Thunderbolt 4/27/2023

Vol. 51, No. 17

Thursday, April 27, 2023

News/Features: page 3 Air and Space Force summit

News/Features: page 3 Global Thunder 23

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

A productive Spring Phoenix Rally at MacDill Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Community: page 15 Events, Chapel, more...

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, answers questions during the Phoenix Rally conference at MacDill Air Force Base April 17. Spring Phoenix Rally brought together more than 250 Total Force Mobility Air Force leaders and spouses to discuss Warrior Heart, Mobility Guardian ’23, Air Mobility Command’s strategy and priorities, and how to work together to ensure the Mobility Air Force is ready to deliver Rapid Global Mobility across the Joint Force.

NEWS/FEATURES

MacDill’s Integrated Resilience Office embraces Enlisted Force Development

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster 6th Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs In an effort to align with the Air Force’s Enlisted Force Development (EFD) Action Plan, the Integrated Resilience Office is offering a professional diametrics program (PDP) ProScan and TeamScan for Airmen looking to better themselves and their units.

The IRO team is a total force collaboration of Airmen and civilians with expertise in building physical, mental, social and spiritual resilience through collaboration with helping agencies and coordinated activities.

Heading the PDP ProScan Team is Stephanie Wynn, 6th ARW IRO community support coordinator and PDP lead trainer. Wynn has worked across the Air Force bringing programs like PDP to installations pursuing the EFD Action Plan initiatives. Since her arrival at MacDill, 158 personnel from 10 different work groups have taken the assessment and seen the results of the program.

“I did the program with the Security Forces Squadron last month,” said Wynn. “This was a group that was a section made up of all different specialties from varying shifts. They collectively came together to complete the training because they knew they needed it, and they have See RESILIENCE, Page 12

U.S. Air Force courtesy graphic

The 6th Air Refueling Wing integrated resilience office is a total force collaboration of Airmen and civilians with expertise in building physical, mental, social and spiritual resilience through collaboration with helping agencies and coordinated activities. The IRO is offering a professional diametrics program (PDP) ProScan and TeamScan for Airmen looking to better themselves and their units.

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

◆

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 ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ 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 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 Strengthening Air and Space Force installations takes center stage at summit

by Shannon Carabajal Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs SAN ANTONIO—Nearly 200 Air and Space Force installation leaders gathered in San Antonio April 11-13 for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center 2023 Mission Support Leaders’ Summit.

With a theme of “Strengthening the Department of the Air Force’s Power Projection Platforms,” the summit fostered collabo- ration as the group discussed trends and issues impacting the installation and mission support community.

“Our installations are power projection platforms, wherever they may be. We deploy power - air power, space power - from installations,” said Sam Grable, director of the AFIMSC Installation Support Directorate.

“We have to make sure that we use every resource we are given by the taxpayer to best effect, to make sure that those power projection platforms - our installations - have the things that they need, the services that they need, to support Airmen, Guardians and their families.”

The summit’s agenda was shaped by input from the mission support commanders, directors and senior enlisted leaders in attendance to make

Photo by Luke Allen

Nearly 200 Air and Space Force installation leaders gathered in San Antonio April 11-13 for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center 2023 Mission Support Leaders’ Summit. sure the event delivered the most important, relevant information to them, said Maj. Keith Manry, the summit project officer and a staff chaplain with the AFIMSC Chaplain Corps Division.

See SUMMIT, Page 13

Team Fairchild participates in Global Thunder 23

by Airman 1st Class Lillian Patterson 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.—Airmen from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, 141st ARW and 6th ARW from MacDill Air Force Base participated in the U.S. Strategic Command exercise Global Thunder 23 (GT23), April 11-18 at Fairchild AFB. Global Thunder is an annual command and control and field training exercise designed to train Department of Defense forces and assess joint operational readiness across all the USSTRATCOM mission areas.

“Global Thunder is an opportunity for some Air Mobility Command units to showcase our global capabilities which are critical to USSTRATCOM missions,” said 2nd Lieutenant Adelaide Smallidge, GT23 maintenance project officer assigned to the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Fairchild participation culminated in the generation of 25 aircraft, leading to a 12-ship Minimum Interval Take-Off and multiple singleship refueling missions.

“The KC-135’s role in this exercise is to primarily conduct air to air refueling as part of our rapid global mobility mission set,” said Major See GLOBAL THUNDER, Page 13

Photo by Airman 1st Class Morgan Dailey

A KC-135 Stratotanker is parked on the flightline during exercise Global Thunder 23 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, April 11.

Global Thunder is an annual command and control exercise designed to train U.S. Strategic Command forces and assess joint operational readiness. Testing our readiness to confront uncertainty ensures we maintain a safe, secure, effective and ready strategic deterrent force.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 3

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

A U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, lands at MacDill AFB April 19. The crew loaded a U.S. Army Reserves UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to the 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment for the upcoming Dyess Big Country Air Fest 2023 in Dyess, Texas.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, unloads luggage with Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Service members speak with potential employers during a career fair at Wing during his arrival for the Phoenix Rally conference at MacDill Air MacDill Air Force Base April 13. The event provided opportunities for ac- Force Base April 16. Spring Phoenix Rally brought together more than tive duty, guard, reserve, Department of Defense civilians and spouses to 250 Total Force Mobility Air Force leaders and spouses to discuss Warspeak with more than 70 local and international employers. rior Heart, Mobility Guardian ’23, Air Mobility Command’s strategy and priorities, and how to work together to ensure the Mobility Air Force is ready to deliver Rapid Global Mobility across the Joint Force.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

4

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

NEWS/FEATURES

Earth Day 2023: Invest in our planet, protect our future

by Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs SAF/IE WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force recognizes the importance of protecting and sustaining the natural environment for the execution of its mission and the betterment of communities. In celebration of Earth Day and in alignment with this year’s theme, “Invest in our Planet, Protect our Future,” the Department of the Air Force highlights how it works to preserve natural habitats and ensure resilient infrastructure, operations, and communities.

“Pilots check the weather every time they step out to fly because the dynamism of the environment can impede the mission and jeopardize safety,” explained Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. “As our operating conditions change, our force must be prepared to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of an austere environment to win. Period.”

“Our strategic investments across our installations go beyond the sustainability of our force,” Chaudhary added. “This is about American leadership. When other nations see us committing to a better world for future generations, they see it as more than a strategy - it represents See EARTH DAY, Page 11

U.S. Air Force stock photo

Photo of renewable energy generation from a wind turbine at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 5

NEWS/FEATURES Cyber Direct Commissioning Program enhancement to onboard future cyber officers

by Air Force Recruiting Public Affairs Air Force Recruiting Service JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS)—The U.S. Air Force is revolutionizing how it recruits and commissions the next generation of cyber professionals. The Air Force is utilizing the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program to address current manning requirements in the cyber workforce. Leveraging this authority allows the Air Force to fulfill critical technical skills desired by various missions throughout the service.

This program reduces the training cycle for officers and accelerates the onboarding process to meet urgent and future mission needs.

“We want to use the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program to tap into talent pools that we have not been able to access effectively. The goal is to create an enticing opportunity for folks that would otherwise want to serve their nation, remove unnecessary barriers that might turn them away

Photo by Nadine Wiley De Moura

The U.S. Air Force is revolutionizing how it recruits and commissions the next generation of cyber professionals. The Air Force is utilizing the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program to address current manning requirements in the cyber workforce. Leveraging this authority allows the Air Force to fulfill critical technical skills desired by various missions See CYBER, Page 10 throughout the service.

6

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 7

Lt. Gen. John Healy, chief of Air Force Reserve, delivers remarks during the Air Force Reserve 75th birthday celebration at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va

Air Force Reserve Command celebrates diamond annive

by Lt. Col. Elizabeth Magnusson Office of the Air Force Reserve

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—For 75 years, Reserve Airmen have answered the nation’s call with a record of combat-proven readiness while also transforming for the future. In celebration of this milestone, Lt. Gen. John Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command, hosted the Reserve’s 75th birthday celebration with a cakecutting ceremony and dedication of a new Profiles in Leadership display at the Pentagon, April 14.

The celebration also featured Air Force Chief of Staf f Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. as a guest speaker. Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White, Healy’s senior enlisted advisor and AFRC command chief master sergeant, and Senior Airman Shamadre Chambliss, the junior ranking Reserve Airman in the National Capital Region, helped cut the cake.

“Today, we celebrate our birthday, commemorating 75 years of service alongside our total force partners during every combat operation since the Korean War,” Healy said. “The more than 70,000 Reserve Airmen, both military and civilian, continue to provide strategic depth for the Total Force. This diamond anniversary is an occasion to reflect on our proud heritage,

8 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

recognize our Airmen’s past and current contributions to forming for the future.”

“The men and women of the Air Force Reserve bring to our Air Force,” Brown said. “Their dual citizen and mil Each of us as Airmen, whether active, Guard or Reserve that ensures we’re going to be able to fly, fight and win. come in uniform, but then you take off or hang up your u to use them in different ways as a Citizen Airman, and w carry as part of our total force.”

The Air Force Reserve has a long history of providing c ment’s notice, to address national security priorities world early 1950s, there was a demand to quickly expand the U. of the national military establishment, the Air Force Res enabling the retention of previous service members from W Since then, the Reserve has provided essential contrib major conflicts – from the Korean War and Vietnam W Global War on Terrorism, to recent efforts like the non-com Operation Allies Refuge.

Photo by Eric Dietrich

Photo by Eric Dietrich

national security, and look to trans-

(Above) Lt. Gen. John Healy, chief of Air Force Reserve, Senior Airman Shamadre Chambliss, the youngest Airman present, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. Tim White, command chief of Air Force Reserve Command, cut the cake during the Air Force Reserve 75th birthday celebration at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., April 14.

a., April 14.

ersary

diverse strengths and experiences litary identities are very important. has a different unique superpower You bring unique talents when you uniforms and take your superpowers we appreciate that dual identity you

(Left) The audience laughs at a joke during the Air Force Reserve 75th birthday celebra-tion at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., April 14.

combat-ready Airmen, often at a modwide. During the Korean War in the .S. military. Although a new element serve provided critical expertise by World War II. butions in every one of the nation’s War, through the Gulf War and the mbatant evacuation of Kabul during See DIAMOND, Page 14

Photo by Eric Dietrich

CYBER From Page 6

from service, and accelerate those that get selected into the officer ranks with rank and pay commensurate to their actual experience levels,” said Lt. Gen. Leah Lauderback is the deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

The CDCP is designed to tap talented individuals outside the traditional military pipeline. This initiative selects highly qualified subject matter experts to fill the ranks of Lieutenant to Colonel to meet current mission needs utilizing constructive service credit. Individuals must meet a few basic requirements to be eligible to join the direct commissioning track. The CDCP aims to attract people with cyber-related civilian work experience and graduate degrees. Applicants must meet basic officer eligibility requirements and possess demonstrated cybersecurity or cyber operations expertise through advanced academic degrees, relevant industry experience, or professional certifications.

The CDCP aims to add more cyber professionals to the U.S. Air Force and provide them with a direct pathway to success. By allowing individuals to start their military careers without completing a lengthy commissioning process, the program hopes to recruit the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Leveraging Cyber Direct Commissioning authority, the Air Force has acquired highly talented cyber professionals to address emerging cyber operational requirements. In January 2023, the service selected eight CDCP candidates as Cyberspace Warfare Operation Officers. Additionally, the board considered and recommended all eight candidates for constructive service credit.

“We’re seeking the best talent across America to join our Air Force to serve as cyberspace officers,” said Brig. Gen. Terrence Adams, director, Cyberspace Operations and Warfighter Communications, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Cyber Effects Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

The career field will accept applications to commission FY24 Cyberspace Warfare Operation Officers beginning April 26 for civilians, enlisted, and private industry professionals interested in working in the cyber domain.

10

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

EARTH DAY From Page 5

our values as Americans.”

The Department of the Air Force is investing across the enterprise to meet its strategic goals through state-of-the-art infrastructure, clean energy generation, and conservation efforts. In 2022, the department released its Climate Action Plan, which lays out an enterprise-wide approach to ensure policies, technology, and operations align with its mission and priorities. As the operating environment changes, the department is responding to current vulnerabilities while strategically planning for the future.

After severe impacts from Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, is rebuilding its facilities to withstand more frequent and intense hurricane forces while designing to create social and environmental benefits for the installation and the local community.

Coined the “Installation of the Future,” this base will be the first of its kind in the Department of Defense. Base initiatives include locating functions into “mission campuses” to improve space efficiency and effectiveness; using natural infrastructure to combat flood and coastal erosion threats; building micro-grid architecture with renewable and traditional energy power generation assets distributed throughout the grid; and creating walkable campuses to connect better working, living, and community areas. The Installation of the Future will forge the DoD’s path and provide a model for U.S. allies and partners.

The Department of the Air Force invests in alternative energy technologies that help strengthen installation and grid resilience while reducing its environmental footprint. The department has 337 active renewable energy projects across 115 sites, spanning solar, wind, biomass, and ground source heat pump efforts and recently completed one of the largest solar projects in the nation atEdwards AFB, California. The

project bolsters commercial grid resilience and will have the capability to power over 164,000 homes and displace more than 320,000 tons of CO2 annually.

Wholistic care of the planet requires the Department of the Air Force to not only mitigate and adapt to a changing environment, but also protect and restore the over 9 million acres of land it manages.

At Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron conservation team is partnering with the Anacostia Watershed Society to restore the District’s native freshwater mussel populations in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Utilizing its 3.5 miles of waterfront property, the installation deployed a freshwater mussel ‘nursery’ in its marina. Once fully grown, the mussels will be relocated to a nearby reef, where they will help filter river water and revitalize the Anacostia Watershed at large.

Similarly, Eglin AFB helped revitalize the population of the onceendangered Okaloosa darter. Approximately 90% of this small fish’s habitat resides on department property, and the species was on the brink of extinction before the installation acted. Utilizing anIntegrated Natural Resources Management Plan, Eglin AFB worked diligently to reduce 480 acres of stream erosion, remove fish barriers, and restore stream habitat. As a result of these efforts, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the proposed de-listing of the Okaloosa darter from the threatened and endangered species list in 2021.

These stories represent a small, but significant fraction of ongoing initiatives across the Department of the Air Force. This Earth Day, and every day, the department invests in installation resilience, sustainability, and environmental stewardship to ensure it continues to fly, fight, and win while sustaining our planet for decades to come.

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

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 11

RESILIENCE From Page 2

certainly shown an improvement since then.”

The evaluation consists of a five-minute word association test identifying strengths, energy level, energy drain, motivators, stressors, satisfaction, communication and leadership styles, logic, back-up styles and more. The class portion breaks these categories into three subjects of discussion: basic/natural self, priority environment and outward self.

The basic/natural self focuses on developing a view of how you handle life when you are free to function with no constraints, whether it be one’s strengths, how they receive information, making decisions and working projects. The priority environment addresses how the participant feels others perceive them, painting a picture of how they feel they have to act in their environment. It addresses the pressures and stressors of the last six to eight weeks. Finally, the outward self is a representation of how they may be perceived by others based on both the basic/nature self and the priority environment.

“I’ve had supervisors keep a copy of the Quickview report, which is a one-page summary, of each of their Airmen,” said Wynn. “That way when someone starts struggling with something, that supervisor is able to understand the person’s thought process with one quick scan of the document. That method has worked great because it’s one more tool that supervisors are able to use to reframe a conflict before it develops any further.”

Following the assessment, participants or organizations may choose a two or four hour training session, at which point they’ll discuss what the results mean and how they can be applied. The goal is to allow the participant to develop a plan to better understand how they can best utilize their strengths to achieve their mission in work and life.

In addition, the IRO offers a team dynamic report, called TeamScan, which is set up to evaluate team dynamics. The results of each individual examination are compiled for an overall team chart that paints a picture of how the team is functioning. This addresses some of the strengths the team has and maps out potential conflicts that may arise as a result of conflicting behavioral traits and stressors.

At its core, the PDP ProScan and TeamScan are designed to help Airmen better understand themselves and to work better with one another. Wynn claims the keys to healthy and successful relationships is to understand yourself first, then those around you, be that your work team or your family. Wynn continues, the more open people are about themselves the more productive communication will be and the less conflict will arise.

“I believe in this program so much that when I first met with my supervisor here, I gave him a copy of my PDP ProScan Quickview results,” said Wynn. “I told him ‘this is me in a nutshell,’ that one sheet gave him everything he needed to know about how I function and communicate.”

Programs like PDP look to develop Airmen in a way that aligns with the EFD Action Plan’s non-traditional education by providing “opportunities and content beyond traditional classes, courses, and schools.” These programs serve as a testament to the 6th ARW’s continual investment in their enlisted Airmen at every rank.

The IRO team, along with the other helping agencies, is continually facilitating programs designed to create a healthier and more inclusive workspace.

In the EFD Action Plan, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Charles Brown Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass cosign, “An environment focused on continual growth is key for our Airmen to thrive and reach their full potential. By further investing in and empowering our Airmen, we better position them to act with confidence and out-think our adversaries by approaching and solving problems in new ways.”

To learn more about the IRO team please visit https://www.macdill.af.mil/Units/ Integrated-Resilience/ or call 813-828-9339/93 12

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

SUMMIT From Page 3

“Gathering together in a forum like this allows us to identify and tackle tough issues that are on everyone’s minds,” he said. “There is power in the collective processing of issues facing the installation and mission support enterprise.”

AFIMSC executes more than 150 centralized capabilities for DAF installations and commanders including civil engineering, communications, contracting, financial management, logistics readiness, security forces and services programs. With AFIMSC senior leaders, staff and subject matter experts on hand to provide insight and answers to questions or concerns from attendees, the summit featured a wide variety of topics from across these areas.

Sessions included budget and facility sustainment, restoration and modernization portfolio updates; community partnerships; joint basing; investment strategies; base operations support and contracts; programs for organizing, training and equipping the field; and more.

“This conference gave me a level of education that I really didn’t have,” said Chief Master Sgt. Gloria Wilson, 375th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Hearing from SMEs from across the diverse mission sets, “versus trying to figure it out on your own,” will help her better lead the Airmen in her mission support group, she said.

But the most valuable part of the summit for Wilson was the opportunity to talk with other leaders across the installation and mission support enterprise.

“I think the networking piece is what’s most important because we get things done by talking to each other,” she said.

“Nothing compares to life experiences. Hearing what we should do is different than hearing from someone who actually lived through it,” she said. “Those experiences are invaluable.”

The event marked the first in-person summit in four years due to the COVID pandemic.

“This is about getting back together,” said Maj. Gen. John Allen, AFIMSC commander.

“The business of doing installation and mission support is a team sport,” he said, involving AFIMSC, DAF leadership and, most importantly, the installation and mission support leaders in the field closest to the problems we’re trying to solve.

“We’re talking about groups of people - leaders in the field - who have very full days.

That they could take the opportunity to come down here and spend quality time with the team talking about hard problems is important,” Allen said. “I’m really thankful that they’re here.”

GLOBAL THUNDER From Page 3

Jeffery Brenner, senior rated officer for GT23 and KC-135 instructor pilot assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron.

Global Thunder involves personnel throughout the strategic enterprise including USSTRATCOM components and subordinate units. The purpose of GT23 is to enhance readiness and ensure a safe, secure, and reliable strategic deterrence force.

Joint operational exercises like this require the efforts of many Airmen, missions, and units to ensure all aircraft are ready to launch at a moment’s notice.

“Fairchild AFB and the KC-135 tanker fleet are an invaluable asset when it comes to this specific mission set,” said Brenner. “GT23, and the total force crews from Fairchild and MacDill demonstrate that we can support USSTRATCOM and provide rapid global mobility, anywhere, anytime.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 13

DIAMOND From Page 8

Through Total Force Integration, active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen blend seamlessly when summoned to duty. Vigilance in training and preparation enabled Reserve contributions to the national defense when needed most.

“Our nation relies on the Air Force Reserve to provide strategic depth and surge capacity both at home and abroad,” Brown said. “And I don’t see that slowing down.

“So, I appreciate the aspect that the Reserve brings, not only to us in uniform, but also what you bring back to your communities when you’re not in uniform. The Reserve represents the best in the Air Force and the best of the country, and I’m very grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside you.”

In addition to the event at the Pentagon, there was another cake-cutting at AFRC headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, earlier in the week. Maj. Gen. Richard L. Kemble, director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements, kept with tradition and cut the cake with Senior Airman Nia Glover, an administrative technician and the youngest Reserve Airman at Robins AFB. Headquarters AFRC is home to more than 1,000 Reserve Airmen, civilians and contractors.

The Air Force Reserve was established on April 14, 1948,

by President Harry S. Truman, seven months after the Air Force was established. The Reserve’s lineage dates back more than 100 years, when Reserve air power was established in the National Defense Act of 1916. The Air Force Reserve became a major command in February 1997.

For 75 years, the nation has called on the Air Force Reserve to support national security objectives around the globe and across the spectrum of military and humanitarian operations. Reserve Citizen Airmen across the country stand ready to provide daily operational capability to the joint force while preserving the strategic depth the nation needs to respond to unexpected and emerging threats.

14

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

National Golf Day The Bay Palms Golf Complex will be hosting a Triple 6 Tournament on May 6 on the South Course. This a two-player, mix up event. This is a non-handicapped event paying a third of the field; top four places plus blind drawings. Advanced Green Fees $25, Active Duty/Retirees $50, Civilians $60. The price includes green fees, cart, range balls and lunch.

Limited to first 100 participants.

Stop by the Pro Shop to sign up by noon May 5.

MacDill Carnival Bring the whole family out for a day of carnival fun. Everyone welcomed with base access. Family fun for all ages from 10 a.m.

- 8 p.m. both days at the grassy lot across from 6th Air Refueling Wing Headquarters. There will be 18 free rides both days, midway games (free games on Friday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. only), carnival food vendors, DJ/karaoke, and enjoy live entertainment in the beer garden and more.

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 May through July, go to forcesupport.awardsplatform.com.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

The Champ!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Col. Cory Damon, 6th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Catrell Wilson, 6th Operations Group senior enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo with U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Chance Egnor, 50th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, during the Champ of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base April 18. Egnor developed a standardized process guide for the Flight Evaluation Folder review garnering an “excellent” during their most recent inspection. Egnor was also handpicked to be a primary crewmember for Air Combat Command’s Red Flag capstone at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

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

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

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved)

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

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 ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 15

16

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

News “For the WIN”

6th Force Support Squadron’s Monthly Highlights – a Supplement to the MacDill AFB Thunderbolt

MAY ‘23

6th Force Support Squadron Telephone Extensions Prefix 828

Commander....................................... 2823 Deputy ................................................ 2823 Ops Officer......................................... 2703 Mortuary Affairs.............................. 6597 Unit Readiness ............................... 2252 Senior Enlisted Leader.....................3969 Honor Guard ....................................5190 First Sergeant.....................................4153 Marketing & Publicity.......................3055 Military & Family Readiness Flight..0134 Military & Family Readiness Ctr ......0145 Child & Youth Services Flight .......5097 Child Development Ctr 1.................. 3332 Child Development Ctr 2 ................. 2244 Child Development Ctr 3 ..................0195 Family Child Care .............................. 7760 School Age Care................................. 5971 Youth Center...................................... 7956 Civilian Personnel Flight................4286 Civilian Personnel .............................6090 Human Resource Office (NAF) .........2911 Community Services Flight............2921 Arts & Crafts Center..........................4413 Auto Hobby Shop ................... 373-6545 Wood Hobby Shop .........................2093 Bay Palms Golf Complex ................0046 8 Iron Grill.........................................1507 Information, Tickets & Travel ...............2478 MacDill Bowling Lanes.....................4005 Hangar 6 Grill ...................................7735 Outdoor Recreation/Equip Rental/ FamCamp ................................ 840-6919 Pool............................................769-9901 Marina ..............................................4983 Skeet Range............................ 488-1244 Force Development Flight ............. 7320 Airman Leadership School.............. 2299 Base Theater...................................... 3607 Education .............................................3115 Library................................................. 3607 Professional Development...............1229 Training ...............................................4004 Manpower/Org Flight ..................... 9977 Manpower ............................................3711 Military Personnel Flight CAC Appointment Line ................796-5272 6fss.fsmps.deersidcards@us.af.mil Resource Mgmt Flight.....................1449 Private Organizations....................... 6962 Sustainment Services Flight ..........0034 2 Brews Catering...................... 840-2020 Diner’s Reef Dining Facility...............2412 Flight Meals....................................4998 Fitness Center...................................4496 MacDill Inn - Lodging........................ 4259 Rickenbacker’s ..............................7425 SeaScapes Restaurant ............. 840-1451 Breakaway Event Ctr/Boomers .. 840-2020

macdillf ss.com

6FSS NEWS

2

SHORT FITNESS & SPORTS CENTER • (813) 828-4496

ARTS & TRADE CRAFTS • (813) 828-4413

Family Art Night Cinco De Mayo Sugar Skulls Friday, 5 May, 5-6pm (15 Cap)

Group X Classes For this Months Schedule All classes are FREE & first-come, first-serve.

FIP Classes give Military Members Priority

B AY PA L M S G O L F C O U R S E • ( 8 1 3 ) 8 2 8 - 0 0 4 6

May ‘23

Pick & Pour Resin Seascape Friday, 19 May, 5-6:30pm (15 Cap)

In this class, bring the ocean right into your home! Pick, paint, and resin a 12 inch Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with us by shaped seascape of your choice. creating a Sugar Skull Craft Mask! ($65 per person, Ages 10+ with adult) ($5 per person, Ages 5+ with adult) Coffee & Canvas | Learn at Lunch - Framing | Galaxy Resin Pour Learn at Lunch - Woodshop Safety Course | Family Art Night -Blissful Bites - The Right Rubs Mommy & Me Art Night - Paired Painting | Woodshop Mini Raised Garden

CAR WASH OPEN 24/7

Bring your vehicle to our newly updated car wash located directly behind the shoppette on Kingfish St.

$8 BASIC WASH: pre-soak, conditioner, foam bath, wheel cleaner, underbody rinse, spotless dry $10 SUPER WASH: basic wash + triple foam, tire shine $12 PREMIUM WASH: super wash + bug prep, hot wax

YOUTH CENTER • (813) 828-7956

SUMMER CAMPS/ FIELD TRIPS

Current Youth Center “Monthly” Members

• May register online using their existing CYP login or in person beginning April 24-28, 12-6pm

Current Youth Center “Daily” Members

• May register online using their existing CYP login or in person beginning May 1, 10am

Space Camp & Teen Leadership Camp All completed applications must be submitted by 1 June 2023

Teens Night Out & Teen Council May 19th, 2023 • 6pm-9pm

Ages 13-18 years of age ONLY Music, Food, Fun, and Games!

Youth Center Teen Members: FREE Non-Members: $5.00 NO RSVP Required 2

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

6FSS NEWS

May ‘23

3

OUTDOOR RECREATION • (813) 840-6919

Know Your Dining Options at MacDill AFB

6TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Diner’s Reef Dining Facility (DFAC) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center)

ESM Card Holders Welcome!

Rickenbacker’s Cafe (Lobby of MacDill Inn) SeaScapes Restaurant (Base Beach) FitStop Smoothies & More (Fitness Center)

Menus & Hours of Operation

Located inside the Short Fitness & Sports Center Salads & Bowls | Paninis | Smoothies Fruits-n-Snacks & MORE! MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 3

6FSS NEWS

4

May ‘23

INFORMATION, TICKETS & TRAVEL Ticket Counter: (813) 828-2478 Leisure Travel Office: (813) 828-1860

Vacationing in one of Universal Orlando’s hotels comes with more fun, more often, every day of your stay. It couldn’t be easier.

LET LOOSE ON LEAVE

Explore Universal Orlando Resort’s three amazing theme parks — Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay — enjoy spectacular hotels, and more.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

THE ACTION OF THE BIGGEST MOVIES AND TV SHOWS COME TO LIFE. Imagine being in your favorite TV shows and movies in real life, except you also get to enjoy the ultimate ride-y things, from thrill-filled twists and turns to jaw-dropping moments you’ll talk about forever.

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando • Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando • Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort • Universal’s Aventura Hotel • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites Every Universal Orlando hotel comes with more awesome every day. Each morning, Universal hotel guests can breeze into one of our parks up to an hour before other guests*. In Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, select hotel guests can even skip the regular lines for free at select attractions. You’ll just need valid theme park admission. It couldn’t be easier.

BASE LIBRARY • (813) 828-3607 30 May 2 August

ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

STEP INTO THE GREATEST ADVENTURES EVER IMAGINED Embark on an epic journey through the worlds of mighty heroes, ancient myths and timeless legends, where once-in-a-lifetime thrills wait around every corner.

VOLCANO BAY

TAKE A VACATION WITHIN YOUR VACATION From thrilling water slides to secluded waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all, a beach paradise you can enjoy without ever leaving Orlando.

the https://macdill.beanstackorg/ Get app

2 Log your daily reading minutes beginning 30 May 2023.

3 Earn reading incentives. Stop by the Base Library to

CITYWALK

THE EPICENTER OF AWESOME Welcome to the one place where unforgettable family entertainment meets restaurants that don’t just make you say “Yum” but “Wow!” Universal CityWalk.

The Epicenter of Awesome.

@macdillfss 4

◆

DOD SUMMER READING PROGRAM 1 Register online at

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, April 27, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

pick up your earned rewards.

Prizes will be awarded to top readers in different age categories at the end-of-summer reading program.

Closing & award ceremony on 3 August at 4:30pm in the Base Library!

Reading Milestone Minutes & Prizes (while supplies last) Reading Age Categories: Pre-readers (ages 0-5); Children (ages 6-12); Teens (ages 13-17); and Adults (18+) Library Programming Activities: Join us at the library for our fun & enriching Library programming activities.

For More Info Call (813) 828-3607

mac dillf s s .c o m