Thunderbolt 4/18/2024

Vol. 52, No. 16

Thursday, April 18, 2024

News/Features: page 3 Airmen tee up for championship

News/Features: page 3 Titan Fury 24-2

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

Students watch the solar eclipse at Tinker K-8 School, April 8 at MacDill Air Force Base. This was the first time a total solar eclipse was visible in the U.S. since 1979. The MacDill community gathered to celebrate the eclipse with educational videos and moon-themed snacks.

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

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

NEWS/FEATURES

Dyess Air Force Base 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

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 DYESS, Page 8

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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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

Two PSFB members tee up to qualify in Armed Forces Golf Championship

by Airman 1st Class Spencer Contreras Space Launch Delta 45 PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla.—Two members of Patrick Space Force Base were selected to represent the Department of the Air Force as they competed in the qualifying round for the 2024 Armed Forces Golf Tournament and Championship. The competition, which takes place from March 4-15, 2024, is being held at the Manatee Cove Golf Course located on PSFB. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tyler Whitmore, Spaceport Integration Office flight chief, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Xavier Valencia, 709 Cyberspace Squadron defensive cyber operations technician, were selected to qualify as part of the DAF golf team.

After the qualifying rounds had finished, the formal competition started with an opening ceremony on March 11, 2024. The DAF team is competing against teams of the top golfers from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard as they drive, chip and putt their way through 72 holes over four days.

Sporting events like this aim to encourage physical fitness and promote military values such as teamwork, selflessness and composure under pressure.

“Golf is an individual sport, but we’re always rooting for our teammates to do well,” said Whitmore. “Even if it means losing an individual See GOLF, Page 10

Photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Contreras

Two players putt during the Armed Forces Golf Championship at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, March 11. Five teams representing all the U.S. military branches competed in the four-day event consisting of 72 holes of golf.

Titan Fury 24-2:

92nd ARF demonstrates strategic deterrence readiness

by Master Sgt. Jonathan Lovelady 92nd Air Refueling Wing Airmen assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing conducted exercise Titan Fury 24-2 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, March 18-22.

During the exercise, Airmen demonstrated how Fairchild AFB generates and provides, when directed, specially trained and equipped KC135 Stratotanker crews to conduct critical air refueling of U.S. Strategic Command-assigned strategic bomber and command and control aircraft in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our strategic deterrence mission here at Fairchild requires everyone to be ready and at their best in a moment’s notice,” said Col. Chesley Dycus, 92nd ARW commander. “It takes the entire 92nd Air Refueling Wing team, as well as our on-base mission partners and the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, to successfully accomplish our USSTRATCOM and Air Mobility Command-assigned responsibilities.

See TITAN FURY, Page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Delaine

KC-135 Stratotankers take off from the runway during exercise Titan Fury 24-2 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, March 22. During the exercise, Airmen demonstrated how Fairchild AFB generates and provides, when directed, specially trained and equipped KC-135 Stratotanker crews to conduct critical air refueling of U.S. Strategic Command-assigned strategic bomber and command and control aircraft.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Contreras

Members of Patrick Space Force Base receive instruction during a convoy exercise at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, March 15.

The 45th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted training for other Patrick Space Force Base squadrons in both convoy operations and clearing runways of unexploded ordnance.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

A child participated in the Month of the Military Child Parade at MacDill Air Force Base April 12. The parade was held to honor and celebrate military children during MoMC. Currently, there are more than 1.6 million children serving alongside U.S. service members, who move on average every two to three years.

Tinker K-8 School students perform during the Month of the Military Child Parade at MacDill Air Force Base April 12. The parade was held to honor and celebrate military children during MoMC. Currently, there are more than 1.6 million children serving alongside U.S. service members, who move on average every two to three years.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Task Force-99 leads change in drone development, employment

by Senior Airman Kylar Vermeulen United States Air Force Central UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Southwest Asia—Shots ring out, a unit is pinned down in a firefight. The mountainous terrain and enemy fire make it difficult for personnel to exit the hot zone. Multiple casualties are in desperate need of medical attention. Broken radio chatter fills the air throughout the chaos.

MRAPs can’t make it through the hilly terrain and helicopters cannot land due to the severity of the ongoing fight. How can lifesaving aid be delivered to these casualties?

U.S. Air Forces Central said they may have an answer.

Task Force-99, alongside the Air Force’s Blue Horizon program and Titan Dynamics, a California-based company, assessed the capabilities of the first unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed using a new set of software that can conceptualize an airframe in minutes and 3D print the design to employ it in under 24 hours. This would revolutionize the process at which drones can be created and distributed to allied forces to support missions globally, according to the task force.

“The goal of our project was to be able to quickly design a fixed wing small UAS within minutes, build it within hours, be able to employ it in See DRONE, Page 9

U.S. Air Force photo

An Airman assigned to U.S. Air Forces Central’s Task Force-99 asseses a newly developed unmanned aerial system at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 15. This is the first time that Task Force-99 has flown a UAS that was conceptually generated by computer software and able to fly in under 24 hours.

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MacDill air traffic control tower honored as Facility of the Year story and photos by Senior Airman Michael Killian 6th Air Refueling Wing

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n a display of exemplary performance and unwavering dedication, the 6th Operations Support Squadron’s Air Traffic Control Tower at MacDill Air Force Base was distinguished as the Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year.

This prestigious award celebrates the tower’s superior air traffic control capabilities, overseeing 23 thousand aircraft sorties and securing over $1.6 billion in assets, demonstrating seamless operations while ensuring the utmost safety and efficiency in managing the skies.

The journey to this achievement was no solo flight, it was the result of every personnel within the tower working in unison. Their work, integral to the operations of MacDill AFB and beyond, ensures the safe passage of numerous aircraft, from advanced fighter jets to vital cargo planes.

“This award is a reflection of the hard work and teamwork of every individual in the tower,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jantzen Scott, a 6th OSS air traffic control trainer. “It was all of our efforts combined throughout the entire year.”

Throughout the past year, the squadron has faced numerous challenges, including managing several high-profile exercises. Their efforts have been instrumental in the successful handling of a wide range of aircraft, from fighter jets like the F-16 to every heavy aircraft in the Air Force’s arsenal, as well as international jets.

The tower’s operations are a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of its personnel, who have consistently gone above and beyond, especially during times of low manning.

Perhaps one of the most crucial elements of this team’s mission is training the next generation of controllers. Marked by a rigorous and stress-tested environment, training highlights the importance of developing effective communication skills and teamwork. These foundational aspects ensure that each new controller is not only competent but excels under pressure, contributing to the tower’s overarching goals.

“We’re going to train our trainees to work in that type of high-stress environment,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Minor, a 6th OSS chief controller, tower. “We aim to make the next generation better than the last.”

This recognition serves not only as a celebration of the past year’s achievements but also as motivation for the 6th OSS to continue their pursuit of excellence. As they look to the future, their commitment to safety, efficiency and teamwork remains unwavering, setting a standard for air traffic control facilities across the Air Force and beyond.

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(Above left) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jantzen Scott, 6th OSS air traffic control trainer, points at a screen during an ATC simulation at MacDill Air Force Base April. 8. Scott’s responsibility is to ensure all air traffic control personnel are capable of fulfilling any role during a landing.

(Above) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jantzen Scott, 6th Operation Support Squadron air traffic control trainer, participates in an ATC simulation at MacDill Air Force Base April. 8. Scott’s responsibility is to ensure all air traffic control personnel are capable of fulfilling any role during a landing.

(Left) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jantzen Scott, 6th Operation Support Squadron air traffic control trainer, participates in an ATC simulation at MacDill Air Force Base April. 8. Scott’s responsibility is to ensure all air traffic control personnel are capable of fulfilling any role during a landing.

DYESS From Page 2

hard and soft skills, ultimately 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 pre-deployment 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.

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Photo by Master Sgt. Victoria McCreath

Leadership from across Team Dyess tour the Warrior Airmen Readiness Center during a capstone training event 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.

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DRONE From Page 5

the same day, and do that in the field right at the point of need,” said Col. Dustin Thomas, a Fellow with Blue Horizons and team member of Project Black Phoenix.

The flight assessment took place March 15, 2024, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, after only a month of planning and preparation.

Early in February of 2024, planning began between TF99, Blue Horizons and Titan Dynamics on the project that the task force says would normally take a group of engineers up to a week to complete and be ready for assembly and testing. Using new software engineered by Titan Dynamics, TF-99 and Blue Horizons were able to cut that time down to mere minutes.

Thanks to 3D printing, TF-99 highlighted that they can reduce the cost of producing a UAS of this size up to 95 percent. They do this by using a synthetic plastic that is cost efficient and lighter than metal and carbon fiber elements.

Though only in its alpha phase of assessment, the software is capable of virtually conceptualize any small airframe based on mission requirements input by the user.

Weight, height, width, distance, speed – all factors a user is looking for can be precisely and quickly manufactured by 3D printers at the click of a button.

“We are creating a system that adapts aircraft to the effect you want to employ,” said Lt. Col. Peter Dyrud, a Fellow with Blue Horizons and team member of Project Black Phoenix. “We want to provide a system that puts in the warfighters’ hands the ability to create and really do something unique and specific to their mission.”

The day after the initial flight assessment, TF-99 tested a second UAS developed using the same software and 3D printers as the first version. This time, a different airframe modeled for different mission requirements was assessed.

TF-99 was able to fly the UAS containing a mock first-aid care package over 30 miles to its simulated destination.

The team designed, printed and flew this customized drone in under 48 hours.

Personnel involved with the project explained this method of quick manufacturing can be used in a combat scenario to support injured service members who may be hard to reach.

“Its’ payload agnostic,” said Lt. Col. Jordan Atkins, another Fellow with Blue Horizons and team member of Project Black Phoenix. “It could be anything that a lab, engineer, pilot, anything anyone comes up with—as long as you know the size of the payload and if it needs to be plugged into something on the plane. You put in the weight and then it can be built.”

With small UAS airframes shaping the future of how war on the ground and in the air may look like, no use is off the table. The CEO of Titan Dynamics, Mohammad Adib, said their goal is to ensure the products their software develops are able to account for multiple uses that may be utilized by the warfighter.

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GOLF

From Page 3

Photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Contreras

A member of the U.S. Marine Corps golf team participates in the Armed Forces Golf Championship at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, March 11. Five teams representing all the U.S. military branches competed in the four-day event consisting of 72 holes of golf.

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award to a teammate so that the team can advance, you have to make that sacrifice and keep the big picture in mind.”

In addition to pre-tournament training and practice, the support of their leadership is also helpful to the service members who are participating.

“Everyone in my squadron, including my commander, has been very supportive and encouraging,” said Valencia.

“That has helped me tremendously and definitely motivates me.”

The championship will conclude with an awards ceremony on March 14, 2024. Based on their performance in the four-day event, members may be selected to represent the U.S. at the International Military Sports Council Golf Championship in June at the Elephant Hills golf course, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

“I hope I’m able to play more golf and get the chance to compete again,” said Whitmore. “It’s an honor to be representing my base, and I’d love to do so at other locations as well.”

The golf tournament is a product of the Armed Forces Sports program. The program was established in 1948 as a means for Armed Forces personnel to have the opportunity to train and take part in highly competitive national, Olympic and international sports competitions.

If you would like additional information on the program or would like to see what sports are available to compete in, please visit https://armedforcessports.defense.gov/. u

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Weekend Dining for Kids The 8 Iron Grill at Bay Palms Golf Complex is now offering “Mini Golfer” just for kids 12 and under from 6:30–10:30 a.m. Play a round with the kids and take them over for a delicious, fluffy pancake with their choice of toppings, bacon or sausage and a small fountain drink, for just $6.50. If you can’t make it to breakfast, stop by Hangar 6 at MacDill Lanes Bowling for a Little Striker Kids Meal (ages 12 and under) from 11¬– 8 p.m., includes three-piece chicken tenders, curly fries, mini fruit cup and a small fountain drink for just $6.50. For complete details, visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/ WkdKidsSpecials.pdf.

Outdoor Adventure Tours Experience the thrill of adventure with 6th FSS Outdoor Adventure Tours. From mastering the basics of kayaking to embarking on kayak tours, swimming alongside majestic manatees, and exploring the depths through scuba diving, Outdoor Recreation trips and classes offer experiences for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Dive into nature and create memories to last a lifetime. To view upcoming events visit macdillfss.com/outdoor-adventure-tours/. Tours sell out quickly, so sign up today.

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.

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 Link Collier, 6th Operations Squadron airfield manager, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base April 9. Collier was recognized for the successful coordination of 60 aircraft for the 2024 Tampa Bay AirFest.

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 18, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11

TITAN FURY From Page 3

“We simply cannot provide Rapid Global Mobility without the dedication and professionalism of our Security Forces defenders, maintainers, air crews, Wing Safety and Inspector General teams, and all of the supporting elements who ensure we are ready to respond when called upon,” he added.

Master Sgt. Alejandro Vazquez, one of two generation superintendents for Titan Fury 24-2, explained that synchronizing multiple maintenance functions was vital in preparing aircraft for takeoff in a fast, deliberate and safe manner during the exercise.

“Teamwork was definitely a big part of it,” he recalled. “Everyone was on the same page. Maintenance is on a tighter time frame, so planning was important prior to the actual execution. [In this scenario,] the [timing was] vital, and everyone executed the mission. We looked good because of their hard work.”

In addition to the 92nd ARW, Airmen assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron traveled from March Air Reserve Base, California, to participate in TF 24-2. The 912th ARS is a geographically separated unit of the 92nd ARW who integrated with Team Fairchild during the exercise to strengthen continuity and interoperability between air refueling units.

The exercise also provided opportunities to experience the 92nd ARW’s strategic deterrence mission for the first time. Senior Airman Christian Veliquette, an aircraft maintainer assigned to the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, shared the lessons learned during his first Titan Fury exercise.

“I’m seeing how teamwork plays a big part in putting everything together for the systems that are required to complete our job,” he said.

“When it comes to this exercise, we want to make sure personnel are qualified and ready. It’s [about] on-the-fly figuring out what you’re doing, when you’re doing it, and how you’re supposed to be doing it.”

The 92nd ARW’s KC-135 fleet serves as the backbone of Air Mobility Command’s air refueling capabilities around the world because of

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its ability to extend global reach and project U.S. air power. The wing continues to refine tactics, techniques and procedures oriented on the Mobility Air Force’s full range of capabilities needed for today’s steady state operations and tomorrow’s high-end fight.

The KC-135 also plays a key role in USSTRATCOM’s strategic deterrence mission. In his posture statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee, February 29, 2024, U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander of USSTRATCOM, explained how agile, resilient, and connected aerial refueling capabilities ensure combatant commanders can continue to generate near-instantaneous effects anytime, anywhere.

“The global challenges we face ahead will grow and evolve, emphasizing the importance of a robust tanker fleet that can provide global reach without relying on a specific location,” Cotton said. “Enabled by our tanker fleet, the United States is the only country with the ability and capacity to provide bombers to support U.S. operations and Allies and partners around the world.”

Exercises like Titan Fury enable 92nd Air Refueling Wing’s Airmen, civilians and mission partners to sharpen their skills and find innovative solutions to the challenges they may face. These exercises played a key role in the Strategic Command Consultation Committee recognizing the wing as the 2023 Omaha Trophy recipient in the Global Operations category.

The Omaha Trophy is presented to the top military units supporting USSTRATCOM’s strategic deterrence mission for their exceptional performance in the categories of intercontinental ballistic missiles, ballistic missile submarines, strategic bombers, and global operations. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a nuclear enterprise unit by a civilian organization, and the 92nd ARW has earned the award five times.

Learn more about the Omaha Trophy and this year’s winners at: https://www.stratcom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3678900/us-strategic-command-announces-2023-omaha-trophy-recipients/

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