Week in photos

C-17 Globemaster III dedicated to ‘Candy Bomber,’ Berlin Airlift

Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

PROVO, Utah (AFNS)—Kicking off a two-day celebration honoring the life and legacy of Col. Gail Halvorsen, the “Candy Bomber,” the Air Mobility Command commander joined friends, family and guests in Provo, May 20, to dedicate a Joint Base Charleston-based C-17 Globemaster III as the “Spirit of the Candy Bomber.”

Beloved by Germans and Americans alike, Halvorsen was known for dropping candy via mini-parachutes from his C-54 Skymasterto German children during the Berlin Airlift from 1948 to 1949. Halvorsen died Feb. 16, at the age of 101, after a lifetime of service and inspiring the generations that followed behind him.

Gen. Mike Minihan, AMC commander, reflected on Halvorsen’s act of kindness and how it inspired an AMC tradition of delivering hope … always.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime representing the men and women of the United States Air Force and the Air Mobility Command celebrating the

See CANDY BOMBER, Page 11

Photo by Tech Sgt. Zachary Boyer

Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, speaks before unveiling the C-17 Globemaster III that was renamed to “Spirit of the Candy Bomber” in Provo, Utah, May 20. Halvorsen went down in history for his selfless acts during the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and 1949.

Don’t take risks in summer

by Lisa Gonzales

Air Force Safety Center

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NM—Summer starts soon, bringing warmer weather and longer days. Many families are beginning to plan outdoor activities like swimming, boating, camping and road trips. Remember to use risk management in all summer activities to help mitigate mishaps.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every year in the United States an estimated 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings occur, with children ages 1-4 having the highest drowning rates.

In fiscal year 2021 the Department of the Air Force lost seven members to drowning. Could these deaths have been avoided? Were risks assessed and life jackets considered? Asking the right question and assessing risks is key to staying safe.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2020, there were 5,265 recreational boating accidents resulting in 767 deaths, and 3,191 injuries. Where the cause of death was known, 75 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims, 86 percent were not wearing a life jacket.

Being in, on, or around the water can be dangerous. Know your limitations and always remember to have adults and children wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. To build skills, be prepared and stay physically fit, considering signing up for swimming lessons.

“Every Airmen and Guardian needs the proper training before par-

U.S. Air Force graphic

Use sound risk management in all your summer activities to help mitigate mishaps. Get proper training to build your skillsets before you participate.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor, middle; retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson, fourth from right; U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson, right, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, and audience members pose for a group photo after a women’s senior leader panel at MacDill Air Force Base May 23. The panel was held for Team MacDill to ask for guidance, share stories of resiliency, and to positively impact future generations of leaders in the Air Force.

Photo by U.S. Special Operations Command

U.S. Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, right, and Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Gregory A. Smith, USSOCOM senior enlisted leader, lay a wreath during a Memorial Day observation at the Special Operations Memorial on MacDill Air Force Base May 26. The federal holiday serves as a time to honor service members who died while serving in the armed forces.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook

Debra and Gary Holman, surviving family of Tech. Sgt. Steven Holman, place a memorial sign for their son on a lamp post at MacDill Air Force Base during the Second Annual Memorial Day Remembrance event May 25. Volunteers from MacDill AFB and the surrounding community came together to place 75 signs around MacDill to honor fallen service members.

Master the move

Exchange Service makes PCS’ing smooth

by Keiana Holleman

DALLAS—Military orders are rolling in, which means it is time for service members worldwide to relocate to their next mission. Service members and their families preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can master their move with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s PCS Headquarters.

The Department of Defense’s largest retailer provides support atShopMyExchange.com/PCS for each stage of the moving process for Soldiers, Airmen and Guardians—making their move smooth and helping start their new mission with ease.

“PCS’ing is a major life event and can be extremely stressful,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange is all in to support service members and their families and make their move as smooth as possible. The online PCS Headquarters is a helpful one-stop shop for the entire military community.”

At ShopMyExchange.com/PCS, service members and their families can:

Download a PCS checklist, which includes steps to take at three months before the move up to the day of the arrival.

Shop online tax-free for storage, luggage, vacuums, cleaning supplies, linens, dining and cookware, home security, furniture, appliances, office supplies and more.

Visit the Mobile Center to shop for new cellphones and services.

U.S. Army & Air Force Exchange graphic

See PCS, Page 10

DeCA begins test of Commissary CLICK2GO delivery at MacDill

DeCA Corporate Communications

FORT LEE, Va.—The Defense Commissary Agency is testing Commissary CLICK2GO delivery service at MacDill Air Force Base in an effort to give eligible customers more convenient access to their benefit, according to Bill Moore, DeCA director and CEO.

“Delivery is the third part of our three-legged stool of convenience: 1) online shopping – curbside pickup or Commissary CLICK2GO, 2) online payment and 3) delivery,” said Moore. “We learned from our focus group of new young, single enlisted service members that they value convenience as much as their savings, and they want low-cost, healthy options.”

The new delivery service test will run June 1 – Aug. 30 for locations within a 20-mile “driven” radius at the following pilot commissaries: Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; Fort Bragg South, North Carolina; MacDill Air Force Base,Florida; and Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Naval Air Station Miramar and Naval Station San Diego, both in California.

This is how delivery will work: n An authorized commissary customer logs on to DeCA’s website, www.commissaries.com, any time day or night, goes on to theShop. Commissaries page, authenticates their identity, selects their store and chooses from that store’s full assortment of grocery, or center-store items, and a refined assortment of the top-selling, random-weight items, such as fresh meat, deli and bakery items, and fresh seafood. As the customer shops online, the virtual shopping basket is updated to reflect the items and prices n Once they finish filling their cart, the customer proceeds to the checkout process n Customer selects the “Delivery” Option n The customer enters the address for delivery and selects a two-hour delivery window with a minimum lead time of three to four hours n The DeCA ecommerce application determines that the customer is within the delivery area based upon their address and zip code and the available delivery window for the date and time based on the customer’s choice n Once their delivery area is confirmed, the customer then finalizes payment for their order inclusive of groceries, DeCA surcharge, delivery fees, and applicable delivery driver gratuities n DeCA emails the customer, confirming order number, transaction amount, delivery fee and applicable gratuity dollars, delivery date and window n Commissary employees will pick the items from the shelves to fill the customers’ orders n If delivery is not possible, then the customer would be offered the opportunity to pick up in store or cancel the order

“Through delivery, we are offering our customers an online and mobile shopping option, where they can browse items, submit orders, schedule delivery and pay for their groceries from their computer, phone, tablet or mobile device,” said Dr. Theon Danet, executive director of DeCA’s IT Group. “This 90-day test period is one of the tools we are using as we contemplate delivery at all commissary locations.”

Graphic by DeCA Corporate Communications

HPCON BRAVO in place

The installation commander directed the implementation of Health Protection Condition (HPCON) BRAVO effective May 26, 2022, due to a significant increase of community COVID-19 cases, raising the community risk level from “low” to “medium”. HPCON Bravo does not require mask wear on the installation. All services will remain the same on MacDill including food operations.

Photo by Justin R. Pacheco

Cadets march into Falcon Stadium to start the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 25. Nine-hundredseventy cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force and Space Force’s newest second lieutenants.

Power of partnerships

Austin gives commencement speech to Air Force Academy’s Class of 2022

by Ray Bowden

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS)—Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin IIIsaid newly commissioned officers graduating from the U.S. Air Force AcademyMay 25 will bring their dedication to service and innovation to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

Austin gave the commencement speech for the Class of 2022 at the school’s graduation ceremony in Falcon Stadium, speaking to 973 graduates, faculty, staff and thousands of friends and relatives.

The Secretary of Defense encouraged the graduates to promote democracy, provide for the security of the U.S. and strive for innovation throughout their military careers.

“Innovation is the ballgame of the 21st century and countries either lead or get left behind,” he said. “As the Defense Department weaves together our concepts and capabilities in new and networked ways, we’re going to call on you.”

Austin said the Class of 2022 serves in an era of complex geopolitical movements but proved its dedication by overcoming the academy’s academic, military and physical challenges during the coronavirus pandemic and other tests and trials.

“In just four years, you’ve seen more changes than many see in a lifetime,” he said. “A pandemic reminded us that some of this century’s biggest threats don’t even notice borders. America’s longest war – one that spanned nearly all of your lifetimes – came to an end and Russia’s cruel and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine dragged Europe into the largest security crisis since World War II.

“Graduating from this academy is hard enough without a global pandemic and graduating after years clouded by COVID shows serious courage and behavior,” Austin said. “But what counts is how you respond to hard times. And I’m told that during lockdown you kept this wing flying and insisted on taking care of each other. Your class motto is ‘Strength and Sacrifice’ and during a once-in-a-generation pandemic, that’s exactly what you showed.”

Specifically referring to Russia, Austin said, “America’s adversaries are testing the values cadets have sworn to defend.”

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” perform an air show after the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 25. Nine-hundredseventy cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force and Space Force’s newest second lieutenants.

From Page 7

Set up TV and internet for the new location.

Get connected with the new installation and find PCS resources and supplies on the Digital Garrison app for Army PCS moves.

Purchase in-home assembly and installation services from top-rated professionals in the Continental United States including: home maintenance, smart home and home entertainment setup, moving and more.

Authorized military shoppers can also:

Use the MILITARY STAR® card’s Pay Your Way plans to purchase tax-free, military-exclusive-priced items at PXs and BXs as well asShopMyExchange.com.

Receive military-exclusive pricing on car rentals with Avis and Sixt.

Save 15% on storage solutions and 10% on moving services with PODS® Moving & Storage. (Conditions may apply.)

Shop for a vehicle overseas with Military AutoSource using exclusive overseas military benefits.

Get $20 off moving services with Blue Rhino.

Soldiers, Airmen and Guardians can visit ShopMyExchange.com/PCS to view resources and manage your move.

ACADEMY

From Page 8

“Putin’s war of choice is an affront to the rules-based international order and a challenge to free people everywhere,” he said. “The world has been inspired by the bravery of the Ukrainian people and I know you have as well.”

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, spoke at the ceremony before Austin, calling Russia an “acute threat” and China a “strategic, well-resourced threat.”

“You are graduating during an inflection point in our history,” Kendall said.

Austin said the Class of 2022 has a direct role in promoting the international partnerships and teamwork that can quell threats from hostile nations. These partnerships, he said, “are central to our strength.”

“The power of partnerships helped us rush aid to let Ukraine defend itself,” he said. “In the Indo-Pacific, it’s helping us counter aggressive behavior from the People’s Republic of China, which our new National Defense Strategy calls the ‘pacing challenge’ for the U.S. military. You’ll see the power of teamwork as Airmen, Guardians and warfighters.”

Austin said he expects the graduates to be positive examples to all they come across during their military careers.

“You don’t get bogged down in ugliness or division,” he said. “You’re always chasing new horizons. You move faster, see further and fly higher. All of you have answered your country’s call with courage and commitment, with tenacity and teamwork, and with strength and sacrifice. With outstanding young leaders like the Class of 2022, the future of our country is bright.”

U.S. Air Force graphic by James Masie

A renaming ceremony in honor of Col. Gail Halvorsen, also known as the “Candy Bomber,” was unveiled in Provo, Utah, May 20.

distinguished life and service of an Air Force hero – Uncle Wiggly Wings, the Chocolate Pilot, the Candy Bomber,” Minihan said. “This C-17, the Spirit of the Candy Bomber, serves as a small token of our larger inheritance from Colonel Halvorsen and will transport Halvorsen’s example around the world, the standard bearer for the power of the humanitarian mission he began, and it will spread Halvorsen’s undying influence ensuring the spirit of the Candy Bomber will live on in the Mobility world, in the Air Force and in the American spirit forever.”

The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate a United States Air Force hero during the service’s 75th year. The Berlin Airlift, also known as Operation Vittles, was the first major operation the independent service participated in, delivering more than 2.3 million tons of food and fuel to Berlin. Operation Little Vittles, conceived and led by Halvorsen, also delivered 46,000 pounds of candy to children on the ground.

“He took the ultimate high ground in a year where we celebrate the 75th year of an independent Air Force that he helped shape from the very beginning,” Minihan said. “An Air Force based on the premise that air power is a force all its own and he brought that premise to life, setting the standard of humanitarian operations we measure ourselves against to this very day. He harnessed the best of the American spirit and shined a beacon of light into the darkness of despair behind the Iron Curtain. He showed us that doing the right things that can change the world and touched the lives of generations. He planted the seeds of friendship and alliance that continue to bear fruit today.”

The following day, the Spirit of the Candy Bomber joined a C-54 Skymaster, the Spirit of Freedom, as the celebration moved to Spanish Fork Airport in Provo. The event included STEM events for children, a preview of the future Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education Center and performances by the Band of the Golden West.

The event concluded with a spectacular flyover by the Spirit of the Candy Bomber joined by the Spirt of Freedom with the C-54 dropping parachutes and candy to the crowd below.

The Spirit of the Candy Bomber has provided aid and assistance for several humanitarian operations including the ongoing Ukraine Security Assistance missions, last year’s Afghanistan non-combatant evacuation, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and Operation United Assistance during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Notably, during the Afghanistan NEO, The Spirit of the Candy Bomber flew 18 missions, including evacuating 232 U.S. citizens, allied partners and Afghan civilians in the first 48 hours after Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021. The aircrew, who were recently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, was immediately forced to assess the heightened risk and adapt to updated orders to evacuate as many people as possible to safety.

“We saw the same great influence in the Afghanistan evacuation this last August, 124,000 Americans and Afghan partners, 17 days, one runway, all by air,” Minihan continued. “Airmen risking their safety making incredibly tough decisions on the fly to deliver new hope and a chance at the American dream for people they didn’t even know and for generations to come. Just like Colonel Halvorsen.”

Photo by Tech Sgt. Zachary Boyer

A C-17 Globemaster III and a C-54 Skymaster sit beside each other in Provo, Utah, May 20. The aircraft were a part of an honorary renaming ceremony in honor of the “Candy Bomber,” Col. Gail Halvorsen.

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

OPERATIONAL LIMITED SERVICES CLOSED

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES

Common Access Card (CAC) - By Appointment Main Base Pool - Closed For Season Only or Mission Essential Actions (Initial CAC FamCamp issue; lost CAC; PIN Reset; CAC expiring within Marina - 1/2 or Full Day Boat/ 7 days; emergency hardships Equipment Rentals, Snacks & Drinks Retiree/Dependent ID Cards - 2 Kiosks available Boat/RV Registration + Wet Slips at the BX for renewals or by appointment only Golf Course Passports - By Appointment Only Arts & Crafts Center Military Personnel Flight Bowling APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office Information, Tickets & Travel Manpower & Organization Office DIY Auto Hobby DIY Wood Shop Shop School Liaison/EFMP Skeet Range NAF Cashier Cage Archery - by Reservations Only Private Org/Unit SM&W Funds Car Wash/Resale Lot Emergency Financial Assistance READINESS/DEVELOPMENT Fitness Center 24/7 access available to pre-registered card EVENT SUPPORT holders. Breakaway Event Center Child Development Centers (CDCs) Theater Family Child Care School Age Program Youth Center FOOD OPERATIONS Military & Family Readiness Center Open for walk-in customers and appointments. DFAC Classes & Workshops are a mixture of virtual Rickenbacker’s Cafe and in person. Brews of the Bay Bar Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Library Base Education Base Training Office Airman Leadership SchoolBoomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Professional Development Center/FTAC Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) WAPS/Vol. Education Testing SeaScapes Bar - Friday nights only 1500-2000 Lodging (MacDill Inn) AAFES Food Operations

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From Page 2 via correspondence to staff. “These moves will look similar to the moves we did for COVID vaccine needles/syringes.”

The logistics planners in USTRANSCOM’s J3, the directorate responsible for operations planning and execution, and in AQ, the acquisition directorate, knew a requirement was imminent but didn’t know any of the requirements for planning. How much? Where was it coming from? When does it need to be delivered and to where? How do we engage with commercial carriers and ask for their availability for services if we can’t articulate what we need them to do?

Some pieces of the puzzle were learned the next day, May 19, when Thomas J. Vilsack, the Secretary of Agriculture, sent a Request for Assistance to the Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, that requested “DoD provide support by establishing a dedicated, contracted air-bridge to move infant formula from Zurich, Switzerland, to Plainfield, Indiana, in the U.S. The company manufacturing this formula reports it takes approximately 21 days through commercial aircraft for the formula to ship and clear customs so it can enter distribution.”

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael Sargent, a planner in USTRANSCOM’s J3 Sustainment Division, was tagged to oversee the planning efforts. With a draft Action Memo in hand, he assembled the necessary players from across the USTRANSCOM Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise and multiple federal agencies, from DoD, to State, to Agriculture, and Health and Human Services to places like Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to multiple agency headquarters in Washington D.C. and Airmen in Europe.

One of USTRANSCOM capabilities is giving leaders the options to meet strategic mobility challenges.

With the team assembled, virtual planning meetings began in earnest. Every roadblock was mitigated and alternate solutions were discussed until resolution. The pieces of the puzzle were came together and approvals were in hand, but the sense of urgency led to another course of action because the long pole in the tent was the time to contract the flights.

Robert Brisson, USTRANSCOM J3 deputy director, stated during one of the virtual meetings, “We’ve got two C-17s on Bravo Alert at Ramstein, Germany. If we can get the cargo from Switzerland to Ramstein, we can have wheels up Saturday (May 21) night.”

Due to the urgency of the situation, Austin approved U.S. military aircraft for this mission, shortening the timeline by a couple days that would have been required for contract acquisition, showcasing once again USTRANSCOM’s motto, “Together, we deliver.”

USTRANSCOM exists as a warfighting combatant command to project and sustain military power at a time and place of the nation’s choosing. Powered by dedicated men and women, TRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the joint force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation’s leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options, while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett

Airmen from the 721st Aerial Port Squadron load a pallet of infant formula onto a C-17 Globemaster lll aircraft assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 22. The infant formula arrived from Switzerland as part of the U.S. Government’s Operation Fly Formula to rapidly transport infant formula to the United States due to critical shortages there. Under Operation Fly Formula, the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services are authorized to request Department of Defense support to pick up overseas infant formula that meets U.S. health and safety standards.

From Page 3 ticipating in summer activities. It is important that we remain aware and assess the risks of each activity we participate in,” said William Walkowiak, chief of occupational safety for the Department of the Air Force, “Be responsible and weigh the risks to stay safe this summer.”

If plans include traveling by vehicle or motorcycle, inspect them before hitting the road. Check all fluids and ensure tires are in good condition. Keep a safety kit, extra water, snacks, or extra riding gear in case of an emergency.

The U. S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that 38,824 lives were lost in traffic crashes nationwide in 2020. That number marks the highest number of fatalities since 2007. Reducing risks is as simple as making a plan before you head out and sharing it with family or friends, checking the weather and mapping out your trip to avoid construction or storms.

The National Safety Council’s Injury Facts listed 5,579 motorcycle deaths for 2020. The factor that directly influenced motorcycle fatality trends is helmet use. Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to operators and 41 percent for passengers.

The DAF lost 18 motorcycle riders and 14 members in motor vehicle accidents in fiscal year 2021. Inexperience, alcohol, and speed were often the root causes. Motorcycle riders and drivers must never drink and drive. Additionally, motorcycle riders must commit to practicing riding skills every time they ride by wearing the proper protective gear and thinking beyond the ride. Vehicle drivers should never drive distracted, always wear a seat belt, and follow all traffic laws.

The Air Force Safety Center launched the Preseason Kickoff of the DAFRider page and DAFRider motorcycle video series this spring. It gives riders another way to learn about current standards and techniques, acquire skills, and help build a rider mentality. The series will run throughout the year with new videos highlighting a multitude of motorcycle topics.

“Wearing a motorcycle airbag jacket or vest along with a Department of Transportation approved helmet can potentially eliminate injuries or even death,” said Dave Brandt, the Department of the Air Force, motorcycle safety program manager. “Having a rider’s mentality and practicing every time you ride can help build riding skills for when you need them – and you will definitely need them if you continue to ride.”

Kirtland Air Force Base will be the first base to receive motorcycle airbag vests to utilize during classes and demonstrate how they can help reduce or mitigate blunt force trauma. Just like airbags in a vehicle, motorcycle airbags have been proven to save lives and help keep motorcycle riders from serious injuries or death by using a variety of on-board airbags that detect a crash in real time or a tethered system that deploys after the rider has fallen off a moving motorcycle.

During summer, camping can be a great break, but remember to always prepare for the unexpected by checking the weather report, following all local laws on fire hazards and wildlife and telling family or friends your plans. Never leave food or trash where animals can get it.

One can easily become dehydrated or sunburned while out enjoying the summer sun. Make sure to hydrate often and wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF15.

“I’m asking each of you to use sound risk management this summer to help minimize risks” said Walkowiak. “Ask yourself, do I have the right skills or do I need to take a refresher course? Do I have the right equipment for the activity to make sure I get back safely? Asking yourself these and others questions might just save your life or the life of someone you love.”

Don’t be a statistic! Use sound risk management in all your summer activities to stay safe.

For additional summer safety tips: https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Summer-Safety/