Thunderbolt 5/23/2024

Vol. 52, No. 21

Thursday, May 23, 2024

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News/Features: page 3 SOF Week

News/Features: page 3 Electromagnetic dominance

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

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

Deputy Chief Ruth Cate of the Tampa Police Department, provides remarks during the opening ceremony of National Police Week at MacDill Air Force Base May 13. Every year, MacDill Airmen come together to celebrate National Police Week by honoring security forces members who currently serve, have served and who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty. National Police Week is held annually to honor military and civilian police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

NEWS/FEATURES

Unity in service: commemorating Police Week at MacDill AFB

by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin 6th Air Refueling Wing Established 59 years ago by President John F. Kennedy, Police Week has stood as a national tribute to honor law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others’ safety and protection.

Commemorating this significant observance, the 6th Security Forces Squadron hosted a series of events at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 13-17, 2024.

“These Airmen play a critical role in protecting and defending the base and supporting missions around the globe every day.” said Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander. “This week is an opportunity to recognize their sacrifices and commitment to service, and say thank you for all you do!”

The events organized by the 6th SFS throughout the week aimed to not only commemorate the fallen but also foster camaraderie and teamwork among service members.

“Police Week is an opportunity to honor and remember those Defenders who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as well as present civilian and military law enforcement officers,” said Tech. Sgt. Peter Marquez, 6th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of mobility.

See POLICE, Page 14

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

U.S. Air Force Maj. Cameron Miller, 6th Security Forces Squadron commander, runs past a memorial sign honoring a fallen defender during a ruck march as part of National Police Week at MacDill Air Force Base May 13. Fifteen memorial signs were placed along the path to commemorate defenders who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Every year, MacDill Airmen come together to celebrate National Police Week by honoring security forces members who currently serve, have served and who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.

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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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

Special Operations Forces Week comes together to build partnerships

by Michael Bottoms U.S. Special Operations Command Delegates from more than 79 nations to include the King of Jordan Abdullah II bin AlHussein along with current and retired senior military leaders attended the Special Operations Forces Week, May 6-10, 2024, in Tampa, Florida.

The command’s philosophy is people are SOF’s competitive and comparative advantage.

SOF attracts the most talented men and women who are driven to solve the most complex problems, in politically sensitive and contested environments. SOF wins by campaigning for integrated deterrence, strengthening our partnerships, conducting exquisite crisis response, countering violent extremism, and leading with creative, tailorable, and asymmetric options. Last, with a focus on ongoing transformation, SOF is accelerating its wide-ranging modernization efforts and leveraging its essential acquisition authorities that enable it to capitalize on our Nation’s innovation ecosystem.

See SOF Page 6

Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephan Patzer

An MH-6 “little bird” helicopter flies over Tampa Bay during a capabilities demonstration May 8. Special Operations Forces Week is the premier gathering for the SOF community and industry, bringing together more than 21,000 attendees, including representatives from more than 79 countries to collaborate on new initiatives and capabilities needed for SOF professionals to compete and win in the future.

ACC commander: dominance in electromagnetic spectrum is not optional

by Capt. Benjamin Aronson 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing The Crows of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing welcomed the Air Combat Command leadership team and their spouses to Eglin Air Force Base, recently, where they saw firsthand the wing’s role in providing joint and coalition partners with electromagnetic warfare (EW) capabilities needed to dominate the spectrum.

The wing, activated in 2021, has its origins in the 53rd Wing at Eglin; the same wing Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, previously commanded. The now inactive 53rd Electronic Warfare Group, went on to become eight squadrons across the 350th SWW that Wilsbach had the opportunity to engage with during his visit.

“Going through the 350th today and seeing how much has changed was impressive,” said

Wilsbach. “The advancements, changes and speed at which the wing operates enhances the focus on the primary challenge – China.”

Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, ACC’s command chief, were briefed on the wing’s current process to rapidly reprogram critical mission data under wartime contingencies and how it is reshaping its approach to combat adversaries in the spectrum.

“Electromagnetic spectrum operations are a significant part of how we operate,” said Wilsbach. “The operations that are happening today in the Pacific will inform the data and what will happen here at the 350th. That data will in turn be used by those same operators for an advantage against China.”

Part of that reshaping includes the planned activation of the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group at Robins AFB, Georgia. The 950th SWG is proSee ACC, Page 13

Photo by Capt. Benjamin Aronson

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command and his wife, Cindy Wilsbach, and Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, command chief of ACC, and his wife, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, listen to an introduction brief about the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing during a wing tour at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, April 10.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Johnson, a combat arms instructor assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron competes during the Defenders Challenge for National Police Week May 14 at MacDill Air Force Base. Every year, MacDill Airmen come together to celebrate National Police Week by honoring military and civilian law enforcement who paid the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base compete in an “Excellence in Competition” shooting competition, hosted by the 6th Security Forces Squadron, May 16. The shooting competition was one of many events hosted by the 6 SFS throughout National Police Week.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caleb Perry, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron mobility training manager, fastens a device to a unit flag before the Port Dawg Memorial Run at MacDill Air Force Base May 14. The annual memorial run honors fallen aerial transportation specialists.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Swedish, USAF EOD forces strengthen NATO ties in combined exercise at Tyndall

by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem 325th Fighter Wing TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.— The commencement of Sweden joining NATO March 7, 2024, opened the door to new training opportunities between U.S. and Swedish armed forces. The Swedish army Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Demining Centre first company, sixth team, joined the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD unit for a combined exercise at Tyndall’s Silver Flag training site, April 29May 3, 2024.

The exercise aimed to test and improve the readiness and interoperability between the two countries by establishing camaraderie and providing a platform to exchange techniques, tactics and procedures.

Throughout the five-day exercise, the two

teams performed a wide range of operations, including hostage scenarios and complex threat simulations.

“These exercises are important as new allies,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Clayton Manning, 325th CES EOD journeyman. “Building chemistry and experiences are crucial to our relationships with partner nations. At Tyndall, we have the largest Silver Flag training site in the Department of Defense and it’s valuable to have access to all the assets we need to train in a [simulated and realistic] downrange environment.”

Cooperation among allied nations can not only validate and test solutions but helps facilitate rapid employment of future capabilities.

This operation was another way to integrate and interoperate with partners, streamlining See SWEDISH, Page 10

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelly Dishman, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal craftsman, prepares to scan a simulated explosive device during a combined training exercise at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 2.

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SOF

From Page 3

Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command and Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Shorter, command senior enlisted leader opened the international week.

“This week is a rare opportunity. To bring together a brilliant crowd of innovators in industry, academia, and national security, who are all ready to solve tough problems alongside the 1% of the 1% -- those of our international Special Operations community,” said Fenton. “Your SOCOM Team is delivering asymmetric and asynchronous advantage and opportunities for our nation across the globe, alongside our allies and our partners, providing dilemmas and challenges for our adversaries.”

With regard to the importance of partnerships, Shorter added, “Seabed to space, cyber to fiber, your SOCOM Team – fueled by the power of partnerships – is all about PEOPLE. The international SOF network gives us a unique lens into what is happening in the world and that helps us transform faster and get ahead in this complex world.”

Throughout the week, international SOF commanders discussed ways to improve interoperability, increase lethality, and optimize how SOF sources global requirements and various training venues. SOF Week is a way for the global SOF community to meet, learn from each other and advance a coordinated effort to meet global security challenges.

Melissa A. Johnson, the acquisition executive for USSOCOM, who is responsible for over 1,000-plus personnel providing rapid and focused acquisition, technology, and logistics support to SOF also opened the conference.

“SOF AT&L is accelerating and increasing collaboration with the private capital investment ecosystem to share SOF’s areas of interest and to identify viable pathfinders,” said Johnson. “The relationship we share with our industry partners is vital to defeat a relentless enemy as we continue to revolutionize and deliver war winning capabilities to the field. We owe this to the SOF warriors, our country, and our partner nations.”

SOF Week provided the opportunity for USSOCOM personnel to network with defense industry professionals and government attendees. Attendees viewed the latest in SOF equipment and capabilities from more than 700 exhibitors with approximately 21,000 peo6

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Photo by Tech. Sgt. Marleah Miller

U.S. Army General Bryan Fenton, left, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Shorter, senior enlisted leader with U.S. SOCOM, provide a keynote speech during the opening of Special Operations Week 2024, Tampa May 7. ple in attendance.

Conference attendees from the global SOF Community were provided a unique opportunity to strengthen enduring relationships, share current technologies, enhance cooperation, and identify commonalities and challenges. These events supported USSOCOM’s ongoing efforts to formalize and strengthen existing international network partnerships and engage with key stakeholder publics.

For the first time, USSOCOM hosted a special event for more than 200 high school students enrolled in local Junior ROTC programs.

During the day the students were able to view the capabilities demonstration rehearsal, meet Medal of Honor recipient MSG (ret.) Earl Plumlee, tour the SOF Week exhibit hall and talk to college ROTC mentors and recruiters.

The capstone event of the week was a capabilities demonstration on May 8 that demonstrated the international special operations spirit of cooperation and abilities. Aside from U.S. Special Operations Forces, commandos

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from 10 countries conducted a scenario-based demonstration in the area surrounding the Tampa Convention Center to demonstrate the capabilities of multinational SOF cooperation.

The demonstration featured six-man teams on MH-6 “little bird” helicopters, an MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter dropping SEALs into Tampa Bay, a drone swarm, powered paragliders, special operators parachuting into the waters of Tampa Bay, and an AC-130 and a F-35 flyover providing close air support.

SOF Week is the premiere conference for the special operations community to interact with industry and collaborate on the challenges, initiatives and way-ahead in delivering the most cutting-edge capabilities to SOF operators.

The week provides educational sessions, demonstrations, interaction with exhibitors and many networking opportunities. The conference is the single most important opportunity for developing, nurturing, and exercising the growing network across industry, government, academia, and international partners.

NEWS/FEATURES

AFRL chief scientists welcome HBCU partners to advance tactical autonomy

by Catherine B Sprague Air Force Research Laboratory EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Chief scientists from technical directorates across the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, hosted the Department of the Air Force’s firstever Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCU, -led University Affiliated Research Center, or UARC, at Eglin Air Force Base on April 2, 2024. The event initiated collaborative efforts and projects focused on delivering tactical autonomy to the warfighter.

Select faculty and students from the UARC attended the event, representing Delaware State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Norfolk State University, Tougaloo College and Bowie State University. The UARC also includes repSee AFRL, Page 11

Photo by Chris Quinlin

Chief scientists from technical directorates across the Air Force Research Laboratory met with the Department of the Air Force’s first-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities -led University Affiliated Research Center, or UARC, to initiate collaborative efforts relating to tactical autonomy at the Doolittle Institute in Niceville, Fla., April 2.

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Future of air refueling: US Air Force tests autonomous

U.S. Air Force Capt. Elizabeth Mueser (left) and Maj. Kristie Ciampa (right), pilots with the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, perform pre-flight checks on a off at MacDill Air Force Base May 15. The 6th Air Refueling Wing is collaborating with an innovative aviation technology startup to test autonomou military aviation. story and photos by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin 6th Air Refueling Wing

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ith a vision to redefine air refueling, Air Mobility Command is partnering with an innovative aviation technology startup to test cutting-edge autonomous systems that could revolutionize military aviation.

Exploring how autonomous systems can enhance aircrew efficiency and reduce workload, researchers took flight on the KC-135 Stratotanker May 14-15, 2024, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).

“Our job is not to replace pilots, but to make their job safer,” said a spokesperson from the technology company, “Our whole goal is to develop technology that can be operated as safe or safer than current aircraft systems.”

Beyond flying with members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, team members conducted in-depth interviews with aircrew

members to gain insight into their experiences and areas for potential automation along with conducting audio and video recordings of their processes throughout the rest of the week.

The crew also participated in simulator sessions to observe and evaluate current operations, and assess the feasibility of reducing crew numbers through automation.

“We’re trying to identify the pinch points where our technology can help—what requires a lot of time, attention, and presents hazards,” said the spokesperson.

Pilots participating in this initiative have shared their enthusiasm and expectations for the potential improvements.

“The efforts of this cooperation would be game changing in time-crunched and high-stressed environments when pilots’ attention must be on flying the aircraft first,” said Maj. Kristy Ciampa, 50th Air Refueling Squadron pilot. “If we can augment the flying, we can increase our crew’s overall capability, situational awareness, and bandwidth to accomplish more time-critical, tactical, yet secondary tasks.”

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The CRADA will be on takes place in 2025. “It’s a man factors and drive con person added.

Until then, Airmen wil to refine these innovative operational needs.

“I look forward to seein flying capabilities and how aperture, and capabilities more with our mission in system that helps our crew mount as we look to do mo This partnership repre tegrating advanced auto tion, aiming to enhance extending the life of olde tonomy systems.

s systems

KC-135 Stratotanker prior to takeus systems that could revolutionize

ngoing until the first demonstration an ongoing effort to understand huntinuous improvement,” the spokes-

ll continue working with the agency e systems to support the Air Force’s

ng the progress of augmenting basic w it will increase our overall safety, s,” said Ciampa. “The ability to do n the KC-135 is exciting – having a ws maintain safety first will be paraore with our aircrews and aircraft.” esents a significant step toward inonomous systems in military aviae efficiency and safety, all while er aircraft through retrofitted au-

(Above) An aviation test engineer performs research on a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base May 16. The 6th Air Refueling Wing is partnering with an aviation technology startup to test and explore the potential of autonomous flight systems to enhance aircrew efficiency and reduce workloads at MacDill Air Force Base.

(Left) U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristie Ciampa, a pilot with the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, interacts with an aviation test engineer while performing pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Strato-tanker prior to take-off at MacDill Air Force Base May 15. The 6th Air Refueling Wing partnering with an aviation technology startup to test and explore the potential of autonomous flight systems to enhance aircrew efficiency and reduce workloads at MacDill Air Force Base.

SWEDISH From Page 5

processes across each country’s procedures.

“If [either] of us [operates] differently we have the ability to experiment with them, in a controlled environment, and implement it in our training back home so we can increase our capabilities, with the significant shift in us becoming a partner nation,” said Swedish army Cpl. Filip Davidsson, an EOD and demining first company, sixth team member.

The first day of the exercise focused on demolition proficiency and the effects of dynamic charges against improvised explosive devices. Subsequent training days challenged both teams to utilize a variety of techniques to render safety and dispose of explosive hazards in a simulated Middle Eastern area of operation, incorporating real-world experiences to enhance detection and removal of IEDs. “I hope we can keep working with [Sweden] often,” Manning said. “This exercise, planned over multiple months, aimed to provide a foundation for strengthening the partnership between joint nations, and I would say it was a complete success.”

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Photos by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Beck, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal craftsman, scans for simulated buried explosives during a combined training exercise at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, April 30.

AFRL

From Page 7

resentatives from Tuskegee and Florida Memorial Universities, who were unable to attend the event.

During the kickoff, college representatives presented their institutions’ academic focuses and core competencies and explained how they align with the USAF’s tactical autonomy mission.

“The UARC receives tactical autonomy research requirements from the AFRL directorates,” said Tim Williams, UARC manager and staff operations analyst.

“Response to the research will provide AFRL recommendations and solutions to Trust in Mission Autonomy, Collaboration Between Platforms and Human-Machine teaming challenges. The UARC anticipates this research will aid AFRL in determining what is known, what is not known and what can be developed further in pursuit of advancing the fielding of tactical autonomy to the warfighter.”

Sonya Smith, executive director of the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy UARC, said the collaborative efforts of these institutions also benefit students and universities.

“By working closely with AFRL and other government agencies, we actively contribute to enhancing the capabilities of the warfighter, while also providing unparalleled opportunities for our students and faculty to make meaningful contributions to national security,” Smith said.

Following the kickoff at the Doolittle Institute in Niceville, Florida, the UARC group attended AFRL Research and Development poster sessions and presentations hosted by the 96th Test Wing, as well as toured various labs and hangars on Eglin Air Force Base.

Additionally, the group made a trip to the University of Florida Research and Engineering Education Facility and toured Eglin AFB’s Air Force Armament Museum.

The visit was a success in terms of collaboration and development, and enjoyable for both UARC members and the chief scientists in attendance, Williams said.

“Dr. Coleman could not have selected a better venue than the Chief Scientist Group and Eglin Air Force Base for the Tactical Autonomy UARC’s first operational visit to a U.S. Air Force Installation,” Williams said. “Dr. [David] Lambert, Chief Scientist at AFRL’s Munitions Directorate at Eglin, was very welcoming and ensured their first visit was memorable. For all of the students and most of the professors, this visit was their first time on a military installation.”

Lambert, for his part, called the opportunity to host the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy UARC “an honor” and “exhilarating.”

See AFRL, Page 16

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2024 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY FAMILY DAY Fri, May 24 Fitness Center FitStop Smoothies & More

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ACC

From Page 3

jected to expand the wing’s ability to assess every aircraft in the Combat Air Force inventory, ensuring readiness through assessment of EMS-based combat capabilities.

The wing conveyed the resourcing challenges associated with reinvesting in spectrum-based capabilities, including the ability to gain experienced Airmen who are familiar with EW—a challenge on both the officer, enlisted and civilian sides of the force.

“We need to have an ecosystem for experts in electronic warfare and spectrum warfare,” said Wilsbach. “The focus on creating that pipeline will develop our Airmen and prepare them to execute the mission of the Spectrum Warfare Wing.”

Wolfe agreed with Wilsbach and wing leadership, stating, “There’s a lot of work to be done from Air Combat Command to ensure we are doing everything possible to resource a new wing.”

During the visit, Wolfe hosted an all-call with the 350th and 53rd Wing enlisted members touching on the readiness of the force to meet the pacing challenge of China and other adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We’re the only enlisted force on the planet that can do what would be needed in the Pacific,” said Wolfe. “The professionalism and the excellence of our enlisted corps is a distinct advantage and is full of winners who do a job every day and make things happen.”

The ACC command team learned how the wing is weaponizing data and how it is essential for disrupting, degrading and destroying enemy command, control and communication systems. This is being done through efforts conducted at units such as the 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron, which supports the entire Department of Defense F-35 fleet.

The wing also showcased its role in prioritizing EMSOintegration into exercises such as Red Flag, Bamboo Eagle and more, supporting Wilsbach’s exercise priorities and providing warfighters and planners across the joint force realistic EW training environments and education.

“EMSO needs to be integrated into our training,” said Wilsbach. “As we go forward with these large force exercises...the [350th] Spectrum Warfare Wing and its mission will be integral. Electronic warfare is not a special thing; it is just what we do.”

The Air force’s ability to generate, sustain and deliver decisive multi-domain effects to achieve air component commander objectives depends on the 350th SWW, a message that was on display during the visit.

“It’s been fantastic being at Eglin and interacting with the Airmen,” said Wilsbach. “They’re addressing the most pressing needs our service has and getting results. Dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum is required; it’s no longer optional. If you don’t pay attention in that area, you’re going to get beat.”

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POLICE From Page 2

The week began with a memorial ruck, where service members carried the memories of fallen comrades as they marched across the base.

Sgt. Justin Brunson, 6th SFS marine patrol crew lead said, “Police week is about honoring the legacy of the Security Forces and civilian law enforcement community. It’s about remembering the fallen Defenders and celebrating their accomplishments in life.”

On Tuesday, participants competed in the Defenders Challenge, which was a test of skill, agility, and teamwork.

“The Defenders Challenge shows you the importance of relying on the person to your left and right and knowing that it can’t be done alone,” said Tech. Sgt. Gordon Lunderman, 6th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, after completing the course. “It allows you to prove to yourself what you are capable of and how important being part of a team is.”

However, things got loud on Wednesday when the precision and expertise of Defenders were on full display during the Excellence in Competition shooting event.

“These events bring a fun competitive atmosphere to Police Week,” said Marquez. “It also gives us the opportunity to work on our team building skills, motivate and help each other push our limits as we get through the challenge.”

Friday wrapped up the week with a golf tournament and closing ceremony to honor the week’s events and commemorate the sacrifices of fallen Defenders.

“Police week really brings the whole community together,” said Brunson. “These events show how much we all support each other and

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Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

U.S. Air Force Maj. Cameron Miller, 6th Security Forces Squadron commander, runs past a memorial sign honoring a fallen defender during a ruck march as part of National Police Week at MacDill Air Force Base May 13. Fifteen memorial signs were placed along the path to commemorate defenders who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Every year, MacDill Airmen come together to celebrate National Police Week by honoring security forces members who currently serve, have served and who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty. the sense of pride that we have as cops.”

Though Police Week has come to an end at MacDill AFB, the legacy of those who have giv-

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en their all lives on, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of service, sacrifice, and unity.

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

ODR Summer Expo Photo Contest Show off your summer vibes and win big. Enter Outdoor Recreation’s Summer Expo Photo Contest by sharing your Memorial Day weekend adventures. Submit a photo of family or friends, tag @MacDillFSS and @MacDillAirForceOutdoorRecAndMarina with #showusyourstarttosummer on Facebook, and you could win a free cabana at the ODR Summer Expo on June 1—a $300 value!

Don’t miss out. Visit macdillfss. com/summerexpo/ for more information.

Upcoming FSS holiday hours For a full list of 6th Force Support Squadron program facilities, dining options, and recreational facility closures for Memorial Day weekend, visit macdillfss.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024_MEMORIALDAYHRS. 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/.

Photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton

The Champ!

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander (left), recognizes Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rauch, 6th Security Forces Squadron unmanned aircraft system program manager (right), as Champ of the Week at MacDill Air Force Base May 14. Rauch coordinated vital programs to detect drone threats in restricted air space above MacDill’s 7.2-mile coastline.

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 Chapel 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 23, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15

AFRL

From Page 11

“The research areas, staff and students of the nine universities in this consortium are incredibly well-aligned and provide the Air Force with novel approaches to high priority S&T challenge areas in autonomy, intelligence and collaborative systems,” Lambert said. “The technical interactions with AFRL provided mutually beneficial insights to areas of high value research with several tangible outcomes that will bring longer-term collaborations. This was definitely a win-win engagement, and we look forward to future R&D efforts.”

AFRL Chief Technology Officer Dr. Timothy Bunning said he expects similar successful engagements will occur in the future.

“In the future, we [will] strive to continue to educate participants on both sides, share opportunities for the UARC students to continue their education and to conduct much more focused scientific exchanges on subsets of the ongoing work, continually sharing across the S&T ecosystem,” Bunning said.

Collaborative efforts between AFRL and UARC are ongoing as both groups work toward establishing a more diverse workforce and furthering tactical autonomy research and development.

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force.

AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine tech-

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nology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.

For additional information about the HBU UARC, see the links below: Howard University selected to lead 15th University Affiliated Research Center https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3303970/howard-university-selected-to-lead-15th-university-affiliated-research-center/ 1st DAF University Affiliated Research Center has tactical autonomy research focus, looks for HBCU lead https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3150775/1st-dafuniversity-affiliated-research-center-has-tactical-autonomy-research-fo/ Air Force, DOD Plan to Create First Historically Black Colleges and Universities-led Affiliated Research Center https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3077152/airforce-dod-plan-to-create-first-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ US Air Force selects Howard University for science research partnership https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3275428/us-airforce-selects-howard-university-for-science-research-partnership/

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, May 23, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT