Thunderbolt 5/18/2023

Vol. 51, No. 20

Thursday, MAY 18, 2023

News/Features: page 3 Water survival training

News/Features: page 3 AF leaders discuss innovation

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

6th MXS change of command

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

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

U.S. Air Force Col. Charity Banks, the 6th Maintenance Group commander, passes the 6th Maintenance Squadron guidon to Maj. Darren Jennings during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base May 10. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the official start of Jennings’ tenure as the new 6th MXS commander. Jennings stepped into his new role following his previous assignment as the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron director of operations.

NEWS/FEATURES Imaging specialists look beyond the skin Strengthening military communities – Nashville leaders tour MacDill

by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin In an effort to expand outreach and community partnerships, MacDill Air Force Base hosted nearly 40 members of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce for a base tour May 4.

Business leaders, program managers, and other influential members of the Nashville community met here for a leadership study mission, to better understand the Tampa area, MacDill, and its key components.

The group of community leaders, with a strong interest in supporting the military, toured a KC-135 Stratotanker and attended a mission brief to better understand MacDill’s role locally and impact globally.

“The primary goal of our visit to Tampa is focused on riverfront redevelopment, affordability and accessibility, regional talent pipeline, and innovation and economic development,” said Paige Anderson, director of investor engagement with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Study missions bring together leaders from peer-sized cities to partner and educate the public on topics such as the similarities and differences of military and civilian operations.

“I think it was great for our group to hear about the economic impact MacDill has on the Tampa region and heard first-hand about [service members] transitioning and integrating into the community when transferred.”

The representatives who attended the breakout session at MacDill AFB each have a special interest in understanding and supporting their own military community in Tennessee at Ft. Campbell.

See TOUR, Page 13

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

A group of civic leaders from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce tour a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 4, 2023.

The group toured the base to strengthen relationships and bolster community support within the Nashville area.

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, May 18, 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 121st pilots, aircrew participate in water survival training

by Staff Sgt. Wendy Kuhn 121st Air Refueling Wing REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio—Pilots and aircrew with the 121st Air Refueling Wing participated in Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) water survival training at the Harcum Fitness and Aquatic Center in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, May 7, 2023. Every three years, pilots and certain aircrew go through SERE water survival training to familiarize themselves with the different types of equipment and to prepare for the possibility of evacuating the aircraft in the water.

“This is a refresher training for us in case we have to abandon the aircraft in the ocean or we find ourselves separated from the rest of the group,” said Tech. Sgt. Krista Guillotte, a boom operator with the 121st Air Refueling Wing. “It’s important for us to practice these steps in a safe environment so that in a real-world situation, we are ready for whatever comes our way. We all want to make it home to our families.”

See SURVIVAL, Page 11

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Wendy Kuhn

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Krista Guillotte with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, 121st Air Refueling Wing, participated in Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) water survival training at the Harcum Fitness and Aquatic Center in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, May 7. Every three years, pilots and certain aircrew go through SERE water survival training to familiarize themselves with the different types of equipment and to prepare for the possibility of evacuating the aircraft in the water.

DAF senior leaders offer dialogue on defense innovation amid strategic competition

by Tech. Sgt. William A. O’Brien Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security was held May 9, bringing together pioneers and champions of innovation from government, the private sector and scientific communities to examine how to advance collaboration in pursuit of national security.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. were among those gathered at the event named in honor of the late Ash Carter, former secretary of defense and a trained theoretical physicist, who is credited with leading change and innovation throughout his four decades of service in government.

The Department of the Air Force and entire U.S. military is modernizing and refocusing to address strategic competition and the changing character of warfare.

In remarks to the audience, Kendall highlighted that innovation doesn’t happen alone and that the U.S. is leaning more heavily now on technology developed by partners and allies than it has historically.

See DAF, Page 10

Photo by Tech. Sgt. William A. O’Brien

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., discusses artificial intelligence and the implementation of innovations during the Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security May 9, in Washington, D.C. MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 3

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

Royal Netherlands Korps Mariniers Col. Sebastian Brust, head of the U.S. Central Command Netherlands Liaison Team, places a ceremonial wreath during the Netherlands Remembrance Day ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base May 4. The ceremony paid tribute to those who have been killed during war and peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of World War II. The event included messages from distinguished guests, the raising of the Netherlands flag and a moment of silence for those that have given their lives.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 6th Maintenance Squadron stand at parade rest during a change of command ceremony for the 6th MXS at MacDill Air Force Base May 10.

Courtesy photo

4

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

NEWS/FEATURES U.S.-based Air Force mobility aircraft supporting DEFENDER 23 exercise

by Capt. Jose Davis U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy—Activities begin this month across ten countries in Europe and continue through June as part of a U.S. Armyled exercise DEFENDER 2023, which U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa is supporting in several ways.

Six C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Air Mobility Command’s 62nd Airlift Wing based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and three C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Air Force Reserve Command’s 403rd Wing based at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss, will support DEFENDER 23.

The 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing, an AMC wing that supports strategic airlift operations across 19 fixed locations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, will deploy three Air Mobility Teams and augmentation from across the theater to three locations in support of DEFENDER 23.

Two AMTs will deploy to Larissa Air Base, Greece, one AMT deployed to Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, and the wing has added additional personnel and capabilities to the 724th Air Mobility Squadron, an existing 521st AMOW unit, at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

An AMT delivers a Demand Force Team of aerial port, aircraft maintenance, and command and control capabilities to a point of need outside of the fixed en route structure. This is a new concept the wing is validating during the exercise.

During the exercise, the aircraft will be primarily based at Aviano AB. DEFENDER 23 is a USEUCOM-directed multinational joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO Allies and partners.

DEFENDER 23 consists of three separate but related exercises.

Those exercises are Swift Response, Immediate Response and Saber Guardian. Each of these exercises focuses on unique and challenging objectives. As an example, Swift Response tests the exercise participants’ ability to conduct three separate yet simultaneous joint forcible entry airborne operations. Exercise Immediate Response allows the participating nations and individuals to work through the complexities of rapidly building combat power arriving from the U.S. Finally, Exercise Saber Guardian affords participating units unique challenges such as conducting a forward passage of lines, contested wet gap crossings and See DEFENDER 23, Page 12

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 5

NEWS/FEATURES

Gulf Coast Hurricane Awareness Tour 2023

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek

Members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Capt. Sarah Olsen, weather officer and Maj. Steve Bichsel, navigator, brief visitors in line for the WC-130J Super Hercules tour. The 53rd WRS participated in the 2023 Hurricane Awareness Tour with our NOAA partners and the National Hurricane Center to highlight the importance of being prepared for the upcoming storm season. The HAT is typically held during National Hurricane Preparedness Week to emphasize what local and state resources are available for people to pre-plan in the event of a storm impact or the need to evacuate.

by Jessica Kendziorek 403rd Wing Public Affairs GULF COAST—The Hurricane Awareness Tour for 2023 returned to the Gulf Coast region during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The HAT and National Hurricane Preparedness Week is important for getting information out to the public in order to gain preparedness tips and learn what to do to before storms happen.

“The whole point of the tour is to raise awareness about the upcoming hurricane season,” said Dr. Michael Brennan, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center director. “This helps us at the NHC emphasize the importance of the hurricane mission and talk about how important the collected data is to our forecasters and to get warnings out to the people to keep them safe.”

During the HAT, emergency managers and media were given the opportunity to tour the hurricane hunting aircraft and meet crew members of the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC-130J Super Hercules and the NOAA WP-3D Orion.

The tours of the hurricane hunting aircraft, U.S. Coast Guard equipment, and other public safety equipment and vehicles attracted hundreds of visitors each day, from emergency managers, media members, plus school and public tours with the purpose of encouraging hurricane preparedness before the season starts.

“Having the aircraft and crews here for the tour is a huge draw,” said Brennan. “It is a great way to get people’s attention, because it puts a human face, a name, and a real person on the whole hurricane program, seeing the brave men and women who are flying right into the storm to collect the data.”

See HURRICANE, Page 7

6

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

HURRICANE From Page 6

This year’s scheduled tour was along the Gulf Coast region starting at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, Louisiana., Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Mississippi, the Tallahassee International Airport in Tallahassee, Florida. and the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, Marathon. However, the final stop for the HAT in Marathon was cancelled due to an aircraft part failure.

Accompanied by NHC hurricane experts and National Weather Service storm specialists, Brennan highlighted the preparedness message.

“This is Hurricane Awareness week so let’s use this week to get ready, to spread the word to let everybody know that there are resources. Working together we can be prepared for hurricane season,” said Brennan.

Brennan said the HAT increases the trust they have with the information that the NHC puts out, seeing the real person behind the information that comes through the aircraft to the hurricane center and knowing there is a human being working on that forecast helps.

“I think it makes it more real and personable, and hopefully more trustworthy,” he said.

He spoke of how NOAA, FEMA, and local agencies are working to get people away from hurricanes, and yet the Hurricane Hunters fly right into storms to get the needed data to save lives.

“It is such a selfless mission, to fly into a storm and it is a key part of the hurricane program, and we have a great partnership,” said Brennan. “I would like to thank everybody for what they do.”

Providing the best weather data was reinforced by Lt. Col. Tobi Baker, 53rd WRS aerial reconnaissance weather officer, who gave interviews and tours of the WC-130J aircraft throughout the HAT explaining the job of the weather officer, the data collected, and how important that data is for the NHC to use in forecasting.

“After we get the call to fly a storm, we will spend anywhere from sixto-eight hours in a storm,” said Baker. “We fly an alpha pattern, which

resembles an “X” pattern crossing from outside, through the eyewall into the eye, and back out the opposite side, gathering the best data available, then sending that data back to the NHC for the forecasters to keep the public informed with the most up-to-date information.”

While Baker has worked the HAT before and is used to having to do multiple interviews in a single day and speak with hundreds of people, this was the first time for Capt. Kyle McElhaney, 53rd WRS navigator, who said that it was great.

“It was a little overwhelming at first, but after the trial by fire-hose it got better,” McElhaney said laughing. “It was awesome to talk to people and I was really excited to be there. It was neat to step back and see what we do through other people’s eyes. It rekindled the wonder and aww, also the reason why we are out there, to collect the data to narrow that cone of uncertainty.”

Both Baker and McElhaney reminded people to pay attention to the warnings and to listen to their local government officials about evacuations and use the resources available for preparedness.

Keeping an eye on the weather using sites like hurricanes.gov and weather.gov provided by the national weather service for a local weather outlook is important, but the primary message of the Hurricane Awareness Tour was preparedness.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency regional administrators, Gracia Szczech, Region Four, and Tony Robinson, Region Six, encouraged everyone to sign up for emergency alerts using the applications available from the FEMA website and the FEMA app. These apps will help people better understand what is needed in their emergency kits, and how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

For tips on how to be ready for serious weather more information can be found on websites at Ready.gov, FEMA.gov, and NOAA.gov. There are also downloadable apps that are helpful to prepare yourself and your loved ones.

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

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 7

Project Kester: Maintenance family cares for own

by Tech. Sgt. Bradley Tipton 927th Air Refueling Wing

A

irmen and their families from the 927th Air Refueling Wing, 927th and 6th Maintenance Group alongside volunteers from the non-profit organization Believe With Me joined forces April 29, and converged at the family home of fallen Citizen Airman Senior Airman Mahlon Kester, 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron fuel cell technician.

Lacing up boots and putting on gloves, volunteers set out to complete the transformation from the family house into a home — one with the necessities for outdoor enjoyment and recreation. Some constructed play equipment, while others planted low-maintenance trees and foliage. By project completion, the team had even installed a new front lawn.

“They’ve taken care to make everything very low maintenance for her,” said Mary Milliron, mother of Melanie Kester, Senior Airman Kester’s wife. “They even put in an irrigation system so that she doesn’t have to come outside and spend time watering. It’s more than just showing up and planting grass, they have really thought everything through. It’s incredible.”

Senior Airman Mahlon Kester was tragically killed in an off-duty motorcycle accident in 2022. A swell of support from the total force community came in the aftermath of Kester’s accident and the focus has been on ensuring Melanie and daughter Oakley have all the essentials. From the time in the hospital to the weeks and months following, everyone from Kester’s colleagues and supervisors to senior leaders banded together to ensure access to resources and information.

“There has not been a week where I haven’t heard from someone in the Air Force,” said Melanie Kester. “They even started a college fund for Oakley. They’ve invested in our future and it’s astonishing to me how present they’ve been through all of this.”

Project Kester, the joint effort to update the family’s home exterior, was made possible by 927th ARW Honorary Commander and ASI Landscaping CEO Joe Chiellini and his wife Audra, who coordinated with Lynette Reback of the Believe With Me non-profit organization to provide supplies and volunteers. For the maintainers in attendance, the day is just one of many future engagements, as the Kesters are part of the larger maintenance family.

“This kid was an amazing individual and did so much for his church, community, and family,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin McGrath, 927th Maintenance Group quality assurance superintendent. “From the onset of learning of his accident, our Squadron, Group, and Wing came together in a way I have never seen before. From the guys and girls in the shop showing support at the hospital, to everyone donating time and money to accommodate housing and transportation for the out of state family to attend the funeral...everyone stepped up!”

Volunteers construct outdoor furniture in the Kester family yard, April 29.

Photo by Tech. Sgt B

8

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

Bradley Tipton

Courtesy photo

Photo by Tech. Sgt Bradley Tipton

Volunteers mount a U.S. Air Force flag on the front of the Kester family home, April 29. Project Kester is a joint effort to provide exterior updates to the family home of fallen Senior Airman Mahlon Kester, 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron fuel cell technician.

Photo by Tech. Sgt Bradley Tipton

(Top) Volunteers pause for a group photo in front of the Kester family home, April 29. Project Kester provided exterior updates to the family home of fallen Senior Airman Mahlon Kester, 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron fuel cell technician.

(Above) Volunteers work on pieces of outdoor furniture in the Kester family yard, April 29.

DAF

From Page 3

“We have a lot of very smart partners out there, and integrated deterrence isn’t just about security relationships; it’s also about relationships in development and interoperability,” Kendall said. “We have very valuable partners, very capable partners, and we need to utilize them as much as possible. We’re leaning forward more than we ever have before in terms of sharing technology, and we’re also using more foreign technology.”

Speakers agreed that modernization efforts require collaboration with industry as well as the type of analytical rigor and decisiveness that were hallmarks of Carter’s leadership style.

Speaking on a panel about the future of innovation in defense moderated by Special Competitive Studies Project Chief Executive Officer Ylli Bajraktari, Brown and fellow panelists, Michèle Flournoy, co-founder of WestExec Advisors and former undersecretary of defense for policy; Dr. Eric Schmidt, chair of the SCSP and former Google CEO; and former U.S. National Security Advisor retired Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, commented on the need for innovation, change and speed, as well as Carter’s legacy Photo by Tech. Sgt. William A. O’Brien and the projected role of artificial intelligence in future conflicts.

The phrase “valley of death” was used as a metaphor to il- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. answers a question presented by lustrate the gap between innovation and adoption, whereby new Special Competitive Studies Project Chief Executive Officer Ylli Bajraktari during processes or technology are not implemented or operationalized. the Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security May 9, in Washing“There’s a lot of innovation on one side of the valley, but there’s ton, D.C. not a lot of processes to get things into production and into the hands of our service members quickly,” Brown explained. “It’s how we take and nurture one of these good ideas and start to build it to scale.”

Brown also discussed the Air Force’s implementation of artificial intelligence before calling on those in the audience to help the Department of Defense and the Air Force understand and harness this and other technological advancements.

“I think too often, you’ll see ‘AI’ on a bunch of PowerPoint slides, and it’s [described as] a panacea that’s going to solve all our problems — and we don’t fully understand it,” Brown said.

During his speech, Kendall described his professional relationship and personal friendship with Carter and the ways in which Carter helped mentor him to become a strategic thinker in force building and technological development.

“He was a friend … and someone I admired enormously and still do,” Kendall said. “As I’m in my current position, one of the things I do fairly frequently is ask myself, ‘What would Ash do?’ ... As I think about how to move forward, how to cut through the bureaucracy, how to move tactically supporting strategy and Photo by Tech. Sgt. William A. O’Brien how to achieve big, big objectives by piling up small things that can lead to getting to where you want to go.”

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., discusses artificial intelligence and The Ash Carter Exchange was organized by the Special Com- the implementation of innovations during the Ash Carter Exchange on Innovapetitive Studies Project, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organiza- tion and National Security May 9, in Washington, D.C. The Department of the Air tion. Its primary mission and purpose is offering analysis and Force along with the entire U.S. military is pushing to modernize and refocus in recommendations for strengthening America’s long-term global response to strategic challenges from near-peer completion after decades of placing the priority on combatting terrorism. competitiveness.

10

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

SURVIVAL From Page 3

Training began with classroom instruction where Airmen were taught to use various types of survival equipment. After the classroom portion, training moved to the pool where they received hands-on instruction with a 20-man raft and canopy. These tools helped them to discuss and practice proper responses for a variety of different emergency situations.

“This experience and just the teamwork involved is so great,” said Guillotte.

“Working together in this kind of capacity is a little different, but it helps us grow as a team and improves our readiness for the mission at hand.”

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Wendy Kuhn

U.S. Air Force pilots and aircrew with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, 121st Air Refueling Wing, participated in Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) water survival training at the Harcum Fitness and Aquatic Center in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, May 7. Every three years, pilots and certain aircrew go through SERE water survival training to familiarize themselves with the different types of equipment and to prepare for the possibility of evacuating the aircraft in the water.

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

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 11

DEFENDER 23 From Page 5

joint forceable entry operations to seize key terrain objectives. USAFEAFAFRICA has significant participation in all three exercises.

“This annual, nearly two-month long exercise is focused on the strategic deployment of U.S.-based forces, employment of Army pre-positioned stocks and interoperability with European allies and partners,” said Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon press secretary, during a briefing on April 6, 2023, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. DEFENDER 23 planning is led by U.S. Army Europe and Africa. USAFE-AFAFRICA is the supporting command. The exercise is designed to demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy combatcredible assets and equipment to assure allies, deter those who would threaten the peace of Europe and defend the continent from aggression.

The exercise demonstrates European nations’ commitment to increasing their militaries’ scale, capability and interoperability.

DEFENDER 23 will include multinational troops from more than 20 Allied and partner nations.

The large-scale movement of troops and equipment from the continental U.S. for this exercise involves extensive support from each host nation, demonstrating the importance of ally and partner investment in European military readiness and defense. The United States is a coalescing force in Europe, improving interoperability, readiness and strengthening resolve across the Alliance.

USAFE-AFAFRICA’s ability to support and integrate with U.S. allies and partners continually strengthens solidarity, collective resolve, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic warfighting environment.

Several media opportunities are scheduled during DEFENDER 23 activities. Journalists interested in being added to the distribution list should email media@army.mil, or subscribe to the RSS feed at www.

EuropeAfrica.army.mil/PressReleases. Follow the latest news and information on DEFENDER 23 at www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.

12

◆

Photo by Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance

Airmen assigned to the 724th Air Mobility Squadron offload a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 62nd Airlift Wing, based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. during Defender 23, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 5. The 31st Fighter Wing is supporting multiple Air Mobility Forces and Air Force Reserve Commands during Defender 23 exercise, a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise designed to demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy combat-credible troops and equipment to assure allies, deter those who would threaten the peace of Europe and defend the continent from aggression.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

TOUR

From Page 2

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

A group of civic leaders from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce pose with service members assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron for a photo near a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 4, 2023. The group toured the base to gain a better understanding of military operations and the best ways to support service members in their local community.

“We have been strengthening our relationship with Ft. Campbell,” Anderson shared. “We will have a full session around the military workforce, primarily focusing on transitioning members of the military community and spousal support for those families.”

Airman 1st Class Dakota Gross, a boom operator with the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, acted as a tour guide for the group, showing them around the KC-135.

“I think it’s really interesting how we are able to make connections with

leaders from different regions of the United States,” said Gross. “It feels good knowing that people care so much about building strong relationships with service members and rally our local areas to be just as supportive.”

As a pillar of the Tampa Bay community, MacDill AFB is committed to continually improving their relationship with civilians in the surrounding area. The Nashville Chamber of Commerce tour is one example of the ongoing and ever improving relationship between the 6th Air Refueling Wing and its civilian counterparts.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 13

14

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

FSS Memorial Day closures The following FSS food and beverage services will be closed May 26 - 29: the Breakaway Event Center, Boomers, SeaScapes, Brews of the Bay, and Rickenbacker’s Café. For a full list of Memorial Day closures, visit macdillfss.com/memorialdayhours/.

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. For more information about this event, visit macdillfss.com/short-fitness-center/.

Arts and Craft Classes The Arts and Crafts Center is now offering craft classes. For a full list of May classes, visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/AC_ MAYEVENTS.pdf.

Free Golf Lessons for Active Duty Every Wednesday from 12 - 1 p.m., active duty and their spouses can enjoy free instruction, golf balls and clubs at the driving range. No reservation required.

Become a Secret Shopper Get paid to call or visit 6 FSS facilities. To learn more, call or email the 6th FSS Marketing Dept. at 828-2513 or sixfssfsk@gmail.com.

The Champ!

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 6th ARW command chief, right, pose for a photo with Senior Airman Lazarea West, 6th Security Forces Squadron entry controller, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base May 9. West was rewarded for volunteering at a U.S. Central Command safety event, revitalizing the 6th SFS Airman’s Council and working with local recruiters to showcase defender’s roles and responsibilities to potential recruits.

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.

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

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

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

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813)

(confessions by appointment)

828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

Find more events at: macdillfss.com 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, May 18, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 15

16

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, May 18, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT