Thunderbolt 04/14/2022

Vol. 50, No. 15

Thursday, April 14, 2022

News/Features: page 3 KC-135 Weapons Squadron

News/Features: page 3 C-17 crew awaded medals

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Gen. Clarke visits Norway - page 6 Courtesy photo

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

Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, joined the Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces, Gen. Eirik Kristofferson; Maj. Gen. Torgeir Gratrud, the commander of Norwegian special forces, and Capt.

Kare Karlsen, the commander of Norway’s naval special warfare command, in Ramsund, Norway March 25 and 26.

The group experienced a familiarization ride on a U.S. combatant craft medium and met with special operators who participated in Exercise Cold Response 2022. This training brought together U.S. and NATO ally and partner special operations and conventional Forces across the European Theater and improved interoperability of all involved. Exercise Cold Response 2022 showcased the ability of SOF to operate in discreet and low-visibility manners in austere environments like the high north.

NEWS/FEATURES

Van Ovost delivers command posture statement to Senate Armed Services Committee

U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee today to present the command’s annual posture statement.

In her opening remarks, Van Ovost said the command is in lockstep with U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander, U.S. European Command, in providing critical aid to Ukraine. She stated TRANSCOM coordinates the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise, creating a strategic comparative advantage through logistics that no other nation can achieve.

“TRANSCOM operates an agile and resilient logistics enterprise comprised of our military components, commercial partners, and industry teammates delivering for our nation, our allies, and our partners around the world,” said Van Ovost. “We project and sustain the world’s most capable military force. The speed and reliability at which we can execute these missions demonstrates our nation’s resolve and serves as a deterrent to our adversaries. However, the world is evolving, and the complex contested environment that is emerging will test the future readiness of our enterprise, and challenge TRANSCOM’s ability to deliver a decisive force when needed.”

She then discussed the current strategic environment, saying “This complex new security environment will test the future readiness of our Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise (JDDE), and challenge

USTRANSCOM image

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee March 29, 2022, in Washington, D.C., to present the command’s annual posture statement.

TRANSCOM’s ability to deliver a decisive force for high-end conflict when needed.”

“Every operation the Joint Force participates in starts and ends with TRANSCOM and is facilitated through the global networks and nodes made available to us through the JDDE,” Van Ovost said. “Our commercial partners are essential to our ability to move the 85 percent of the force based in the continental U.S. to locations around the world, in cooperation with our allies and partners.”

To counter the contested environment, Van Ovost said, “TRANS-

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.

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.

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See VAN OVOST, Page 10

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.

NEWS/FEATURES

Advanced training keeps KC-135 weapons squadron Airmen agile

by Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs ROSWELL, N.M.—There’s a weapons squadron for the KC-135 Stratotanker?

Tucked away in the middle of Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, resides a small contingent of professional KC-135 pilots, navigators and in-flight refueling specialists responsible for developing advanced tactics training used for one of the Air Force’s oldest aircraft.

The 509th Weapons Squadron’s mission is to build, teach, and lead KC135 pilots, navigators and enlisted in-flight refueling specialists in advanced weapons and tactics employment training for the Air Force.

Recently, four KC-135 pilots and three in-flight refuel- ing specialists attending the 509th WPS Weapons Instructor Course and Advanced Instructor Course departed Fairchild AFB for a three-day training event in Roswell, New Mexico, March 1-3.

The Roswell Air Center, formerly the Roswell Army International Airfield during World War II, and Walker Air Force Base during the Cold War, is a 13,000-foot runway with ample airspace to handle atypical approach and departure procedures in the KC-135.

“The airspace around Roswell allows us to have more maneuverability with our tactics training,” said Capt. Victoria Perkins, 509th WPS See WEAPONS, Page 8

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards The 509th Weapons Squadron pilots, instructors and in-flight refueling specialists unload a KC-135 Stratotanker at the Roswell Air Center in Roswell, New Mexico, March 1. The 509th WPS’ mission is to build, teach, and lead KC-135 pilots, navigators and enlisted in-flight refueling specialists in advanced weapons and tactics employment training for the Air Force.

Total Force C-17 aircrew awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

by Grant Okubo 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS)—Maj. Gen. Matthew J. Burger, Air Force Reserve deputy commander, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross to four C-17A Globemaster III aircrew members during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, April 1.

Three Reserve Airmen assigned to the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis AFB, and an activeduty Airman assigned to the 3rd Wing,Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, were recognized for answering their nation’s call when they helped evacuate Americans and their allies out of Afghanistan during Operation Allies Refuge in August 2021.

During the ceremony, Burger, the former commander of the 349th AMW, presented the medals to Lt. Col. Dominic Calderon, 1st Lt. See FLYING, Page 12

Photo by Grant Okubo

Lt. Col. Dominic Calderon, 1st Lt. Kyle Anderson and Master Sgt. Silva Foster, from the 301st Airlift Squadron, take in the moment during their Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony April 1 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The honorees received the medal for their role in evacuating Americans and their allies out of Afghanistan during Operation Allies Refuge in August 2021.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman David D. McLoney

U.S. Air Force Col. Cory M. Damon, 6th Air Refueling Wing vice commander center, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Alan R. Weary, 6th Medical Group senior enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo with children at the youth center gym at MacDill Air Force Base April 4. Damon and Weary were there to sign proclamations recognizing military children for facing unique hardships that come with being a military child as well as encouraging the end of child abuse around the world.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook

Airman 1st Class Andre Nix, a crew chief assigned to the 6th Maintenance Squadron, briefs U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base April 1. Gen. Brown visited the base to meet with Airmen and experience first-hand the innovative ways they’re advancing the mission.

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Senior Airman Kyle Wink, an explosives ordnance disposal team member assigned to the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, briefs U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base April 1. Gen. Brown visited the base to meet with Airmen and experience first-hand the innovative ways they’re advancing the mission.

NEWS/FEATURES

Distracted driving ripe with dangers

by Tech. Sgt. Jaylon Williams 88th Air Base Wing Safety Office

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—The next time you’re at a stoplight, take a look around. Look at the vehicle next to you, on your left and right.

You might see the mother of two turned around, trying to give her baby a pacifier. Or you might see a businessman, dressed in a suit and tie, using his hands-free earpiece to talk on the phone while eating his lunch. What about the young teenager texting his or her friend?

Which one is the distraction? The cellphone?

The car? The driver? To be clear, there is only one distraction a driver cannot control: sneezing. Therefore, driving distracted is a choice.

According to the Centers for Disease Control

U.S. Air Force graphic

and Prevention, there are three types of distractions: visual, manual and cognitive.

A visual distraction is one that takes your eyes off the road. It may be as simple as looking over at a classic car while driving. A manual distraction removes your hands from the wheel. Changing the radio station while driving is an example. Cognitive distractions take your mind off the road. They include thinking about personal life events while driving, which can lead to becoming distracted.

Although all distractions can be considered dangerous, texting while driving is the worst.

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All three distraction types take form while texting and driving. You are looking at your phone, using your fingers to text and thinking about what message to transmit.

To put this in sports terms, can you imagine driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed? At 55 mph, you’re doing just that when choosing to text and drive.

NHTSA statistics paint grim picture According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics: Every day, about eight people in the United

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See SAFETY, Page 8

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Children of commissary shoppers can help save environment, enter contest

U.S. Special Operations commander visits Norway USSOCOM Public Affairs

G

en. Richard D. Clarke, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, visited Evenes and Narvik, Norway March 25 and 26 as part of a routine, regional circulation through Europe.

Clarke met with Norwegian Chief of Defence Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, Maj. Gen. Torgeir Gratrud, Commander of Norway’s Special Operations Command, along with U.S. and Norwegian special operations service members participating in Norwegian-led Exercise Cold Response 2022.

Clarke’s visit followed the March 18 crash of a U.S. MV-22B Osprey that killed four U.S. Marines.

“I want to thank the Norwegian military, our other NATO allies, and civilian first responders who supported recovery efforts of the U.S. Marines who were tragically lost last week,” Clarke said.

“We grieve for their loss, but we deeply appreciate the assistance provided by Gen. Kristoffersen and the Norwegian defense team. The combined level of effort and concern on display during these recovery efforts is a testament to the long-standing friendship established through years of working together with Norway and the rest of our NATO allies.”

Norway formally announced Cold Response in June. The biennial training includes over 30,000 troops from 25 NATO ally and partner nations.

About 3,000 of those troops are from the U.S., including special operations elements.

“I also want to thank our Norwegian partners for the chance to see first-hand how our combined special operations forces train and perform in extreme environments,” Clarke said. “Cold Response is an opportunity to test how we function in remote, arctic locations where we have to integrate large forces and diverse capabilities. This kind of exercise allows our combined force to make strides toward improving readiness and interoperability in difficult terrain.”

Courtesy graphic

by DeCA Marketing Directorate

Courtesy photo

(Above and left) Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, joined the Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces, Gen. Eirik Kristofferson; Maj. Gen. Torgeir Gratrud, the commander of Norwegian special forces, and Capt. Kare Karlsen, the commander of Norway’s naval special warfare command, in Ramsund, Norway March 25 and 26. The group experienced a familiarization ride on a U.S. combatant craft medium and met with special operators who participated in Exercise Cold Response 2022. This training brought together U.S. and NATO ally and partner special operations and conventional Forces across the European Theater and improved interoperability of all involved. Exercise Cold Response 2022 showcased the ability of SOF to operate in discreet and low-visibility manners in austere environments like the high north.

Courtesy photo

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FORT LEE, Va.—Children of authorized commissary shoppers can help save the environment and enter to win a chance at a $25 gift card in the Defense Commissary Agency’s Month of the Military Child contest April 1-30.

“Our military youth experience many sacrifices associated with living in military families – moving from place to place and in many instances watching a parent deploy,” said Marine Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.

“During April, the Month of the Military Child, we celebrate our military families and applaud their children for the adversity they’ve overcome.”

This year, DeCA is using an Earth Day theme with the tagline, “One world. One chance. Make it great for them.” to engage children of eligible commissary shoppers from Kindergarten through 12th grade along with their parents, caregivers or teachers.

More information and full rules of the contest can be found on https://shop.commissaries.com/militarychild. The following is a short summary of contest requirements: Photos. Participants must upload a photo of their child completing one of the elements on the Month of the Military Child Passport to https://shop.commissaries.com/militarychild for a chance to win a $25 Commissary Gift Card. Photos with copyrights will not be accepted. Each passport activity asks that the child complete an element that makes the world a better place in one or more of the following areas: 1) Recycling, 2) Composting, 3) Reusing a grocery bag or 4) Planting Passports can be downloaded at https://shop.commissaries.com/militarychild and parents, teachers or other adult can verify completion of those activities by signing and dating the activity. Participants with one or more completed elements can visit their commissary to receive a Certificate of Participation from their commissary representative Timeline. Photos must be uploaded no later than 5 p.m., EST, April 29, 2022 Eligibility. Only children of authorized commissary patrons in grades K – 12 – one entry per household – can participate in the contest. DeCA employees and family members are not eligible.

WEAPONS From Page 3

instructor pilot. “We come here nearly every six months, so the [Federal Aviation Administration] and [air traffic] controllers are familiar with our requests; we have a great relationship with them.”

The team arrived in Roswell with numerous support personnel, including weather, administration, intelligence, and munitions experts who brought training portable surface-to-air missiles called man-portable air-defense systems.

“The students are going through the threat and tactics phase. It’s the students’ first temporary duty assignment outside of Fairchild,” said Maj. Alan Wong, 509th WPS instructor pilot.

During this phase, the students replicate a MADPADS threat and assess the tactics and procedures they came up with to mitigate the ground threat.

“Part of the desired learning objectives is to successfully circumvent the ground threat while giving the ‘student’ pilots on the ground a view of how the threat looks and operates to come up with the best solution,” Wong added.

The 509th WPS is one of 21 WPS’ that are part of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School located at Nellis AFB, Nevada, under the 57th Wing. These squadrons host 23 weapons systems that train unique capabilities, including agile combat employment, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; nuclear deterrence, global reach, command and control, special operations, and personnel recovery.

Upon graduation, the pilots and in-flight refueling specialists receive the Weapons School patch signifying they are capable of building a team prepared for any core function.

The 509th WPS builds on a history of combat-ready air refueling experts to keep the KC-135 in the fight and secure global reach for America.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards

A weapons systems intelligence specialist shoulders a training man-portable air-defense system used to track and destroy low-flying aerial targets during the first offstation training phase for the 509th Weapons Squadron at the Roswell Air Center in Roswell, New Mexico, March 2. During this phase, the students replicated a MADPADS [surface to air missile] threat and assessed the tactics and procedures they came up with to mitigate the ground threat.

SAFETY From Page 5

States are killed in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver. In 2018, over 2,800 lives were taken, and 400,000 people were hurt.

Eight percent of drivers under age 20 involved in fatal crashes were linked to distracted driving. Drivers in their 20s make up 25 percent of distracted drivers in fatal crashes.

Drivers engaged in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing or texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices are three times more likely to be involved in a vehicle crash than non-distracted drivers.

If it is that urgent to send a message or answer the phone, take a few extra minutes to pull safely off the road first. Stop signs and traffic 8

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jams DO NOT qualify.

Preventing distracted driving is easier than you think: simply don’t do it. It is the driver’s decision to change the song, take their eyes off the road or pick up the phone.

There are smartphone applications you can download to prevent distracted driving. For example, TextNoMore is an app providing retailer coupons when choosing not to text and drive. Other applications can actually disable your smartphone while the vehicle is moving.

The easiest option is to put the phone down until you reach your destination. You do not want to risk your life or someone else’s for a text.

For more information on distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov.

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6th ARW Chapel Holy Week Schedule u Thursday, April 14: 19:00 Mass of the Last Supper followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 2130 (**No 1210 Daily Mass) u Friday, April 15: 14:15 Stations of the Cross followed by 1500 Good Friday Service u Saturday, April 16: 2000 Easter Vigil Celebration (**No 1730 Mass) u Sunday, April 17: 0930 Easter Sunday Mass & Easter Egg Hunt after Mass

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VAN OVOST From Page 2

COM’s focus is on a more agile, resilient force while relying on integration, both internally and externally, with commercial industry as well as our allies and partners. This will ensure the JDDE remains united in effort and purpose as we illuminate the need for change necessary to defeat the pacing threat.”

She said the success of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) power projection capability is contingent on three critical elements of TRANSCOM’s organizational warfighting framework: Global Mobility Posture; Global Mobility Capacity; and Global Command, Control, and Integration.

“Global Mobility Posture is the foundation of power projection, enabled by a deep bench of allies and partners, which includes access to global transportation networks maintained by industry to support our nation’s ability to mobilize and deploy,” said Van Ovost. “While this provides the U.S. a comparative advantage, it must be continually assessed and refined, as necessary, to meet the evolving geopolitical landscape.”

Further, she said, “Our Global Mobility Capacity includes conveyances and platforms that move troops, supplies, fuel, and equipment through global transportation networks, such as rail, motor transport, sealift, air refueling, and airlift.”

She stressed while DOD’s programmed resources maintain the command’s readiness and preserve strategic decision space, continued Congressional support for the mobility recapitalization efforts is crucial to effectively operate in a future contested logistics environment.

“By 2032, approximately 70 percent of government-owned surge sealift ships will approach the end of their service life and must be replaced; the air refueling fleet remains our most stressed fleet under wartime conditions; and given the U.S. asymmetric advantage in strategic airlift, coupled with the continued high demands placed on this fleet, we should anticipate the need to recapitalize and modernize this strategic capability,” Van Ovost wrote in her submitted statement.

Addressing Global Command, Control, and Integration, she said it remains central to TRANSCOM’s ability to align scarce mobility resources with the highest strategic priorities.

“Our ability to command and control mobility forces is enabled by

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a portfolio of information technology (IT) systems and is contingent on secure networks and continuous digital modernization efforts,” said Van Ovost. “Cyber resiliency and digital modernization initiatives will remain a top priority for the command. As we are inextricably linked to commercial industry, we remain focused on strengthening partnerships with our transportation providers to mitigate cyber vulnerabilities.”

She also noted the command’s effort in reforming the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3), saying TRANSCOM, on behalf of the DOD, continues to lead the DP3 overhaul by re-awarding the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) last year and developing MilMove, a new IT system, to replace the legacy system.

“By transitioning to a single move manager, GHC fundamentally restructures DOD’s relationship with the household goods moving industry to deliver not only the high quality our service members, DOD employees, and their families deserve, but also the accountability Congress demanded,” said Van Ovost.

In closing, she highlighted the leading role the men and women of TRANSCOM play in underwriting the lethality of the Joint Force, advancing American interests around the globe, and providing our nation’s leaders with strategic flexibility while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.

“While I know TRANSCOM is ready, our mobility enterprise will continue to modernize to meet the challenges of tomorrow, so we will not rest on the achievements of the past. We will continue to accelerate our momentum to ensure we can surge the entire enterprise at any moment, to anywhere,” said Van Ovost. “We remain dedicated … to fight, deliver and win!”

USTRANSCOM exists as a warfighting combatant command to project and sustain military power at a time and place of the nation’s choosing. Powered by dedicated men and women, TRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the Joint Force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation’s leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options, while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

MOMC kids’ parade April 15 Starting at 9:30 a.m., join us on the parade route from CDC 1&3 to the fitness center track to cheer on and honor our military kids.

Beach movie, April 15 8:15 p.m. – 10:07 p.m. Bring your family, beach blankets, lawn chairs, snacks & drinks to watch “Ron’s Gone Wrong”. For more information, visit; https://macdillfss. com/event/beach-movie/ MOMC – Clifford the Big Red Dog April 16 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Come on down to the base theater for a free movie. No concessions will be sold.

Interview skills workshop at M&FRC April 19 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. The interviewing skills workshop will help you learn the techniques involved in the interview process. Call 8280145 for more info.

Justin Willman ‘Magic for Humans’ show April 20 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Bring the whole family for this free magic performance. Doors open to the base theater at 6 p.m. Show starts at 6:30 p.m.; fun for all ages.

We are hiring 6th FSS is hiring in the following areas starting at $15/hr: recreation, food service, hospitality and child & youth. For job info. visit: macdillfss.com/open-jobs/ Find more events at: macdillfss. com

Warrior Games

U. S. Special Operations Command photo

SOCOM warriors train-up. Recovering service members and veterans participate in the 2022 DoD Warrior Games U.S. Special Operations Command Selection and Train-up Camp at MacDill Air Force Base March 14-28. Athletes participated in Paralympic style sports as part of selecting Team SOCOM who will compete in this year’s Games. Hosted by the U.S. Army, the 2022 DoD Warrior Games will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort from August 19-28, celebrating the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members.

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

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

Muslim - Muslim Prayer: Friday 1300 (space

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

reserved)

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

(confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

Protestant services - Wednesday - 11 a.m.. virtual) - Sunday - 11 a.m.

Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW. HCADMIN@us.af.mil MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill. af.mil/chapel

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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FLYING From Page 3

Kyle Anderson and Master Sgt. Silva Foster, from the 301st Airlift Squadron, and Senior Airman Michael Geller of the 517th Airlift Squadron. Also recognized during the ceremony was Staff Sgt. Dennis Gonzales-Furman, assigned to the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Gonzales-Furman served as the aircrew’s flying crew chief during their mission in Afghanistan.

The DFC is awarded to officers or enlisted members of the U.S. armed forces who distinguish themselves in combat in support of operations through heroism or extraordinary achievement in combat aviation.

During the ceremony, Burger touched upon the significance of the four Reserve Airmen receiving the honor.

“Within the Reserves, we only have 45 people right now who have received this award,” Burger said. “Only five of those were mobility Airmen.

“The last time a mobility Airman was awarded this award was in 2004. This is a unique and special, and an extraordinary achievement while conducting flight operations.”

Photo by Grant Okubo

Maj. Gen. Matthew J. Burger, Air Force Reserve Command deputy commander, claps after awarding the Distinguished Flying Cross to four C-17A Globemaster III aircrew members during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 1.

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

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