.S.,alliedand partnerinterests.

(Left)NewHampshire-basedKC-46Aaircrew re fuelaU.S.NavyF/A-18FSuperHornet offthecoastofMaryland,July1,2020.This markedthefirsttimetheaircrewutilizedthe KC-46Acenterlinedroguesystemto refuel anaircraft.

PhotobyDanielMayberry

HOMECOMING

reconnect over food and drinks provided by United Service Organizations volunteers

“I came to support all the men and women that I was deployed with at Al Udeid Air Base,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Setrin, 91st Air Refueling Squadron pilot. “It’s a heartwarming feeling knowing we have so many people that support us.”

Operation Homecoming was brought together through the efforts of personnel from sections all across the base. The event enabled team MacDill to demonstrate the wing’s appreciation for the re-deployers and their families.

According to the event organizers, this is the first of many celebrations for returning deployers with the goal being to have an event every quarter.

The 6th ARW thanks all their service members and their families for the sacrifices they make throughout their military career. The support of military families serves as the backbone for the 6th ARW’s ability to deliver hope and project lethality, anytime and anywhere.

BONUS

From Page 3

commander. “The move is also important to encourage our Airmen separating from active service to ‘stay blue’ and continue to use their skills and training for the nation as part of the Reserve.”

As recruiting continues to be a challenge across all services, the Air Force Reserve missed last year’s goal of 8,200 by nearly 2,000 accessions. Providing an incentivized opportunity for fully-qualified enlisted prior-service members or Inactive Ready Reserve members to transition to the Reserve Component is one tool to help close the gap in reaching this year’s goal of 9,300 accessions.

“In order to compete with the private sector and other military services in appealing to and retaining qualified talent, we need to have

all available resources at our disposal,” said Col. Ephod Shang, 367th Recruiting Group commander and director of AFRC Recruiting. “The Air Force Reserve is such an attractive option to continue to fulfill one’s desire to serve and maintain some very tangible benefits, all while performing on a part-time basis. I highly encourage individuals separating from the active duty to engage with a recruiter to learn more about what additional benefits and incentives they may qualify for.”

Active-duty and IRR Airmen interested in joining the Reserve should contact a recruiter using the Aim High app, visit AFReserve.com or call 800-257-1212 to learn more about this and many other opportunities to serve in the Air Force Reserve.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Young child of Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing collect Easter eggs during Operation Homecoming at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 30, 2023. The event served as an opportunity for Airmen and their families to decompress following their recent deployments.

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MACFUN I MACFIT MACLEARN I MACFORCE

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Shown is the Studies and Analysis Squadron’s Study Guides website providing enlisted promotion study materials for Airmen testing to staff sergeant and technical sergeant. The new resource makes it easier for Airmen preparing for an upcoming promotion test – no more having to hunt down different pieces from various places.

The new resource makes it easier for Airmen preparing for an upcoming promotion test – no more having to hunt down different pieces from various places. Now, Airmen can quickly locate everything they need on one convenient page, just a few clicks away –making studying much simpler

“The science of adult learning tells us that this learning occurs differently across populations and individuals. So, it’s important that we provide a variety of options for Airmen to learn,” said Lt. Col. Marcus McNabb, SAS commander “This is an important first step in that direction and provides an audio resource, in addition to the traditional written resource.”

“Coupled with the plan to transition the test administration to an electronic medium in 2024, this modernization of testing resources and administration aims to reduce the administrative burden of testing Airmen and allows them to focus on the important aspects regarding Air Force and job-specific knowledge,” he said. “Ultimately, these efforts will ensure the Air Force promotion system continues to evolve to ensure we continue to promote the highest performing Airmen and meet the demand for quality Airmen to assure our nation’s defense.”

Air Education and Training Command screenshot

The hearing was the first major step in a lengthy, annual process that yields a new spending plan for the department. As designed, the process is expected to finish by Oct. 1 when the new fiscal year begins But because of complexities in policy and political disagreements that deadline has often been missed in recent years, forcing Congress to enact temporary, shortterm budgets known as “continuing resolutions” or CRs. A CR maintains spending at levels from the previous year’s budget but it also prohibits spending on new or substantially revised programs and projects.

That restriction is troublesome, Kendall, Brown and Saltzman told lawmakers because the department’s budget request contains nearly two dozen new programs designed specifically to add equipment and capabilities necessary to address challenges posed by strategic competitors like China and Russia.

An on-time budget will continue the change required to address both todays and tomorrow’s national security threats,” Brown told lawmakers. “We must fulfill our sacred duty of providing our Airmen with the tools they need to be successful.”

Later in the hearing, in response to a question, Kendall warned lawmakers of the consequences if the budget is not enacted on time and ready by the start of the fiscal year “I can’t overstate how devastating it would be,” he said.

“We have got to stay ahead of the threat; our deterrent capability depends on that and our ability to prevail depends on that. It would be utterly devastating to the department; it would have a lot of negative impacts across the board,” Kendall said.

Brown, in responding to the same question, said, “It would be a step backwards … That’s not the place we need to be with our pacing challenge. Our goal is to stay ahead of the pacing challenge, not chase the pacing challenge.”

Saltzman, in his opening remarks, made a similar point.

“This budget request is designed to deliver the forces, personnel, and partnerships the Space Force requires to preserve U.S. advantages in space,” Saltzman told the subcommittee, referring to the Space Force’s $30 billion budget request. “ … But only if the Congress passes timely appropriations.”

The department’s $215.1 billion budget request, Kendall told the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, includes “approximately 20 completely new or significantly rescoped program elements that we must develop, produce and field, if we desire to maintain the air and space superiority that America and our allies have counted on for decades.”

The budget proposal submitted to Congress March 13 includes $185.1 billion for the Air Force and $30 billion for the Space Force. If enacted into law as proposed, the department’s overall budget would grow by $9.3 billion beyond last year’s enacted budget.

As he has frequently emphasized, Kendall told lawmakers again that the budget proposal was designed to ensure the Air and Space Forces remain formidable, that they allow the services to evolve to ensure that deterrence is maintained and, specifically, to transform the Air and Space Forces so they can meet the primary security challenge – “China, China, China.”

He mentioned that the budget is the result of “difficult choices,” but that it advances the most critical programs and goals.

“For the strategic triad, we have fully funded the Sentinel ICBM, the B-21 Raider bomber and our nuclear command and control programs For the conventional force, we are increasing production of both the F-35 and the F-15EX,” he said.

He noted that the budget includes funding for the Next Generation Air Dominance Program and for further developing uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft. He also mentioned a focus on “continuing the acquisition of sensor programs like the E-7 and the new resilient Missile Warning and Tracking space system.” The proposal includes funding for a 5.2% raise for Airmen and Guardians, the highest in history, as well as additional funding to improve dormitories and other facilities important for quality of life

All of these “choices” he told lawmakers, move the Air Force and Space Force “into the future.”

Getting there requires tradeoffs, including “divestment of the over 40-year-old A-10 Warthog. This program has served us well but it is absorbing resources needed for higher priorities,” Kendall said.

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Purple Up!

Wear purple all day on April 14 in support of all military kids.

Spring 5K Run/3K Walk

The Short Fitness Center will host a Spring 5K run/3K walk on April 14 in the South Field! Wear the colors of spring and run, jog, or walk the dedicated 5K/3K trail around MacDill. For more information about this and other Short Fitness events, visit macdillfss.com/ short-fitness-center/.

Month of the Military Child

April is Month of the Military Child and the 6th Force Support Squadron’s Child and Youth Programs have organized and coordinated several events throughout the month of for your kids to enjoy. To view a full list of scheduled activities and deals available, visit https://macdillfss.com/calendar

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 July, go to https://forcesupport.awardsplatform.com

New Arts and Craft Center classes

The Arts and Crafts Center is now offering craft classes! For class schedule and registration information, visit https://macdillfss.com/calendar

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

The Champ!

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, left, and Lt Col. Windel Patterson, 6th Air Refueling Wing staff judge advocate, right, present the Champ of the Week award to Nina Holmes, 6th ARW/JA legal assistant, at MacDill Air Force Base April 4. Holmes helped over 60 people in one day during Retiree Appreciation Day and was praised by the customers for her everyday professionalism and kindness.

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 virtual services - Sunday - 11 a.m. (www.facebook.com/6amwhc)

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

Photo by Senior Airman Hiram Martinez