Thunderbolt 6/06/2024

Vol. 52, No. 23

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Humble beginnings to high altitude - page 6 News/Features: page 3 Installation of the future

News/Features: page 3

Col. Kiel retires

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Community: page 11 Events, Chapel, more...

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Arcibal, 6th Operations Group career enlisted manger, poses for a photo on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base May 21. The Department of Defense recognizes May as AAPI Month, which celebrates the culture, traditions and history of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

NEWS/FEATURES

Rescue Airmen save Arizona woman who fell into mineshaft

by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves 355th Wing DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.—he civil search and rescue mission call came on a Sunday afternoon–A woman; possible broken bones; 300 miles away; trapped; 200 feet deep; mineshaft.

Out of three possible rescue units, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Cell selected the 563rd Rescue Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, in Tucson, Arizona, for this rescue mission.

The 563rd tasked the 48th Rescue Squadron, made up of pararescuemen and tactical air control party specialists, and the 55th Rescue Squadron, which operates the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters. In less than one hour, the 48th RQS assembled an 8-man Rotary Wing Team –the name for an assembled rescue team tasked with a mission— simultaneous to the 55th RQS who dispatched two HH-60Ws; continued and regular upkeep to the HH-60Ws was credited to the 55th Rescue Generation Squadron, who cranked the wrenches and serviced the helicopter before take-off.

The U.S. Air Force PJs and combat rescue officers from the mission brought me into their team room to recount the story. Surprisingly well lit, my eyes looked at the table as I sat down. Printed pictures of various rescue moments from past missions and deployments were wellpreserved under the glass table protector.

Like many members in the rescue community, I could tell it was strange for them to have a Public Affairs specialist interview them. I’ve grown to understand it is very normal for PJs to prefer anonymity and

Courtesy photo

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron rope repels into a mineshaft, Yuma, Ariz., April 7. The 563rd Rescue Group coordinated efSee RESCUE, Page 12 forts to save a woman who fell down 200 feet into a mineshaft.

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

u

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 u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u 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 , FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. : 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

ACC command team visits the installation of the future

by Tech. Sgt. Betty Chevalier and 2nd Lt. Lyca Steelman 325th Fighter Wing U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, ACC command chief, and their spouses, visited Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 21-22, to gain direct insight into the 325th Fighter Wing’s mission transition and installation rebuild. This was Wilsbach’s first visit to Tyndall since assuming command in February of this year.

In 2018, Tyndall Air Force Base sustained a direct hit from Hurricane Michael. Overall, 484 buildings were damaged.

During the visit, Wilsbach and Wolfe saw firsthand the strides the 325th Fighter Wing is making in becoming the Air Force’s newest F-35A Lighting II operational fighter wing, tasked to maintain readiness in support of national defense. In addition, they witnessed the progress of Team Tyndall’s rebuild into the “Installation of the Future.”

See FUTURE Page 8

Photo by Staff Sgt. Stefan Alvarez

Mr. Michael Dwyer, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Natural Disaster Recovery Division deputy division chief, shows Cindy Wilsbach, spouse of Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, spouse of Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe, ACC command chief, an overview of the rebuild plans at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 22. During their visit to Tyndall, they received updates on the $5 billion Installation of the Future rebuild, the largest military construction project in Department of Defense history.

Air Force lifestyle and performance medicine champion retires

by Maristela Romero Air Force Medical Service Having championed Defense-wide impacts to primary care standards and policies for the Military Health System and global improvements in lifestyle and performance medicine, Col. Mary Anne Kiel retired from the Air Force in a ceremony at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery on May 8.

Kiel served as chair of the Lifestyle and Performance Medicine Working Group, chief of Air Force Medical Home, Air Force Medical Agency at Falls Church, Virginia, and chair of the Defense Health Agency Primary Clare Clinical Community, roles in which she led service representatives in developing primary care standards and policies for the Military Health System.

Prior to these positions, Kiel was chief of medical staff at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri,

where she advised senior leaders on healthcare management.

With two decades of experience in military medicine and double certifications in pediatrics and lifestyle and performance medicine, her leadership advanced the quality of care across 455 medical facilities serving 3.5 million patients while championing the use of evidencebased lifestyle practices to reframe the approach to optimizing health for Airman and Guardian readiness and life after military service.

During the retirement ceremony, Brig. Gen. James Parry, Office of the Air Force Surgeon General Medical Operations acting director, presented Kiel with her certificate of retirement and letters of appreciation along with a commemorative pin that her husband, Chris Kiel, bestowed upon her in the presence of family and colleagues.

See RETIRE, Page 10

Photo by Josh Mahler

U.S. Air Force Col. Mary Anne Kiel gives concluding remarks at her retirement ceremony held at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, May 8.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Airmen from the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron load cargo during exercise Explode into Theater (EXPLODEO) 2024 at MacDill Air Force Base May 29. Explode into Theater readiness events allow forces to develop Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) and capabilities to sense and seize opportunities throughout the spectrum of conflict.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

Airmen assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron and the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker prior to takeoff at MacDill Air Force Base May 28. The KC-135 is capable of refueling a multitude of different air frames allowing for the support of many missions and training exercises.

An F-15 Strike Eagle assigned to the 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker during an air refueling mission May 23 over Florida. Air refueling provided by tanker aircraft enables the F-15 and other aircraft to stay in the air longer and avoid landing in combat contested areas.

4

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

NEWS/FEATURES Moody hosts engineers to enhance HC-130 fleet Air Force-wide

by Airman 1st Class Leonid Soubbotine 23rd Wing MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.—The 71st Rescue Generation Squadron hosted engineers from Mercer Engineering Research Center to perform reliability-centered maintenance interviews and inflight refueling hose testing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, May 20-21.

Engineers from MERC collaborated with Airmen from various units and back shops to gather data from subject matter experts. Together, they identified common problems, conducted further research, and proposed improvements and fixes at the Air Force level.

“This information will help the fleet and help our efforts for future sustainment of the aircraft,” said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Nazario, 71st RGS crew chief noncommissioned officer in charge. “At the end of the day, we try to have the best aircraft availability that we can and not spend long periods of time trying to fix an issue that is constantly coming up.”

Technicians from metals technology, electrical and environmental systems, avionics, fuels, sheet metal, engines, hydraulics, crew chiefs and other shops were able to interact and demonstrate their efforts on the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and share their knowledge to further the platform’s development and improvement efforts.

“It is beneficial that we get to voice our opinion,” Nazario said. “It gives the subject matter experts a chance to voice their issues to the engineers, so that they can possibly make their jobs easier. Everyone was very cooperative, available and gave a lot of positive feedback for the engineers to take back.”

During the second part of the visit, focus shifted to research and future development for in-flight refueling (IFR) hoses that are critical to the rescue mission. Every 135 days the IFR hoses on the HC-130J Combat King II must be inspected.

“Without those hoses, we can’t do the job at all for rescue because we have to have the fuel for the HH-60W Jolly Green II’s for the long treks that we have to do to save people,” said Staff Sgt. Kamron Houston, 71st RGS aircraft hydraulics systems craftsman.

After a full day of in-depth observing, learning and information gathering with the Moody experts, the engineers were able to collect numerous ideas and data to bring back to MERC for future testing and development purposes, including two failed hoses for further research.

“They were reviewing how we perform in-flight refueling hose and pod inspections and what we can do to remedy the issues we’re having,” Houston said. “We’ve fostered better relationships with the engineers and I believe it’ll allow us to continue to have more events like this to figure out better ways forward.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5

From humble beginnings to high altitudes: the inspiring story of SMSgt Arcibal story and photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin 6th Air Refueling Wing

H

ow has your upbringing set you apart from your peers?

For Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Arcibal the two things that have been engrained in him since childhood are hard work and sacrifice. His story underscores the importance of resilience and the enduring strength found in embracing one’s cultural roots.

Born in the Philippines, Arcibal moved to Hawaii with his family at the age of six. In his childhood, Arcibal was surrounded by a close-knit family, filled with the warmth and support of numerous relatives.

“We might not have had a lot of money growing up, but family made sure that we were all there for each other,” Arcibal fondly recalls.

His parents, who worked multiple jobs, instilled in him the values of hard work and sacrifice from an early age. “As an adolescent, I was exposed to that and was accustomed to what sacrifices my parents were making to provide for me and my younger sister,” he said.

These lessons of perseverance became the foundation of Arcibal’s character. Even though he initially pursued a degree in architecture, Arcibal found his true calling after his father, a former U.S. Navy serviceman, advised him to join the Air Force. He adds, “probably one of the best pieces of advice he’d ever given me,” Arcibal added.

Now, with 15 years of service, Arcibal serves as a KC-135 boom operator and the career enlisted manager for the 6th Operations Group. His Filipino heritage, with its emphasis on family, hard work, and community, has been integral to his success in the Air Force.

“It is important to embrace and celebrate our origins and culture because it shaped me into what I am today,” he explains.

Arcibal’s message to the next generation echoes the values that have guided him throughout his life. “Be critical thinkers and not cynical thinkers,” he emphasizes. “Take care of one another and remember to take care of yourself!”

As we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate his journey, which illustrates how a strong foundation of family and heritage can shape an individual’s path to success.

SMSgt Arcibal’s journey reminds us that the values we learn in childhood—rooted in family and cultural heritage—are the pillars of our strength and success. His life story is a powerful example of how embracing these values can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

6

u

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Arcibal, 6th Operations Group career MacDill Air Force Base May 21. The Department of Defense recognizes May as and history of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

enlisted manger, poses for a photo on the flight line at s AAPI Month, which celebrates the culture, traditions

Black Flag 24-1 concentrates on Joint Test Integration, setting the stage for Virtual Black Flag

Photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Lehoski, commander of the 53rd Wing, walks alongside U.S. Navy Capt. Matthew Davin, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine chief operational test director, on the Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada flightline on April 24. VX-9, along with several squadrons attached to the 53rd Wing, met at Nellis AFB to participate in Black Flag 24-1; an Operational Test-focused exercise that evaluates the suitability of emerging capabilities and tactics in multi-domain, multi-service, operationally relevant scenarios.

by Capt. Lindsey Brewer 53rd Wing The 53rd Wing partnered with the U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) to conduct Exercise Black Flag 24-1, in April 2024.

Black Flag is an Operational Test-focused exercise that evaluates the suitability of emerging capabilities and tactics in multi-domain, multi-service, operationally relevant scenarios. This iteration of Black Flag focused on testing like we will have to fight, concentrating on tactics improvement proposals and joint-service tactical integration.

“As a general trend, integration across both the joint force and our coalition partners is becoming increasingly important,” said Col. Daniel Lehoski, 53rd Wing commander. “Additionally, the scenarios in which we execute these exercises are being designed with a newly developed baseline threat in mind.”

During this event, Air Force and Navy premier weapons platforms integrated during over-water exercises, testing new software and hardware projected to be delivered to the fleet.

See BLACK FLAG, Page 9

FUTURE From Page 3

“It’s clear to me that Tyndall is going to be the most modern air base in the world and what’s really encouraging to me, is in the midst of the largest MILCON program in DoD, we are still doing things like Checkered Flag,” said Wilsbach. “It’s inspiring because Checkered Flag is frankly just another way that we can expand the Agile Combat Employment envelope.”

The ACC command team observed Tyndall’s strategic positioning along the Gulf Range Complex, which is one of a few ranges in the U.S. capable of supporting major combat training and weapon testing, such as Checkered Flag or Weapons System Evaluation Program.

“I think it is a tremendous base to get ready to go do what our nation may ask us to do,” said Wilsbach. “The base, what the community will allow us to do here from the base, the range space that is around, it’s all a national treasure.”

Wilsbach and Wolfe took the opportunity to engage with Airmen to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication. They were impressed with the resilience of Airmen and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment at Tyndall while pursuing the mission. They urged patience as well as trust that leadership is working as hard as possible to get construction completed.

“The amount of progress that has been made over the last few weeks since I was last here is noticeable, that tells me that the folks that are in charge of all of these improvement operations and construction projects, are really doing a great job of making sure that things stay on track,” Wolfe said. “It’s really exciting to see what a future base can actually look like with Tyndall as the example for all of them.”

Cindy Wilsbach, spouse of Gen. Wilsbach, and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, spouse of CMSgt Wolfe, also visited the newly constructed Child Development Center and interacted with Tyndall spouses to discuss topics affecting Team Tyndall families.

“Seeing all of the foundations and framework pop up all over the base is nothing short

Photo by Staff Sgt. Stefan Alvarez

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Lineback, 325th Force Support Squadron child and youth programs flight commander, briefs Air Combat Command and 325th Fighter Wing leadership on the new Child Development Center facility at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 22. The new CDC can house 300 children ranging from infants to toddlers, fulfilling a critical need for childcare supporting Tyndall’s Airmen and their families. of impressive and I can’t wait to see it when it’s completed,” said Cindy.

Dr. Wolfe reflected on Child Development Centers and the importance of Youth programs and how it helps military children.

“I remember when my father was deployed that being enrolled in the CDC Youth Programs was the best thing for me,” said Dr. Wolfe. “They really saved my life when it came to helping me as a military child missing a parent for deployment.”

As the command team departed, Wolfe reminded the Airmen that their impact reaches farther than Tyndall Air Force Base.

“To all the Airmen that are stationed at Tyndall, don’t forget why you’re here, whether

you’re working at the DFAC or you’re opening or closing gates in the security forces squadron, you’re here to make big strides in combat capability and what is more important than that?” Wolfe said. “We’re here to be the best Air Force in the world and the folks at Tyndall are doing their part.”

As Tyndall continues to expand its F-35A Lightning II mission set and reach rebuild milestones, this visit not only shined light on the various units within Team Tyndall, but reaffirmed how Tyndall is committed to cultivating a culture of innovation and resourceful Airmen to deliver ready forces through the Air Force Force Generation Model for combat operations.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil 8

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

BLACK FLAG From Page 7

“Getting our teams together to test in the most realistic environment possible is really core to what we do,” said Capt. Matthew Davin, VX-9 chief operational test director. “It’s all about being effective together by validating our capabilities in a joint integrated environment.”

Specifically, the exercise looks at operations countering long range air-to-air kill chains and electro-magnetic spectrum operations. Data gathered during testing will be extensively analyzed with partner squadrons before observations and results are delivered to the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center and the Naval Air Warfare Development Center to disseminate to the fleet.

“Deterrence is our number one goal,” Lehoski said.

“But if deterrence fails, it is our job to make sure we are delivering the tactics, techniques, and procedures the warfighter needs on night one.”

Following Black Flag 24-1, the 53rd Wing is executing a Virtual Black Flag (VBF) Large Force Test Event for the first time this summer, which will include Navy, Army, and Space Force capabilities. VBF will allow units to complete test objectives that cannot be accomplished through regular flight operations.

“The virtual environment will be a key component in our test enterprise,” Lehoski said. “It will allow for more joint asset involvement, and we’ll be able to accelerate tactics development and evaluation support to the warfighter.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9

RETIRE From Page 3

“I’m very proud to have had the opportunity to be in service with such an outstanding individual,” Parry said, reflecting on Kiel’s impact within the Military Health System and overseas. “She has not only influenced the United States military, but other nations are looking at what she has done with lifestyle and performance medicine, Lithuania being one. They want to incorporate a lot of what she has been doing into their military. As for U.S. Air Force medics, we will keep on pushing lifestyle and performance medicine to get ready for great power competition.”

The ceremony concluded with Kiel voicing her gratitude for her unforeseen military career and work alongside medics toward the mission of readiness and resilience. Initially, she had not planned on joining the service despite growing up with a father who served in the Air Force.

“It wasn’t until I was in the midst of medical school when I realized how much I actually missed that camaraderie of our military community that I had grown up with,” she shared. “This team and community are what really propelled me to stay with it for the last couple of decades.

The team rallies and gets things done.”

Kiel started her medical career as a pediatrician, and her passion evolved to include primary care for Airmen, Guardians and their families through her role as chair of the U.S. Air Force Lifestyle and Performance Medicine Working Group from 2020 to 2024. Her background in pe-

10

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

diatrics solidified her commitment to improving lifestyle habits as a successful preventive method to achieve longterm, holistic care.

Lifestyle and performance medicine is a subspecialty that remedies health concerns at its source with incremental changes to stress management, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, social connection, and avoidance of excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Leading the working group was one of her proudest achievements. Kiel and 20 core members, primarily Air Force physicians, passionate about health and wellness chartered the working group six years ago. Since then, its membership has grown to more than 350 healthcare professionals including representatives from each of the services, the Defense Health Agency, Department of Veteran Affairs, and other government employees. In addition to making a significant impact within the Department of Defense, Kiel led the inaugural Joint L&PM Warfighter Summit with the Lithuanian Armed Forces where she educated 315 trainees from eight nations under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. For their efforts, Kiel’s working group earned the 2023 Distinguished Special Recognition Award from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

“We saw change over the last four years in people’s mindsets around their own personal health and the way they can help patients achieve their health goals. Often in the health professional area, we’re bogged down with the responsibility of addressing all our patients’ needs. We are taught to be selfless and to do our utmost for the benefit of the patient.”

Lifestyle medicine practitioners have seen significant transformations among beneficiaries prescribed with lifestyle interventions as part of their treatment for chronic conditions.

“My hope is that within another three to five years, there will be a dramatic shift in primary care as far as not only being able to do their best to care for their patients,” Kiel said. “But also to be their best selves as healthcare professionals and be that resilient workforce that we need in our military healthcare system.”

As a champion of the medical specialty, Kiel organized and led the inaugural L&PM summit in February 2024, convening healthcare professionals who are proponents of Lifestyle and Performance Medicine.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding moments of her career was drawing senior leader attention toward the medical specialty and securing their continued support.

“It’s hard when you’re asking people to think about something in a different way. And to approach something when you’re already scant on time,” she said. “One of the reasons we were able to accomplish so much is because we had really passionate working group members who are all doing this out of the goodness of their heart in addition to their regular jobs.”

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Free bowling for kids MacDill Lanes has partnered with Kids Bowl Free, a program designated to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this spring and summer. Register your child(ren) to receive two free games of bowling at the MacDill Lanes until Aug, 11. For more info. and registration, visit kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=6553 Family Fun Night Join MacDill Lanes and Family Center for A Kids Glow-A-Rama Family Fun Night on Friday, June 14, from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy cosmic bowling, delicious food, and tons of fun with $2 games, $3 shoe rentals for adults, $2 for kids, and a special kids buffet for just $7.95. Don’t miss out on this glowing good time.

Visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/ uploads/JuneKidsGlowarama.pdf for more information.

Golf Tune Up Tuesday Shape up your swing at Bay Palm’s Golf Course! Join the Golf Tune Up class on June 18 for expert tips and precision performance.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, perfect your game. Each session will begin with 30 minutes on the range followed by 30 minuets on the short game area. Sign up now at the Pro Shop and drive your skills to the next level. Available sessions are: 11 a.m., noon., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. $40 per person/8-person limit per session. For details visit, macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/ Golf-Tune-Up.pdf Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

The Champ!

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Cantu, 91st Air Refueling Squadron aviation resource manager, was recognized as Champ of the Week by the 6th Air Refueling Wing leadership team at MacDill Air Force Base May 28. Cantu provided real-time support during high tempo operations publishing and post mission reviewing 23 missions in support of Red Flag Alaska, ICE West, Cornet West and SouthCom while also ensuring the safe execution of local training missions.

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

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

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

(confessions by appointment)

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Cha-

pel at 828-3621 or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

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

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved) Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11

RESCUE From Page 2

little to no public attention.

The first CRO started to recount the story. He had short brown hair with strong features that matched his confidence when he spoke.

Nearly three-hundred miles away, a woman was trapped at the bottom of a mineshaft. It was a technical rescue; a rope rescue he explained.

It was something they had trained and prepared for. Quiet murmurs of agreement carried out from his teammates at the table.

I asked them what it was like to receive the call, that call. Immediately they all smiled in an excited way. I could tell that they loved their jobs. One spoke up and said it is always a bittersweet moment; that saving someone’s life is such an amazing experience, but always linked to someone’s worst day.

DM’s PJs are always on call, offering pararescue capabilities not only in combat conditions, but also in humanitarian situations worldwide.

Like a rehearsed play, the next service member continued the story where the CRO left off, but I know it wasn’t planned that way. From junior enlisted to field grade officers, all the Airmen at the table had an unspoken bond of mutual respect.

He said, the 55th RQS’ aircrew expertly navigated and placed the RW Team less than 100 meters from the mineshaft, landed in the middle of extremely uneven terrain in the dead of night with no incident; a true testament to the abilities of these battle-hardened pilots and Special Mission Aviators.

A noncommissioned officer who I thought was the most excited to share his piece of the story, cupped his hand around his face. He animated the action and said they yelled and yelled into the mineshaft, but distance silenced their calls and equally suppressed the woman’s cries for help.

Picking up where that NCO left off, a PJ medic with curly brown hair and piercing blue eyes emphasized the importance of rescuing the woman, and providing more definitive and effective medical care that could not be achieved in the mineshaft. At that point, the woman had been

12

u

underground for nearly 12 hours, with no contact to the surface, alone and quite literally in the dark from the extensive coordination above the surface. Her friend, who called the authorities for help, was equally stressed above the surface.

The second CRO, who had blonde hair and was observantly strong, credited the multi-agency efforts in the rescue, not just the Air Force.

The La Paz County Sheriff Office’s work truck provided a steady anchoring point for the PJs to descend into the vertically sloped passageway to the woman. Supplied with a breathing apparatus and a device to test the safety of the air, the medic went down. The second medic, who was typing on a laptop, peeked up but continued to type as he added information, underground air quality can be volatile.

With the underground air safe to breathe, the CRO who started the recount, explained this rescue was a moderate risk, with dry-rotted wooden support beams and an unknown underground navigation route.

In the process of becoming Rescue, these Airmen were built into ready, willing and capable warfighters. These human weapon systems were further enhanced when assigned to the 355th Wing, which is one of the Air Force’s only active-duty wing’s dedicated to combat search and rescue. After seeing so many training exercises, it confirms how seriously they take their job, and how precisely they execute. Then I saw the switch flip from mission to human, and watched each members’ eyes fill with compassion when recounting this story.

The PJs made survivor contact, provided medical treatment to the woman’s broken ankle and successfully extracted her from the complex man-made cave. She was then air evacuated to Yuma Regional Medical Center by the same Helicopters and Aircrew from the 55th that brought the RW Team to the mission site. Once at the hospital, the second PJ medic physically carried her into the hospital, and handed her off to the YRMC medical team, finishing the mission on April 7.

Moments like this make me proud to be a part of an Air Force that has sworn an oath to protect the country and community they serve in.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 6, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT