Thunderbolt 5/16/2024

Vol. 52, No. 20

Thursday, May 16, 2024

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News/Features: page 3 Hazard Spear

News/Features: page 3 6 million lbs of aid to Honduras

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton

Community: page 13 Events, Chapel, more...

U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, Maj. Gen. Randall Kitchens (left), and Airman 1st Class Khin Williams-Some, 6th Air Refueling Wing religious affairs airman (right), cut into a cake in celebration of the Chaplain Corps’ 75th Anniversary at MacDill Air Force Base May 6. Airmen take part in the Air Force tradition of having the most senior and junior guests cut the ceremonial cake.

NEWS/FEATURES

Meet the AFCENT Commander: Lt. Gen. Derek France Courtesy story United States Air Forces Central Lt. Gen. Derek France took command of Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) as the Combined Forces Air Component Commander under U.S. Central Command, April 18, 2024.

With three decades of military knowledge and experience, France shared some insights into his leadership philosophy and his vision for the future of the Air Forces Central’s operations and partnerships throughout the Middle East and across Central and South Asia.

Where It All Began France began his Air Force career in 1992 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a pilot training slot at Texas’s Laughlin Air Force Base. He went on to hold several command positions at the squadron, group, wing, and Numbered Air Force levels.

Growing up with a father who served in the Air Force, France imagined himself following in his family’s footsteps from a young age. While seeing his father dedicate his career to military service inspired him to join, part of his motivation to continue serving was the camaraderie he felt with his team during his time as an F15C Eagle pilot at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

See AFCENT, Page 10

U.S. Air Force Photo

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Derek France, center, Air Force Central Command commander, speaks with Airmen at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 27 AFCENT is responsible for air operations, either unilaterally or in concert with coalition partners, and developing contingency plans in support of national objectives for CENTCOM’s 20-nation area of responsibility in Southwest Asia.

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.

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NEWS/FEATURES

317th AW executes Hazard Spear, supports Balikatan 24 by 2nd Lt. Cyan Brown 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam— Following the completion of the first Maximum Endurance Operation with external fuel tanks, the 317th Airlift Wing continues to showcase tactical airlift capabilities for operating across vast distances and into remote islands during its two-week exercise, Hazard Spear.

“The Indo-Pacific theater offers strategic and operational challenges unlike any other,” said Col. Justin Diehl, 317 Operations Group commander. “Hazard Spear validates our ability to execute all of our current and new mission sets in and around the First and Second Island Chains.”

Hazard Spear was designed to rehearse rapid Joint Force Integration in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands and the Philippines. In conjunction with the Marines in both Exercise LuHo IV and Exercise Balikatan 2024, Hazard Spear validates the 317th Operations Group’s top mission priorities.

See 317th Page 11

U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 24 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 discuss how to offload cargo with U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Joshua Bredwell, 40th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Basco Airfield, Philippines, April 28. During the exercise, three C-130Js were dispatched to different locations from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to support Exercise Balikatan 24 in the Philippines, marking the wing’s first participation in the event in years.

U.S. humanitarian aid for Honduras tops 6 million lbs with Denton Program

by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shelby Pruitt-Johnson Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras—A KC46A Pegasus from the 931st Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, delivers 12 pallets of cargo for the Denton Program at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, May 8, 2024.

The Denton Program is a Department of Defense humanitarian assistance transportation program that moves humanitarian cargo, donated by United States-based non-governmental organizations to countries in need.

For deliveries, the program utilizes DOD land, air and sea assets that have space available and are already traveling to the chosen location. This effort also provides opportunities for additional aircrew and logistics training.

With the help of Airmen from the 612th Air Base Squadron, Joint Task Force-Bravo, almost 26,000 pounds of freight was offloaded and stored for pickup by local nonprofits.

“Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people’s lives is extremely rewarding,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Triston Dillard, 612th ABS logistics flight commander. “My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we can.”

This shipment included educational material, medical equipment, hygiene supplies, household items, clothing, fabrics, footwear and sewing supplies.

The next day, three Honduran nonprofits assembled the donations into trucks at the Soto Cano Air Base Passenger Terminal Cargo Yard for distribution to regions of necessity.

See HONDURAS, Page 7

Photo by Martin Chahin

A KC-46A Pegasus from the 931st Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, is parking on the flightline at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, May 8. The KC-46A Pegasus is delivering 12 pallets of cargo as part of the Denton Program.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Devon Bistarkey

Defense Innovation Unit Director, Doug Beck, participates in a panel discussion ‘Technology as an International SOF Force Multiplier’ focused on bringing together venture, technology, acquisition and the warfighter during Special Operations Forces Week 2024 in Tampa May. The expert panel included Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Acquisition Executive, Melissa Johnson; Anduril Industries Chief Strategy Officer, Christian Brose; Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at VitaKey, Inc., Catherine Reynolds; and ARK Investment Management Founder, CEO & CIO, Catherine Wood.

Photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton

U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force Maj. Elimelach Estrin, 6th Air Refueling Wing chaplain, lights a candle during a Holocaust remembrance ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base May 6. Estrin discussed the importance of remembering the Holocaust and its relevance today.

A U.S. Air Force military working dog handler assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron holds his MWD during a training exercise at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 29. The training focused on honing MWD explosive ordnance detection capabilities in an unfamiliar environment.

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NEWS/FEATURES A story of resilience Pilot conquers cancer

by Tech. Sgt. Tarelle Walker 15th Wing HONOLULU, Hawaii—Over the years, the focus on how Airmen practice resilience has grown so that service members and their families are able to properly cope with challenges as they arise. An officer stationed at the 15th Wing Safety Office at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam, Hawaii, recently recalled his personal story of resilience after facing extreme illness.

In September of 2021, Lt. Col. Reinier Villanueva, 15th Wing chief of safety, noticed a small lump near his throat. Although it wasn’t affecting his daily life, he went to get it checked out.

Initially the doctors told him that it wasn’t a problem, but recommended that he keep an eye on it. A couple years later in 2023, all of that

changed.

He underwent a biopsy and doctors found evidence of cancer cells in his thyroid. He then had to decide how to process what he had just learned and inform his loved ones.

“I surprised myself because the news was heavy, but I was able to accept the information and then move on to asking, what are we going to do about it,” Villanueva shared. “I think that 30 minute conversation with the doctor was easier than telling my wife and family about the diagnosis. It’s hard for family members to hear because you don’t really know what the future is going to look like.”

After pushing through the difficulty of notifying his family and leadership, there was nothing left to do except move forward with treatment.

See CANCER, Page 7

Photo by Senior Airman Mark Sulaica

Lt. Col. Reinier Villanueva, 15th Wing chief of safety, stands for a photo on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii May 7. In 2023, Villanueva was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but after recovering and returning to work he shared his story of resilience to help when facing adversity.

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NEWS/FEATURES ‘One Team, One Fight’: SECAF visits Keesler AFB

by Senior Airman Elizabeth Davis 81st Training Wing Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Second Air Force, the 81st Training Wing and the 403rd Wing at Keesler, May 3.

During his visit, Kendall connected with Airmen and Guardians to discuss how they play a critical role in the Air Force’s mission of reoptimizing for Great Power Competition.

“I am encouraged and impressed by the leadership, the students and Reserve Airmen at Keesler,” said Kendall. “The impact of this installation reaches far beyond the base fence line. Keesler and Second Air Force have a leading role in the training and development of our professional enlisted corps and their detailed technical expertise. It is also home to our Hurricane Hunters, who bravely seek the data needed to provide reliable forecasts for dangerous storms to a global community.”

Airmen and Guardians across the base show-

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cased their challenges and improvements within day-to-day operations. Kendall visited multiple squadrons and agencies to see how Keesler trains, develops and inspires warfighters.

While visiting Second Air Force headquarters, Kendall spoke with leadership about the Airman Development Continuum, which develops Airmen and Guardians from zero week in basic military training through technical training to provide them with a better understanding of their role in a time of Great Power Competition. He also learned how the Air Force Career Development Academy is transforming technical training with 6th Generation classrooms and human performance initiatives.

As a unit of action, the 81st TRW showcased their commitment to creating a world-class training environment. By working directly with Second Air Force, the 81st Training Group has transformed the learning environment with

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See SECAF, Page 12

Photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Davis

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall listens to a brief from U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Mikayla Strickland, 333rd Training Squadron instructor, in the 333rd TRS’s escape room at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 3.

CANCER

HONDURAS

“The most conservative reaction was to get the thyroid removed, so about a week after that we went to surgery”, Villanueva said. “At Tripler [Army Medical Center], the doctors there were great. They helped me through it and gave me everything I needed, including the information and the best course of action.”

When the removal surgery was completed, doctors were able to see that it had reached stage two and it had spread to his lymph nodes. From there, he underwent radiation procedures.

During the time he received the cancer diagnosis, Villanueva and his wife were already busy raising a three year old son and were expecting another child soon. Despite their existing obligations, Villanueva said his wife provided unwavering support.

“I definitely thank my wife for getting me through that portion of our lives, for giving me the opportunity to get it right despite the time it took and for taking the load off when my energy was low, even though she was six months pregnant,” said Villanueva.

He also discussed how his military training played a part in helping him to navigate such a challenging situation.

“I think as an Air Force aviator and as a military officer, when things go wrong, you’re trained to stay calm and collected if you’re dealing with an emergency,” said Villanueva.

“You need to be able to take in information very quickly and take the appropriate action to remedy it, because no amount of panic or distress is going to help.”

Although the situation looked bleak at the start, Villanueva reflected on how quickly he recovered and highlighted the support he received from his team.

“During that time of convalescent leave for the surgery, recovery and then the radiation recovery after that, I’m really thankful for the Airmen at wing safety, because even though I wasn’t there, I had complete faith that they could get the job done, and do it well while I got back to where I needed to be.”

He went on to stress the importance team support plays in boosting resilience throughout the entire Air Force.

“As a younger Airman, you look at our senior leaders, and you always think of them as Supermen and women, right? Unflappable, infallible, invincible, but as I’ve gotten older and begun to work closer to senior leaders, I realized that they’re going through the same struggles that every other airman goes through,” Villanueva said. “Look how the Air Force family and community works. It’s the knowledge that no matter where you are, everyone else will make sure the mission gets done while you’re getting to where you need to be, so that you can get back to the mission. Seeing and feeling that firsthand was just really powerful.”

Villanueva and his wife welcomed their second baby boy this year in January. He has now fully regained his health and is back at work and on flying status. After making it through this difficult circumstance, he gained new insights and wisdom to share with other Airmen.

“The advice I give to Airmen when they are going through things that are tough is to always remember you’re not alone,” said Villanueva. “I know this from experience, you are never alone. You have your friends, family, community, your Air Force community. I want Airmen to be vulnerable and feel comfortable sharing their struggles because fellow Airmen, supervisors, first sergeants and commanders all up the chain of command are there for you.”

Additional cargo was added, making it a total of 35,000 pounds of donations valued at approximately $40,000 was packed for local transport.

“We are happy to be able to help provide those in our country with supplies that will benefit their health, homes and daily necessities,” said Jorge Suazo with Centro Cristiano Renovación Church.

Transporting this humanitarian aid is contractually managed by the U.S. Transportation Command. The Denton Program is authorized by law and jointly managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of State, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the DOD. As of this year, the 612th ABS has received 148 tons of cargo for Denton-related deliveries.

This raises the total since 1999 to over 6 million pounds demonstrating JTF-Bravo’s unwavering commitment to being a good friend and neighbor to our partner nations and their citizens.

From Page 5

From Page 3

Editor’s note: The mention of these nonprofits does not constitute endorsement or affiliation by JTF-Bravo or the U.S. military.

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1AF member rescues mother, three children after SUV tumbles

by Michael Dougherty CONR-1AF (AFNORTH and AFSPACE)

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- When Capt. Bryon Adams, Jr. left for work one Thursday morning, the last thing on his mind was to be prepared to crawl into an upside-down SUV full of broken glass to rescue a mother, a baby, and two toddlers hanging upside-down by their straps and seat belts.

That, however, failed to slow his response in the immediate aftermath of a spectacular auto accident atop the DuPont Bridge some 50 feet over St. Andrew’s Bay on April 25, 2024.

Adams is a Sioux City, Iowa native and 25-year veteran of the Air Force. His first 17 years were spent as a maintainer on F-16’s and KC-135’s. He now serves as the operations division chief for the Intelligence division (A2) for the Continental U.S. NORAD Region – First Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space).

Last month he was on his way to work, cresting the DuPont Bridge and approaching Tyndall’s gates where traffic in the right lane had slowed to a crawl. He noticed a large SUV in his rear-view mirror make a sudden lurch to the right to merge into the mile-long queue. The driver evidently did not see a dump truck in the vehicle’s blind spot, he said, and the two collided almost immediately.

The dump truck hit the SUV, which then crashed head-on into the bridge’s guardrail. Now sideways in the street and in the path of the dump truck, it was struck for a third time – this time squarely. “The dump truck pushed it sideways down the bridge. Next, it rolled – four times I believe – and I’ll never forget the sound of the impact and shattering glass. I directed another motorist to call 911,” said Adams. After a loud, brutal, and seemingly catastrophic tumble down the bridge, the SUV came to a rest on its roof, spinning slowly.

Adams wasted no time in responding. When he reached the vehicle, he conducted a split-second assessment and responded immediately. “The back window was busted out.

There was broken glass all over the (headliner). I crawled in, over the glass, and saw two kids. First, there was a little boy, around six-years-old in the back row, hanging upside down, suspended by his car seat’s belts.” Adams accounted that the boy was uninjured, except for cuts on his hands where he had touched the broken glass on the ceiling while attempting to brace himself. As he pulled him out of the vehicle and took him to the curb and to safety, the boy said, “I thought we were going to go in the water.” The boy’s fears were not unfounded --as the police report indicated “structural damage to the railing of the bridge.” The guardrail held and prevented the SUV and its occupants from experiencing a five-story drop into the water below.

Re-entering the overturned SUV, he spotted a girl of “around four or five,” and an infant, both hanging from their car seats. By this time, other bystanders had arrived to as8

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Capt. Bryon Adams Jr, chief, A2 operations division, CONR-1AF (AFNORTH and AFSPAC into an overturned SUV to rescue a mother and her three children following a rollover acc

sist, and one of them managed to open the passenger door, he said. “When I got the girl free of her seat she ran towards the front seats, inside of the vehicle near her mom. I asked her if it would be ok if I could have her go outside with her brother so I could help her baby brother and her mom. I then handed her to another motorist through the open door.” Next, Adams removed the infant, bringing all three siblings safely together.

Finally, Adams approached the mother, who was hanging upside down in the driver’s seat, speaking with an emergency operator through the SUV’s on-board response system. He coached and supported her as she braced herself on the ceiling while he released her seat belt and lowered her down and out of the vehicle.

With the family safely extracted and reunited on the roadside, he looked in the vehicle for “any stuffed animals or toys” he could give to the kids, found one, and gave it to one of the children, he said.

Miraculously, no one was seriously injured, Adams said.

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“The airbags, seat belts a tively.” Adams credits the minimizing the impact, w responder, and denying th skillset he may have. “It’s j have done in that situatio them, at that place, at that Adams’ modesty notwi command have drawn ins and expressed pride in his Adams remains a shining sion, reminding us all of t rise to the occasion in mom Nordhaus, commander, 1st care of the mission, taking is equally important – wh ing actions like this, or in lend a hand when it’s need

on bridge

Rodeo Club provides leadership lessons in a different arena

by Stephen Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy

U.S. Air Force photo

CE), crawled through broken glass cident near Tyndall AFB, Fla.

and car seats all functioned effece vehicle and its safety systems for while downplaying his part as first he role of any superior training or just something that any of us would on. I just happened to be there for t time.” thstanding, many members of his spiration from his selfless actions s brave actions that morning. “Capt. g example of courage and compasthe everyday heroes among us who ments of crisis,” said Lt. Gen. Steven t Air Force. “As we continue to take g care of ourselves and one another hether through potentially life-savjust looking out and being ready to ded most.”

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo—U.S. Air Force Academy Rodeo Club members enjoy a respite from the rigors of cadet life as they spend quality time with their horses. Cadet equestrians also develop their leadership and teamwork skills they expect to find useful in their careers as future officers. The rodeo club arena provides another setting where the Academy develops leaders of character.

Some cadets come to the club with years of horseback riding experience; others have never sat on a horse. The more experienced members guide the beginners until they feel more comfortable in the saddle. Twice a week, the club meets at the 10th Force Support Squadron’s equestrian center to clean and groom the horses. During this time, club members discuss challenges with their horses and learn from each other, using concepts they developed in the classroom and in their training.

“You can learn a lot about leadership when you work with animals like horses that can’t speak to you,” said club assistant captain Cadet 2nd Class Colette McClanahan. “Horses can sense if you know what you’re doing. That relates a lot to being a military leader. Your Airmen must understand that you believe in them.”

McClanahan, along with club captain Cadet 1st Class Robert Ball and Cadet 3rd Class Lauryn Mitchell each came to the Academy with varying levels of experience with horses. But each cadet has seen their skills, in leading fellow cadets as well as their horses, drastically improve in their years in the club.

McClanahan, a Biology major, began horseback riding at 12 while growing up in Las Vegas. After she came to the Academy in 2021, she moved into rodeo activities such as roping. During her sophomore year, she purchased her horse, Bear.

“Coming here was an escape from The Hill and the rigors of military training and school,” McClanahan said. “I was really invested in training and getting to know my horse.”

The rodeo club was at the bottom of the list of six clubs Ball signed up for initially during the Blue Rush club fair early in his freshman year in 2020. He admits he was drawn to the cub because freshmen members wear civilian clothes at the barn. Before joining, Ball had only ridden on horseback trail rides. Now, four years later, he serves as the club’s captain.

“The rodeo club gives us a space to just relax and have some fun with the horses,” Ball said. “The Academy has given me a lot of opportunities I never thought

Photo by Trevor Cokley

Cadet 1st Class Robert Ball rides his horse Ferg in the U.S. Air Force Academy Rodeo Club arena April 29.

Members develop leadership and teamwork skills.

I’d be able to do. I got to ride in a couple of parades and rope a bunch of cattle, which is always a good time. I also met some awesome friends that I hope to have for the rest of my life.”

Ball bought his quarter-horse, Ferg, from a 2019 Academy graduate. Early on, he had trouble getting his horse to respond. After getting some expert advice from the horse’s original owner, the two eventually bonded.

“From there, everything was fine,” Ball said. “It’s so nice to hop on a horse and be able to trust him and know that he trusts you, too.”

The Military and Strategic Studies major leaves for pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, after graduation. Ferg will be retired and live at Ball’s mother’s home in Cincinnati.

Mitchell’s grandfather introduced her to horses at a young age. He placed Mitchell on her first horse when she was just 2 at his South Carolina ranch. But when her grandfather died 11 years later, Mitchell stopped riding. Early in her freshman year, Mitchell joined the rodeo club, determined to rekindle that love of horses her grandfather helped instill in her.

Mitchell, a Civil Engineering major, rides the club horse, Rebel.

“Being on a horse allows you to take a breath, be calm and actually breathe and take everything in,” Mitchell said. “I stopped riding for a long time after my grandfather died. Being at the barn with my horse is like having a part of him with me.”

AFCENT From Page 2

U.S. Air Force Photo

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Derek France, left, Ninth Air Force commander, de-boards an HH-60W Jolly Green II during a distinguished visitor tour at an undisclosed location on April 26. As the new Ninth Air Force commander, this was France’s first visit to deployed locations that fall under the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

While a weapons school instructor, he faced a family hardship that tested his resilience, but ultimately showcased the value of his wingmen. “My fellow instructors, despite their own demanding schedules, came together to support me during one of my most challenging times,” France said. “That stuck out in my mind, and the solidarity was transformative for me. That’s what we do in an Air Force family, we take care of each other.”

France has previously served in numerous roles, including time as a weapons officer, weapons school instructor, and even an assignment as an Instructor Pilot in the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Weapons School. These experiences and his commitment to the Air Force’s core values shaped much of the leadership style Airmen across AFCENT can expect from their commander.

Leadership Fundamentals France asserts that his own leadership philosophy is grounded in five key areas.

During his first discussions with wing leaders under his command, France reinforced these fundamentals of leadership: Pride, Teamwork, Core values, Accountability, and Resiliency.

Operate as a Team from Day One One aspect of service he emphasized: Operating as a team from day one. France recalled his first day in command saying, “We had Airmen flying combat sorties alongside our coalition partners” to highlight the importance of the integrated coalition.

“Maintaining multi-capable and ready teams is critical to accomplishing the mission,” France mentioned. “Our teams and our relationships with our international partners are vital to success.”

Additionally, France spoke about the priority of mission readiness, and that readiness can be deterred or advanced in the face of frequently revolving teams in this deployed environment. He doesn’t necessarily view frequent rotations as a hindrance, but rather as an opportunity to increase mission readiness. “A diverse team is a powerful team,” he said. “We are seeing various fields of expertise coming into the theater that allow Airmen to maintain compatibility and interoperability to get after our shared objectives with our regional and international partners.”

Don’t Sacrifice the Important Things “It’s important for Airmen not to sacrifice the important things at the altar of the urgent,” France specified when describing the need to stay focused on the mission while underscoring the need for personal resilience and balance.

“We have to be intentional about our daily habits,” he said. “Being deployed is an opportunity to find balance in the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness, whether spiritual, social, mental, or physical; that personal balance is necessary to the success of the team.”

France hopes his tenure at AFCENT supports the teams who will continue contributing and delivering dominant coalition combat power to support the region’s collective vision for security and stability.

“I’ve been blown away by the level of dedication in the Airmen at AFCENT, France noted. “They have been operating beyond my expectations, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of this team.”

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317TH From Page 3

“We identified a critical need from the Joint force to rapidly forward deploy fuel and logistics to locations that cannot support large strategic airlift or maritime delivery,” said Maj. Alex Leach, Mission Commander and 40th AS assistant director of operations. “The ability to quickly mobilize and operate to austere spoke locations from the Second Island chain further west is a gamechanger on how we think about tactical C130J airlift.The ability to carry extra fuel with external tanks allows us to be completely self-reliant and move between the island chains seamlessly.”

During the exercise, three C-130Js were dispatched to different locations from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to support Exercise Balikatan 24 in the Philippines, marking the wing’s first participation in the event in years. Balikatan is an annual military exercise between the United States and the Philippines, typically involving over 20,000 military personnel. The exercise is intended to strengthen interoperability and cooperation between the two countries through joint training, exercises, and humanitarian assistance.

From April 26 through 28, two Dyess C-130Js demonstrated the ability to rapidly deploy a Marine unit into a remote island location and immediately offloaded thousands of gallons of fuel. Not only did this assist the Joint Force in commencing operations, but eliminated the requirement for ships to bring fuel into a port. One C-130J departed from Guam flying directly to Lal-Lo Airfield in Northern Luzon, then moved the unit and fuel to Basco Airfield on Batan Island, Philippines, setting a record for the largest aircraft to ever land at the airfield.

The other aircraft staged out of Kadena Air Base, Japan, transporting fuel directly into the small island. At Basco, the Marines set up Specialized Fueling Operations at Forward Area Refueling Points (FARPs), which serve as key refueling sites located near the front lines or in forward operating areas. These strategic areas enable aircraft and vehicles to quickly refuel and continue their missions without the need to travel back to a main base.

U.S. Air Force photo

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules assigned to the 40th Airlift Squadron waits on the flight line to takeoff during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Basco Airfield, Philippines, 28 April. During the exercise, three C-130Js were dispatched to different locations from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to support Exercise Balikatan 24 in the Philippines, marking the wing’s first participation in the event in years. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and See 317th, Page 14 cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

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SECAF From Page 6

Photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Davis

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jonathan Bellio, 39th Information Operations Squadron Det 2 flight commander, and Tech.

Sgt. Jonathan Foster, 39 IOS Det 2 instructor, prepare to welcome Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall to the 338th Training Squadron Air Expeditionary Force yard at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 3. increased network capabilities, interactive software and simulators in dorms to allow students to access learning material anytime, anywhere.

To fully immerse into Keesler’s modernized and adaptable classrooms, Kendall toured several training squadrons and met with technical training instructors to understand how they empower Airmen as agents of change. He saw the 333rd Training Squadron cyber escape room, the virtual reality weather training space at the 335th TRS, the new 334th TRS air traffic control study room and the 338th TRS’s outdoor expeditionary cyber training site.

As the only Air Force Reserve Command wing in the state, the 403rd WG emphasized the increased role they play in mission readiness, sharing with Kendall that since 2018 they have seen a 600% increase in demand for winter season storm reconnaissance, and a 20% increase in tropical storm reconnaissance.

Kendall finished his visit with an address to a formation of Airmen and Guardians who had completed their training for the day. The final daily formation is a way for instructors to pass along updates and information before the start of a weekend. Kendall used the occasion to pass along his thanks and gratitude to Airmen and Guardians undergoing training for the start of their military careers.

“Thank you for wearing the uniform, for the work you put in every day, and for the sacrifices you and your family make and will continue to make in the years to come,” said Kendall. “We are proud to have you on our nation’s military team. One Team. One Fight.”

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Flavor burst: Boomers call-in deals Craving fresh salads, mouthwatering wings, or delicious shareables? Look no further than Boomers! Call in your orders every Thursday and Friday between 3– 7 p.m. and treat yourself to a delectable feast. Dial 512-8441 to place your order and pick it up to go, hassle-free! For more information visit macdillfss.com/boomers/.

Outdoor adventure trips Experience the thrill of adventure with 6th FSS Outdoor Adventure Tours. From mastering the basics of kayaking to embarking on exhilarating kayak tours, swimming alongside majestic manatees, and exploring the depths through scuba diving. Dive into nature and create memories forever. To view upcoming classes and unforgettable trips, visit macdillfss.com/outdoor-adventure-tours/ tours sell out quickly. Sign up today.

Summer ODR Expo Dive into a day of sun-soaked excitement at the Summer ODR Expo on June 1st, at MacDill Marina and beach from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.. Enjoy free paddle boarding, kayaking, tubing rides, and indulge in a BBQ buffet with sweet treats (available for purchase).

Groove to live DJ beats, join a hot dog eating competition, limbo, and uncover treasures in a fossil dig.

With prizes and games for everyone, it’s bound to be a day of unforgettable fun. For more details, macdillfss.com/summerexpo/.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

The Champ!

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kendrick Caviness, 6th Maintenance Group maintenance analyst, signs the Champ of the Week board with U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, at MacDill Air Force Base May 7. Caviness analyzes maintenance actions, providing critical insights to leaders for strategic decision-making, all while effectively managing the health of MacDill’s 26 KC-135 fleet. He was awarded for contributing to the identity of the 6th Maintenance Office by conceptualizing and crafting its logo, title, and signature chant.

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, May 16, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13

317TH

From Page 11

Throughout Hazard Spear, the 317th AW highlighted the use of dispersal operations— spreading out personnel and resources to complete multiple mission objectives simultaneously. Notably, the Airlift Wing’s Maintenance Group utilized their Rapid Expeditionary Toolkit (REX-Kit), a mobile maintenance kit equipped with satellite connections to bring immediate connectivity to teams. Graduates from their Lethal Expeditionary Airman Development (LEAD) program took charge by testing data link systems, successfully reducing their manpower yet providing the same level of support.

“The whole idea, is that we can launch a fleet to conduct decentralized ops, testing our connectivity as a unit,” said Tech. Sgt. Isaac Smith, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. “Being able to have real-time updates enroute allows us to perform more efficiently in remote locations.”

Following the completion of Hazard Spear, the 317th AW will have demonstrated a wide range of tactical airlift solutions, allowing

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them to achieve Full Operational Capability across several new mission sets. From islandhopping to loading/offloading High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the wing has significantly flexed its air mobility capacity.

“We have spent the last two years accelerating new mission sets to include defueling operations, rapidly deploying into an expansive theater with external fuel tanks, landing on blacked-out unmarked surfaces, employing Tactical Operation Center Command and Control capabilities, and perfecting quick maintenance repair capabilities,” said Diehl.

Reflecting on the exercise’s significance, he elaborated, “All of these efforts are geared toward providing senior commanders even more solutions in vast theaters and solving complex problems spread across austere island locations.”

Through these types of exercises, the wing not only showcases the capabilities of Airmen, but contributes to the broader strategic objective of maintaining a competitive edge in the

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U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force Capt. Eric Albers and Capt.

Blayne Hayes, both 40th Airlift Squadron, begin landing a C-130J Hercules during Exercise Balikatan 24 near Lal-Lo Airfield, Philippines, April 28. era of Great Power Competition. The 317th AW paves a path for future agile combat employment in the Indo-Pacific theater, amplifying joint force readiness and securing operational advantage while ensuring the Air Force remains at the forefront of global power projection.