Thunderbolt 06/09/2022

Vol. 50, No. 23

Thursday, June 9, 2022

24th Special Ops Wing Bronze Ram 22 - page 6 News/Features: page 3 KC-46 now refueling 97%

News/Features: page 3 Female forces unite

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez

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

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW) deployment cell set up a TM-75 tent at an undisclosed location in the Southwestern United States May 27. The 24th SOW D-Cell consists of Airmen from different career fields in order to provide each other with unique knowledge and expertise.

NEWS/FEATURES USTRANSCOM delivers critical aid to Ukraine, troops to Europe U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has delivered more than 52 million pounds of security assistance equipment to Ukraine that is enabling critical success on the battlefield against the Russian force that invaded there Feb. 24. This aid includes missiles, artillery, tanks, helicopters, and body armor.

“The speed and reliability at which we are delivering this significant assistance demonstrates America’s stalwart support for the Ukrainian government,” said Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander of USTRANSCOM. “No other nation has the strategic comparative advantage in logistics we are leveraging on behalf of Ukraine.”

In addition to security assistance, USTRANSCOM has airlifted more than 16,000 troops from the U.S. to Europe to assure allies and deter Russian aggression against NATO, bringing the total number of U.S. service members in Europe to approximately 100,000.

USTRANSCOM conducts globally integrated mobility operations, leads the broader Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise, and provides enabling capabilities in order to project and sustain the Joint Force in support of national objectives.

“Strong relationships with our diplomatically aligned allies and partners are paramount, as they facilitate our access, basing, and overflight options, creating a robust distribution network that affords us a positional advantage,” said Van Ovost.

Even while USTRANSCOM moved troops and security assistance to Europe, it continued to support operations and exercises around the globe. In U.S. Southern Command, USTRANSCOM conducted movements in support of Counter Terrorism, Counter-Violent Extremist Or-

ganizations and Counter Narcotics missions.

Troop rotations in and out of the U.S. Central Command theater remained a priority, and multiple readiness exercises in the U.S. IndoPacific Command (USINDOPACOM) area of responsibility required air and surface lift as well as air refueling.

Global support also included missions conducted in the homeland.

USTRANSCOM supported medical team deployments to assist U.S. Northern Command and Health and Human Services battle COVID-19.

And although the historic airlift of non-combatants from Afghanistan took place more than six months ago, USTRANSCOM continued to support Operation Allies Welcome.

Finally, USTRANSCOM supported exercises African Lion in U.S. Africa Command and Operation Pathways in USINDOPACOM. Both exercises are the largest in their respective theaters and involve multiple nations. Exercises are critical to maintaining access and interoperability among partner nations.

USTRANSCOM relies on three component commands to ensure the nation can ‘defend forward’ and achieve national security objectives: the U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the U.S. Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) in Norfolk, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Col. Bary Flack commands the 436th Maintenance Group at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, where much of the security assistance cargo has been marshalled and shipped to Ukraine. He said the Dover team is synchronizing efforts with USTRANSCOM, AMC, SDDC, and the Joint Munitions Command at Rock Island Arsenal, Il-

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt Publisher: Joe Deluca Editor: Nick Stubbs The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense,

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the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

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.

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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.

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See USTRANSCOM, Page 9

MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MacDillAirForceBase Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. Email: 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@ us.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are considered for publication based on news value and timeliness.

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

NEWS/FEATURES

KC-46A Pegasus approved to refuel 97% of joint force receivers Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS)—Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, approved a seventh Interim Capability Release mission set for the KC-46A Pegasus May 31, increasing the aircraft’s operational capability to support 97 percent of the daily joint force air refueling demands.

Less than one year after the KC-46A was approved for its first ICR, Minihan approved daily task-able operational use of the KC-46A to refuel the B-1B Lancer, C-135 variants, E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, EC-130H Compass Call, F-35B/C Lightning II, KC-10 Extender and P-8 Poseidon aircraft during U.S. Trans- p o r t a t i o n Command-tasked missions.

“Credible and reliable KC-46A tanker capability is now available to our joint and international partners. Let’s go,” Minihan said. “In May 2021, the KC-46A was not cleared to operationally support any USTRANSCOM missions. With a team of incredible professionals across the enterprise analyzing the data and making risk-informed decisions, we’ve deliberately and aggressively accelerated the Pegasus’ operational use.

ICR: A year in review The first ICR approving the Centerline Drogue System mission set was released July 9, 2021. In the last 12 months, the KC-46A demonSee KC-46, Page 8

Photo by 1st Lt Savanah Bray

F-35 Lightning IIs from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron refuel from a KC-46A Pegasus over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nov. 17, 2020, for Large Force Test Event 20.03. LFTE 20.03 is a premier joint operational test event hosted by the 53rd Wing that validates tactics in a combat relevant environment.

US, Jordanian female aviators partner in excellence

by Capt. Monique Roux Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central)

AMMAN, Jordan (AFNS)—The U.S. and Royal Jordanian Air Forces are partnering to celebrate women in aviation.

This partnership, launched in September 2021 between the U.S. Air Force and RJAF, focuses on empowering women in aviation as a way to cultivate and strengthen relationships.

“We bring together U.S. and Jordanian female pilots to talk about shared goals in their chosen profession,” said Lt. Col. Alden Gilroy, U.S. Embassy Amman air attaché and chief of attaché operations. “These engagements have been very meaningful and greatly enhance the vital relationship between our two air forces, most especially as it relates to this very important partner nation program.”

For the RJAF, these are the first women aviators who are growing into their roles as leaders.

“This program is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the U.S. and RJAF commitment to supporting female aviators,” said Lt. Col. JenniSee WOMEN, Page 10

Photo by Master Sgt. Kelly Goonan

Lt. Aya Al-Sourani, Royal Jordanian Air Force Unified Helicopter Command Squadron 8 UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, talks with U.S. Air Force visitors during a visit at King Abdullah II Air Base, Jordan, March 30.

The RJAF UHC hosted a combat search and rescue exercise demonstration followed by static aircraft tours and a group lunch. The engagement is part of an ongoing partnership between the two countries focused on empowering women in aviation as a way to cultivate and strengthen relationships.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

A group of Airmen assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) pose for a photo at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base, Alabama, May 30. The 99th ARS is a geographically separated unit of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, which means that it functions as a small wing with 60 percent of the Airmen working in maintenance, 20 percent in operations, and 20 percent in mission support areas.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jasmin Jomon, 6th Medical Group mental health technician, applies tactical field care techniques on a manikin during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) assessment at MacDill Air Force Base May 26. After wounded members on the battlefield are transported to shelter, Airmen are taught to use TFC which includes managing massive hemorrhages, airways, respirations, circulation and hypothermia prevention.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Capt. Neil Ormerod, an instructor pilot assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, speaks to a group of Air Force Junior ROTC cadets from Osceola, Sumner and Jefferson High School at MacDill Air Force Base June 1. The students were invited to fly and tour the base as part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspired Mentorship program.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

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NEWS/FEATURES DAF Gaming delivers gaming expo, esports championship at FORCECON 2022

by Armando Perez Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS)—The Air Force Services Center and the Department of the Air Force Gaming achieved two major firsts in San Antonio over the Memorial Day weekend – the first Department of Defense Armed Forces Esports Championship and the inaugural Air Force Gaming Minor League Championships.

The esports completion was a part of the FORCECON 2022: Innovation – Technology – Gaming convention, an event to spur collaboration between the military, industry and academia, with a goal of tackling some of the military’s toughest challenges in the areas of force development, and installation and mission support.

Housed under the AFSVC, AFG supports the Department of the Air Force’s resiliency and retention efforts through the creation of a global esports effort bringing Airmen andGuardians together through community experiences and competitive leagues.

Since 2019, the DAF Gaming League has steadily added participants over two competitive seasons. More than 25,000 Total Force gamers participate, including active-duty Airmen and Guardians, National Guard and Reserve, as well as Defense Department civilians.

“After two seasons and the third season underway, the success of Air Force Gaming will keep growing, bringing Air Force and Space Force Gaming to our other military communities while empowering our community to practice, compete and build camaraderie, leadership and connectedness,” said Col. Christopher Parrish, AFSVC commander.

Facing off against the U.S. Army Esports team in the final, Air Force Gaming took the title after going undefeated throughout the tournament.

AF Gaming beat the Marine Corps and U.S. Army Esports teams to win the very first esports competition recognized by the U.S. government.

“This (Armed Forces) win means more for esports as a whole than it does for me, obviously it means a lot to me, but for esports, this is the first

Photo by Armando Perez

U.S. Army Esports team, Air Force Gaming team and Marine Corps Gaming teams participate in the trophy presentation at the inaugural Armed Forces Championship, hosted by DAF Gaming at the inaugural FORCECON 2022 event at the new Tech Port Center and Arena in San Antonio, Texas on May 28-29. Air Force Gaming team beat the U.S. Army Esports team for the trophy and went undefeated throughout the tournament. Marine Corps Gaming placed third. federally recognized event,” said Senior Airman Cole Schlegel, DAF Gaming team. “So, we are the roots, this is definitely going down in the history books. This is awesome to be a part of.”

AFSVC officials recently expanded the program by adding the minor league, similar to intramural sports minor league. The second league allows gamers of all ages, including retirees and young family members.

See GAMING, Page 12

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24th Special Operations Wing deployment cell holds Exercise Bronze Ram 22 story and photos by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing deployment cell began conducting Exercise Bronze Ram 22 at an undisclosed location in the Southwestern United States May 27.

Since transitioning from the United States Special Operations Command to the Air Force Special Operations Command, the 24th SOW D-Cell’s primary mission is to provide unmatched support in installing bare bases anywhere in the world in a timely manner and is currently the only D-Cell unit in the entire Air Force.

“We have a very unique mission,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tommie Taylor, the 24th SOW D-Cell superintendent. “In order to ensure that we can accomplish our mission, we have to maintain our readiness.”

Bronze Ram 22 allows the D-Cell Airmen to validate their ability to provide short-notice civil engineering, force protection, and logistics support toward a wide variety of special operation missions across the globe.

“We want to practice how we play,” said U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Ismael Hayes, the noncomissioned officer in charge of air transportation for the 24th SOW D-Cell. “Our mission may require us to set up on the side of a mountain where the terrain is uneven, we could face inclement weather and may even be in a hostile environment.”

Due to the challenges the unit could face, they must rely on the skill sets of Airmen from different career fields including security forces, logistics, force support, structural and electrical specialists, as well as heating ventilation and air conditioning specialists.

“We are fully embracing the multi-capable Airmen concept,” Hayes said. “I’m a logistics Airmen by trade, however that does not mean I cannot help assist other Airmen in setting up a tent, provide field feeding services, or install equipment in order to accomplish the mission more rapidly.”

Ultimately, the expertise of each individual Airmen within D-Cell plays a part in an overall mission that enables AFSOC commanders the ability to conduct missions anywhere in the world.

In just a matter of 48 hours, the D-Cell successfully set up 19 TM75 tents, alongside one joint air transportable containerized kitchen system, one joint operations center, installing both HVAC systems and electricity through each one.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do,” Taylor said. “Seeing the final product and gratitude from our customers makes this job extremely rewarding.”

Taylor added that he hopes to continue seeing Airmen from other career fields volunteer to join D-Cell in order to sustain and use their knowledge to become part of a larger mission.

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U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW) deployment cell lay tarp down as they set up a TM75 tent during Exercise Bronze Ram 22 at an undisclosed location in the Southwestern United States May 28. During Bronze Ram 22, the Airmen continuously unloaded and gathered equipment, raised TM-75 tents, installed heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, and provided power for all facilities.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW) deployment cell, discuss operations at an undisclosed location in the Southwestern United States May 27, during Exercise Bronze Ram 22. The 24th SOW D-Cell conducted Exercise Bronze Ram 22 in order to validate their ability to provide short-notice civil engineering, force protection, and logistics support toward a wide variety of special operation missions across the globe.

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U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Dale Briggs, a structural specialist with the 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW) deployment cell, sets up a TM-75 tent at an undisclosed location in the Southwestern United States during Exercise Bronze Ram 22 May 27,. During Exercise Bronze Ram 22, the deployment cell validated their ability to provide short-notice civil engineering, force protection, and logistics support toward a wide variety of special operation missions across the globe.

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KC-46 From Page 3

strated growing operational capacity at a swift pace, despite restrictions and deficiencies.

The second ICR milestone was approved August 5, 2021, marking the first ICR decision for the air refueling boom mission set. This allowed USTRANSCOM to task the KC-46A to support the C-17 Globemaster III, B-52H Stratofortress and other KC-46A receivers.

“In the initial ICR plan, the first boom mission set release was estimated for May 2022,” said Brig. Gen. Ryan Samuelson, KC-46A Cross Functional Team lead. “Instead, data and dedicated operational squadrons focused on safely executing the mission drove the decision forward nine months, enabling the aircraft and crews to accept operational missions that would otherwise be filled by busy KC-135s and KC-10s. Simply put, the wings said ‘we have system deficiencies, but we got this’ and they delivered.”

On October 13, 2021, Minihan approved the third ICR. This decision allowed the KC-46A to refuel all variants of the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon during USTRANSCOM-tasked missions. At that time, the KC-46A could support 62 percent of all receiver aircraft that requested air refueling support from USTRANSCOM. Boosting that capability to almost 70%, the fourth ICR signed on December 6, 2021, approved the KC-46A to refuel the AC-130J Ghostrider, HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130J Commando II, C-5M Super Galaxy and E-3G Sentry, as tasked by USTRANSCOM. Early in 2022, operational and test data demonstrated the aircraft was capable of supporting nearly 85% of USTRANSCOM air refueling taskings. In response, Minihan approved the fifth ICR Feb. 22, 2022, allowing refueling with the F-35A Lightning II and F-22 Raptor. The decision also released the KC-46A to support a variety of alert missions. The sixth ICR allowed the aircraft to be utilized in a both passenger movement and aeromedical evacuation missions.

Next steps: Accelerated lessons from Employment Concept Exercises, certification of international receivers In addition to ICR approvals, another major milestone for the KC46A program occurred April 18, when a Pegasus refueled Spanish EF-18 Hornets, known in Spain as C-15s, during the Pegasus’ first Employment Concept Exercise, ECE 22-03, at Moron Air Base, Spain.

“This mission marked the first operational refueling of an international receiver for the KC-46A, paving the way for stronger interoperability with allies and partners,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Renfro, KC-46A Cross Functional Team deputy lead. “Following a decision to approve Canadian and Spanish F-18s in early 2022, this ICR adds five more nations to the list of approved international receivers, including Finland, Italy, Australia, Malaysia, and Switzerland.”

Employment Concept Exercises, a subset of the KC-46A ICR plan, allow AMC to employ the KC-46A in different scenarios. Some of those scenarios include Red Flag, Green Flag, overseas operations, and combatant command exercises for further operational employment and evaluation and seasoning of the KC-46A enterprise.

Notably, ECE 22-03 also demonstrated the reliability of the platform.

In Europe, the aircraft operated at a 98% maintenance reliability rate for a month and a half.

“The KC-46A, its aircrews, maintenance and support personnel performed magnificently over those seven weeks in Spain,” Minihan said.

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Photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Eckert

A KC-46A Pegasus from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., begins an overpass before landing at Morón Air Base, Spain, April 18. Due to its location and resources, the NATO base provided an ideal testbed to provide insight into best employing the aircraft in future operations.

The aircraft is one of four participating in the first KC-46 Employment Concept Exercise, part of Air Mobility Command’s strategy allowing the KC-46A to support real-world missions and assess its capabilities on the path to full-operational status.

“They pushed hard to run the aircraft through its paces during the ECE, including supporting a bomber task force, refueling U.S. fighters over Eastern Europe, and completing the first-ever operational refueling of an international aircraft. AMC continues to drive toward increased refueling capability while working to overcome programmatic challenges.”

Along with ICR decisions to increase KC-46A operational capability, the wings continue to explore the KC-46A’s capability and operational capacity, as McConnell AFB’s 22nd Air Refueling Wing demonstrated May 5-6 when they completed a 24.2-hour flight on the KC-46A, breaking the record for AMC’s longest duration flight in history.

During its full day airborne, the McConnell AFB KC-46A performed dry contacts with another McConnell KC-46A, refueled four Marine F35Bs, and was refueled by another McConnell AFB-based KC-46A. The flight also collected crucial data on the human, machine, and mission capabilities of aerial refueling; the data will be used to determine the feasibility, limitations, potential risks, and unique benefits the KC-46A brings to the table for long-duration flights.

With more than 40,000 air refueling contacts with a multitude of joint force and international partners and allies receivers since the U.S. Air Force accepted delivery of the first aircraft in January 2019, the KC-46A is connecting and projecting the Joint Force to meet worldwide global mission demands.

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USTRANSCOM From Page 2

linois.

Flack added that the airmen at Dover have great pride in their work.

“They have a purpose. They have a steely-eyed look because they know what they do matters. They know there is somebody on the other end that needs this material, and they will move as fast as they need to safely get this material to the folks.”

Van Ovost reflected on the work of USTRANSCOM’s components supporting allies and partners in Europe. “Together, SDDC and MSC have delivered armored vehicles including Bradleys, Abrams and Paladins, ammunition, fuel and other vital supplies where they were needed.”

“AMC military and commercial air carriers have deployed significant volumes of troops and continue to deliver critical lethal aid for

Ukraine’s defense,” said Van Ovost. Nearly 40 percent of the more than 480 airlift missions have been flown by USTRANSCOM’s commercial partners. “We are inextricably linked to our commercial partners.”

“This is how the U.S. projects power – fort to port, port to fox hole, airfield to airfield,” said Van Ovost.

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.

HPCON CHARLIE in place

The installation commander directed the implementation of Health Protection Condition (HPCON) CHARLIE effective June 4, 2022, due to a significant increase of community COVID-19 cases, raising the community risk level from “medium” to “high.” Indoor mask wear is required regardless of vaccination status. Fitness Center, Main Exchange, Shoppette and Commissary require mask wear to enter facilities. For more information, visit www.macdill.af.mil/coronavirus/

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WOMEN From Page 3

fer Pruitt, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron commander and HC130J Combat King II pilot. “The RJAF women are trailblazers, and they are paving the way for future female aviators. It was an honor to meet them.”

Since their first meeting in the fall of 2021, these pioneers in female aviation have met on several occasions allowing the women to engage in team building and demonstrate their capabilities in the world of aviation.

“The female Jordanians are wonderful hosts,” said Capt. McKenna Hall, 26th ERQS HC-130J mission pilot. “Their professionalism, drive, and focused attitudes are wholeheartedly appreciated and admired. The RJAF fosters a wonderful environment for learning from each other’s militaries.”

The RJAF hosted an event in March highlighting their combat search and rescue capabilities. The engagement included a mission brief, CSAR exercise demonstration, static aircraft immersion tour and group lunch.

The day-long event provided an opportunity for women from both militaries to build camaraderie, share career stories and encourage one another.

“The CSAR demonstration truly showcased the RJAF level of sophistication in aviation,” Pruitt said. “It is obvious how much the pilots love to fly and want to excel in their profession.”

Pruitt and her squadron returned the honor by hosting the RJAF female pilots several weeks later for a unique opportunity to fly a lowlevel HC-130J mission over outlying areas in the region.

“This experience was the first time I have ever seen that part of our country from an aircraft,” said Lt. Sana’a Alnsour, RJAF Unified Helicopter Command Squadron 8 UH-60 Black Hawk pilot.

Inspiring and empowering women in aviation is a shared goal for the

Photo by Master Sgt. Kelly Goonan

Lt. Lujain Abu-Rumman, Royal Jordanian Air Force Super Puma pilot, takes a photo from a window of a U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II aircraft during a low-level mission over outlying areas of Wadi Rum, Jordan, May 16. The engagement is part of an ongoing partnership between the two countries focused on empowering women in aviation as a way to cultivate and strengthen relationships.

U.S. and Jordanian Air Forces and this program offers unique opportunities to encourage excellence in their female aviators.

“Working with the U.S. female pilots is good for us,” Alnsour said.

“We can use experiences like this to inspire a new generation of female RJAF.”

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

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Youth Center Glow Run June 10 The run is from 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Bring the entire family to the Bay Palms Golf Complex parking lot for this fun run on MacDill.

The Youth Center will be handing out glow items to light the way.

Freedom Day Color Run June 16 Run is from 6:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Come to the fitness center for the Juneteenth Freedom Day Color Run. Participants are encouraged to wear light-colored clothing.

Library Summer Reading The DOD is hosting a Summer Reading Program through Aug.1 at the MacDill Library.

Register online at https://macdill.beanstackorg/. Prizes will be awarded to the top readers in different age categories. Programs subject to change.

Perfect summer jobs The 6th Force Support Squadron is seeking qualified candidates 16 and older for positions in hospitality, food and beverage, child & youth, and recreation. All positions start at $15 an hour or above.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

‘That’s me’

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kenneth Arcibal, a boom operator assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, points to his name on a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base June 1. The aircraft was retired and flown to Sheppard AFB, Texas, to be used as a training tool for future maintainers.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For sched-

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

served)

3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call the Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

ule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1 p.m. (space re-

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m. (confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment) Protestant services - Wednesday - 11 a.m.. virtual) - Sunday - 11 a.m.

Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW. HCADMIN@us.af.mil MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill. af.mil/chapel

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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GAMING From Page 5

“One adage that I’ve always disliked is ‘it’s not about who wins or loses, it’s about how you play the game,’ said Maj. Gen. Tom Wilcox, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center commander. “With Air Force Gaming, it’s 100% true. We’re all about bringing our armed forces together, building communities and enjoying friendly, spirited competition along the way.”

Inaugural Armed Forces Championship winners: n Air Force Staff Sgt. Shane Posey, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado n Staff Sgt. Trey Christensen, Kentucky Air National Guard n Senior Airman Cole Schlegel, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland n Airman 1st Class Allyson Stephenson, JB Charleston, South Carolina The inaugural Minor League Championships winners:

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Rocket League championship n The Hartford Yard Goats with Senior Airman Hayden Kelsey, JB Langley-Eustis, Virginia n Senior Airman Isaiah Monroe, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska n Space Force Specialist 3 Ethan Defrance, Buckley AFB, Colorado Fortnite championship: n Team Roll Out with Senior Airman Ethan Harkey, Buckley AFB n Airman 1st Class Timothy Craig, Minot AFB, North Dakota “There isn’t a better vehicle to make esports history than through the official Armed Forces Sports programming and as host of the first ever federally recognized esports sporting event,” said Capt. Oliver Parsons, AFSVC deputy chief of DAF Fitness and Sports.

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