Thunderbolt 5/11/2023

News/Features:page3

Gen.Spencer Award

News/Features:page3

Droneintegration

Weekinphotos:page4

Imagesfromthe week

CareerDayatMacDill Air ForceBase - page8

Community:page15

Events,Chapel,more...

Photoby Tech.Sgt.AlexanderCook

ReserveOfficer TrainingCorpsand JuniorROTCcadets,alongwith6thAirRefuelingWingleadershipposeforagroup photoinfrontofaKC-135StratotankerduringMilitaryCareerDayatMacDillAirForce BaseApril28.Theeventprovidedanopportunityforstudentsto receiveaninteractivetourfeaturingstaticdisplays,exhibits,anddemonstrations ofMacDill’s aircraft,units, and mission partners.

NEWS/FEATURES

Imaging specialists look beyond the skin

special to the Thunderbolt

Three Airmen assigned to the 6th Medical Group, are looking beyond the skin to provide care for nearly 2,500 patients annually.

Diagnostic imaging specialists are medical professionals that use imaging equipment and soundwaves to form images of many parts of the body, known as ultrasounds. They are trained to acquire and analyze these sonographic images so that doctors can diagnose and treat many medical conditions.

“This is something I have wanted to do ever since I joined the Air Force,” said Tech. Sgt. Leila Liza Smith, a diagnostic imaging specialist with the 6th MDG “I found out that I would be studying radiology during my seventh week of basic training and I immediately volunteered to learn ultrasound as soon as I could.”

Learning doesn’t stop after the initial training. Smith is evaluated periodically to maintain certifications. Often times, these three technicians practice on each other to hone in their skillsets.

Other upgrade training opportunities are available for Airmen wanting to pursue more advanced sonographic careers such as cardiovascular sonography or nuerosonology.

Diagnostic imaging specialists evaluate images produced by the ultrasound to help doctors detect abnormalities, such as lumps or nodules on the thyroid gland. Smith shares her pride in engaging with patients to make decisions affecting their diagnoses and care.

Smith emphasized that her favorite interactions involve prenatal sonograms, where she checks on the health and development of babies in the womb.

“Patients would come in for their first trimester scan, and we would lit-

See IMAGING, Page 13

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense,

the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Refueling Wing or the Publishing Company of the products or service advertised

For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

MacDill on the web

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

MacDillAirForceBase

Instagram: macdill_afb

Twitter: @macdill_afb

News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. Email: 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@ us.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are considered for publication based on news value and timeliness

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

MacDill Bolt Cell wins General Larry O. Spencer award

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

The MacDill Bolt Cell recently won the Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award and was named Air Mobility Command’s best Sparks Cell for their innovative leadership within the wing.

The Bolt Cell solved 43 problems brought to them by Airmen and partnered for $10.5 million in grants from the 18th Numbered Air Force to be selected for this award.

Sparks Cells allow Airmen to pose problems within their unit and provides solutions and funding to make their jobs easier.

“Our number one priority is you [Airmen],” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Taylor Johnston, 6th Air Refueling Wing chief of innovations. “We want to solve Airmen’s problems with either tech, money or process. If you come to us with a problem, we’ll help you solve it.”

The Bolt Cell is ready to help the wing for years going forward starting with adding drone deployment capabilities to the KC-135 Strato-

tanker.

“We had a big year in 2022, and we’re going to keep it going,” said Master Sgt. Eric Holton, 6th ARW Bolt Cell senior enlisted leader. “We’ve got big plans. Right now, we’re the lead wing in developing a prototype that provides a means for the KC-135 to house and deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.”

The KC-135 is currently in the process of being replaced by the KC-46 Pegasus, but the Bolt Cell is trying to keep the aircraft in use by giving it more abilities than refueling other aircraft. They are using parts of older KC-135s from Fairchild AFB to begin work on the project.

“I am amazed at the things [the Bolt Cell] can pull off,” said Col. Adam Bingham, 6th ARW commander. “The fact that we were able to bring KC-135 parts down from Fairchild and, within less than eight weeks, we were able to provide the AMC commander a brief on ‘here’s the way forward, here’s what we do next’ will never cease to amaze me.”

Contact the Bolt Cell at 828-8152 or visit their office in Hangar 4.

MacDill AFB begins use of Unmanned Aerial Systems

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

In collaboration with the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, the 6th Air Refueling Wing has begun integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), becoming a Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) enabled airspace as a means for the FAA to work more directly with the private drone sector to authorize and monitor the flights of operators across the Tampa Bay community.

UAS or drones have been increasingly integrated into daily mission support operations across the installation, primarily at the 6th Security Forces Squadron.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rauch, 6th SFS UAS Program Manager, has dedicated his time to understanding, utilizing, and training drone safety as it pertains to the 6th SFS mission.

“My role is to be able to deploy UAS quickly and efficiently to ensure we can carry out our role in protecting the installation,” said Rauch.

(Ret.) Gen. Larry O. Spencer

WEEK IN PHOTOS

U.S. Air Force Col. Cory Damon, vice commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, is drenched with water after his fini flight at MacDill Air Force Base April 26. The final flight, or fini flight, is a tradition among pilots and aircrew to celebrate one’s last flight with their unit or on a certain airframe.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing for aerial refueling over the Atlantic Ocean, May 1. Homestead ARB is home to the 482nd Fighter Wing, a fully combat-ready unit capable of providing F-16C multi-purpose fighter aircraft, along with mission ready pilots and support personnel, for short-notice worldwide deployment.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

A child marshals a KC-135 Stratotanker following his father’s fini flight at MacDill Air Force Base April 26. The final flight, or fini flight, is a tradition among pilots and aircrew to celebrate one’s last flight with their unit or on a certain airframe.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Building the culture we need: CMSAF hosts Senior Enlisted Summit

by Staff Sgt. Nick Z. Erwin Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

JoAnne S. Bass hosted more than 300 senior enlisted leaders during the Senior Enlisted Leader Summit in Leesburg, April 26 – 28.

The summit underscored an ongoing effort to continue to build and refine a Department of the Air Force culture that is ready and equipped for strategic competition and capable of projecting air warfighting capabilities at a moment’s notice

Additionally, the leaders also discussed solutions to further attract and retain the defining advantage of the department the people.

“This summit is about preparing our Air Force to compete, deter and win in any, and all, contested environments,” Bass said.

“The challenges we face will require new modes of thinking, collaboration and integration on a scale that spans multiple domains.”-Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass

“Our senior enlisted leaders are at the forefront of helping us design the Air Force our nation needs and ensuring the rules-based international order remains unchallenged.”

See SUMMIT, Page 10

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass briefs senior enlisted leaders during the Senior Enlisted Leadership Summit in Leesburg, Va., April 26. Throughout the three-day summit, understanding Airmen and pacing challenges were the main themes that Bass and other DAF leaders echoed.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Z. Erwin

‘Prepping the Line’ provides additional resources, training for supervisors

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—The Air Force recently released an additional resource targeted to bridge the gap in fundamental education and training for new supervisors prior to assuming the duties of taking care of Airmen.

Prepping the Line focuses on preparing front-line leaders the Air Force needs at every level in accordance with the Major Graded Areas: Executing the Mission, Leading People, Improving the Unit, and Managing Resources.

New supervisors can work with their leadership or trainer to complete the supplemental job qualification standard for supervisory roles, such as progressive motivation and discipline, conducting feedback, writing 1206s, evaluations and much more. This mission-focused resource is also intended to increase connection to the mission and the trust among supervisor-troop relationships.

Understanding all aspects of being a supervisor, such as knowing the helping agencies, allows front-line supervisors to build connections and take care of their Airmen.

“Prepping the Line is about arming Airmen with the skills and knowl-

edge to successfully fill the positions and roles we expect them to assume throughout their career,” said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Bogdan, enlisted force development division. “It provides Airmen with a guide that lets them collaborate with their supervision to ensure they are prepared for their duties, whether as a supervisor, a (noncommissioned officer in charge) or a flight chief.”

Currently, the JQS is optional; however, the Air Force is looking to implement an apprentice period after graduating from Airman Leadership School, where completing the JQS is required before supervising.

The next phase of Prepping the Line is to identify core managerial competencies, such as manpower, budget, etc to prepare leaders for noncommissioned officer in charge, section chief and flight chief roles.

“As we release additional job qualification standards for the various positions, we look to integrate the voice of the field,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jalil Samavarchian, enlisted force development division. “Having a live feedback mechanism on the website can help us to continue improving these resources.”

For suggestions or recommendations for the supervisor and future JQS, please email AF.A1DI.EFD@us.af.mil.

Military WorkingDogChuckybarksatStaffSgt.ChristopherHyman,6thSecurityForcesSquadronmilitaryworkingdoghandler,duringaK-9demonstrationaspartofMilitaryCareerDayatMacDillAirForceBaseApril28.The eventshowcasedvariousaspectsofthemilitarytoinspirestudentswhohaveaninterestinoperationsatMacDill AFBandacareerin themilitary.

AJuniorReserveOfficer TrainingCorpscadetinteractswithmilitaryequipmentduringMilitaryCa BaseApril28.

MacDillAirFo rc eBase welcomes mo re than700studentsfor

byAirman1st ClassZachary Foster

6thAirRefuelingWing,PublicAffairs

The6thAirRefueling Wing, in collaborationwith U.S. SpecialOperationsCommandand Air ForceRecruiting Servic e, Detachment 1, hosted MilitaryCareerDayApril28. Therecruitingeventhostedmorethan700 Ju niorReservesOfficerTrainingCorps (JROTC), ReservesOfficerTrainingCorps (RO TC),high schoolandcollege age students. Theeventfocusedoneducationalopportunitieswithpresentationsfromthe6thARWlegaloffice, BoltCell,6th ForceSupportSquadron, 6thCivilEngineerSquadronandthe6thSecurity ForcesSquadron.

MilitaryCareerDayfeaturedstaticdisplaysofaKC-135Stratotanker BlackHawkassignedtothe5thBattalion,159th the6thSFSandafiretruckassignedtothe6thCES memberwhoanswered any questionspertaining

“It’sveryrewardingtomakeanimpactonourfuturegeneration, AlexisRoseboom,6thSecurity ForcesSquadronmarine thatwillimpactthe rest oftheirlives.”

TheeventprovidedanopportunityforAirmentoshare tionofservice, inspiring change in America’s futureleaders.

“Theirenergy, motivationtolearnandinspirationtogrowbreatheslifebackintowhyweserve

Photoby Tech.Sgt.AlexanderCook

ainingCorpscadetinteractswithmilitaryequipmentduringMilitaryCareerDay at MacDillAirForce

JuniorReserveOfficer TrainingCorpscadetsparticipateduringMilitaryCareerDayatMacDillAirForceBaseApril

28.Theeventprovidedanopportunityforstudentsto receiveaninteractivetourfeaturingstaticdisplays,exhibits, anddemonstrationsofMacDill’saircraft,units,andmissionpartners.

than700studentsfor Milit ary Ca re er Day

MilitaryCareerDayfeaturedstaticdisplaysofaKC-135Stratotanker, a U. S. ArmyUH-60 BlackHawkassignedtothe5thBattalion,159th AviationRegiment,amarinevesselassignedto the6thSFSandafiretruckassignedtothe6thCES. Ea ch display was accompaniedbyaservice to thecareerfield.

rdingtomakeanimpactonourfuturegeneration,” said U.S. Air ForceStaffSgt rcesSquadronmarine patrolmen.“Thiseventfostersadecision

TheeventprovidedanopportunityforAirmentoshare their experiencewiththenextgeneraureleaders.

motivationtolearnandinspirationtogrowbreatheslifebackintowhyweserve,”

said Roseboom. “The information we’re providing today will ma ke an impact on whether they chose to join [the military] and what they’ll want to do when they join.”

As a pillar of the Tampa Bay communit y, the 6th ARW is dedicated to continuing community outrea ch and displaying the best parts of being an Airmen.

“There’s a lot that goes into planning and producing an event like this,” said 2nd Lt. Kristin Nielsen, 6th ARW media operations section chief and Military Career Day event-coordinato r. “To see it [Military Career Day] come to fruition was amazing. I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone that participated and visited.”

Events like Military Career Day serve to support the 6th ARW’s ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of service.

Photoby Tech.Sgt.AlexanderCook

Photoby Tech.Sgt.AlexanderCook

Throughout the three-day summit, understanding Airmen and pacing challenges were the main themes that Bass and other DAF leaders echoed as being critical to tomorrow’s fight and the challenges currently faced from the wing level to the headquarters.

Starting with a briefing from Bass, the leaders participated in multiple sessions that focused on what employing Airmen look like today and what changes will better prepare the Air Force for future challenges

From first-hand accounts of modernizing the force as a whole to highlighting the role that senior leaders have as the pinnacle of the enlisted force the entirety of the summit emphasized how these leaders are directly connected with continuing the Air Force’s legacy.

Leaders throughout the summit reiterated that past victories would not ensure future success. They also underscored how today’s Airmen must be prepared for tomorrow’s fight and take forward-facing actions to ensure the department’s success.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., joined the summit virtually and provided his expectations for senior enlisted leaders.

“What I expect you to be, is experts in your field,” Brown said. “At the same time, as senior enlisted leaders, you need to be broad … When you get to a certain level, you’re more of a generalist. You need to understand the broader aspects of the Air Force, and as you do that, you have to be inquisitive.”

Brown elaborated on how critical it is for enlisted leaders to understand the influence they have over a wider margin of Airmen and ensure they use this influence to support and build up the future generation of leaders.

capable

Photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Z. Erwin

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass thanks senior enlisted leaders during the Senior Enlisted Leadership Summit in Leesburg, Va., April 27, 2023. The summit underscored an ongoing effort to continue to build and refine a Department of the Air Force culture that is ready and equipped for strategic competition and

of projecting air warfighting capabilities at a moment’s notice.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Z. Erwin

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. virtually briefs the Senior Enlisted Leadership Summit held in Leesburg, Va., April 26, 2023. Brown elaborated on how critical it is for enlisted leaders to understand the influence they have over a wider margin of Airmen and ensure they use this influence to support and build up the future generation of leaders.

DRONES

From Page 3

“Whether that be traditional force protection or in conjunction with some other squadrons across the installation, we’re doing our best to help in any way we can.”

One of the roles UAS plays is with the 6th SFS maritime protection, claims Rauch. The team is responsible for maintaining the security of the Coastal Restricted Area. Rauch and his team manage this by dispatching a drone to survey areas not easily ac-cessible by land.

“Since we’ve introduced UAS to the [security forces] squadron our communication with other units has drastically improved,” said Rauch. “One big example of this is the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower Previously, we had minimal contact, now we’re having almost daily communication.”

Rauch and his team, work in conjunction with ATC for airspace access authorization, prior to each flight.

“We maintain constant two-way communication with the ATC tower throughout the entire duration of the flight,” said Rauch. “That way we’re able to safely navigate the airspace while conducting our operations.”

Walter Childress, 6 ARW ATC controller-in-charge, provides key insight towards understanding the administrative and approval aspects of drone use in or around the installation’s airspace.

“The FAA implemented a program called Low Altitude Authorization and Notifica-tion Capability to track drone use in controlled airspace,” said Childress. “This system allows us to identify when and where drones are being flown prior to their flight.”

Childress describes the LAANC as a system primarily used by private citizens for airspace clearance, however, the system provides a mapping of aviation activities that better supports their ability to safely plan flights.

“We know the approximate date and time of drone activity in the surrounding area prior to each flight,” said Childress. “Using that data, we’re able to make a real-time decision as to whether or not it’s safe for more aircraft to enter the airspace.”

The ATC tower holds full authority over access within MacDill Class D airspace and air traffic controllers have to prioritize MacDill mission operations with requests for drone flights.

“If it comes down to it and we need an aircraft in the sky,” said Childress. “We will make that real-time call to down any drones in or around the airspace to ensure our tankers get off the ground.”

While the 6th ARW recognizes drone use is prevalent in civilian life, MacDill re-mains a no-drone zone for any non-mission essential use. Drones, without proper train-ing and approval, have proven to be a hazard in and around flight lines and will continue to be excluded from recreational use on the installation for the foreseeable future. The 6th SFS has the capability to detect drones within the installations Re-stricted Airspace.

For information on how to register and utilize drones in a safe manner please visit: https://www.faa.gov/uas.

erally watch that baby grow in utero,” said Smith. “During their anatomy scan, many people try to find out if it’s a boy or a girl … it’s very exciting. We really have the chance to grow and bond with our patients through this process.”

In contrast, technicians must be ready to support patients during unfavorable times. Scanning for breast cancer is a large portion of work they do

“Seeing patients that we found had breast cancer, come back in and tell us they beat it because we caught it just in time is such a rewarding feeling,” said Smith. “It puts all that we do in perspective, ‘We saved your life and that’s why you’re here.’”

MacDill AFB is committed to preserving the health of Airmen and their families, the care these specialists provide is crucial in maintaining force readiness for the thousands of Airmen across the installation

MacDill Carnival

Bring the whole family out for a day of carnival fun on May 12 and 13. Everyone welcomed with base access. Family fun for all ag-es 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, and a DJ/karaoke. Enjoy live entertainment in the beer garden and more. Visit macdillfss.com/carnival/ for more information.

Teens Night Out and Teen Council

Mark your calendar for Teens Night Out and Teen Council Friday, May 19 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Youth Center. This event is open to 13 to 18-year olds; free for teen members and $5 for non-teen members. Visit macdillfss.com/ youth for more information.

Short Fitness Closures

The Short Fitness Center will be open for 24/7 access only on the following days: Friday, May 12 and 19

Memorial 5K Run/3K Walk

The Short Fitness Center will be hosting a 5K run/3K walk on May 25 at 7 a.m. in the South Field in honor of those who have served and sacrificed. Runners are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. Prizes for fastest male/female in both the 5K run and 3K walk. Find more events at: macdillfss.com

The Champ!

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 6th ARW command chief, pose for a photo with Airman 1st Class Leonardo Silva, assigned to the 6th Medical Group, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base May 3. Silva was rewarded for his involvement in the 6th MDG booster club and award ceremonies. Additionally, Silva has earned a role as a CPR instructor and has a bi-lingual certification in Portuguese.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

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

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

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

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

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

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

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin