Thunderbolt 07/18/2024

Vol. 52, No. 28

Thursday, July 18, 2024

News/Features: page 3 Winng wars by making friends

News/Features: page 3 Rodeo wraps inYokota

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week Photo by Senior Airman Michael Killian

Members of the 6th Communications Squadron pose next to a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base July 11. The mission of the 6th CS is to provide capabilities to enable space, cyberspace operations and support across a multi-domain enterprise to achieve U.S. and Allied Warfighter objectives.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil Community: page 15 Events, Chapel, more...

NEWS/FEATURES

Weapons Airmen square up in load competition

by Airman 1st Class Leonid Soubbotine 23rd Wing

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.—Airmen from the 74th and 75th Fighter Generation Squadrons faced off in a quarterly load competition at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 29.

Over three months, the top three out of 60 weapons Airmen are chosen to compete at the load competition in front of a live audience of co-workers, leadership and family members.

“Load crew of the Quarter events are conducted throughout the year to highlight the best and the brightest, most proficient weapons load crews out there from both fighter generation squadrons,” said Chief Master Sgt. William Beard, 23rd Maintenance Group weapons manager. “We’ll see who can load the weapons the fastest, without any safety or liability violations.”

Meticulous attention to detail and standards is paramount, especially when dealing with potentially deadly ammunition in austere conditions when deployed overseas. That’s why weapons loading is only one of four scored parts of the event.

See WEAPONS, Page 16

Photo by Airman 1st Class Leonid Soubbotine

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cecilio Borboa (left), 75th Fighter Generation Squadron load crew member, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyler Wilson (center), 75th FGS load crew chief, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Morales (right), 75th FGS load crew member, hold a load competition trophy at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, July 11. Every quarter the best weapons Airmen from the 74th and 75th FGS’s compete in a loading competition to find the most proficient crews and boost morale.

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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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

Winning wars by making friends

by Tech. Sgt. Kregg York United States Air Forces Central

With a large military presence and thousands of service members operating in the Middle East, one of the Department of Defense’s most important missions is being led by one of its smaller teams: the Air Forces Central Air Warfare Center.

“Our job is basically security cooperation, which is a fancy term for go out, make new friends and strengthen existing relationships,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Walsh, commander of the AFCENT Air Warfare Center, “and the way we go about doing that is providing subject-matter expertise to partnerhosted exercises throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. If someone needs fighter expertise or command and control expertise, or mobility expertise or intel, we’re able to provide those personnel to support our partners.”

See WINNING Page 13

Courtesy photo

U.S. Air Force Airmen currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility stand with Airmen from the Pakistan Air Force Special Services Wing before a joint terminal attack control exercise in an undisclosed location in Pakistan during Exercise Falcon Talon, June 4. The Air Force Central Air Warfare Center deployed a joint terminal attack control instructor to conduct academic discussions on airspace control authority, coordinated attacks, sensor management, and enhanced target descriptions.

Multi-Capable Airmen Rodeo wraps up at Yokota

by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote 374th Airlift Wing U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in a bilateral, two-day MultiCapable Airman Rodeo event at Yokota Air Base and Tama Hills, Japan, June 27 and 28.

The event was created as part of an initiative to promote a multi-capable culture while identifying advanced training opportunities for Airmen to adapt and learn skills outside of their normal day-to-day duties. Multi-capable airman have proven to be the force multiplier, which helps operations continue in all environments, which ensures that mission objectives can still be achieved even if manpower is lost or critically low embodying the multi-capable Airman mindset.

See RODEO Page 6

Photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tech. Sgt. Tanaka Ryuuichirou, Air Tactics Development Wing, scans his surroundings for simulated opposition forces during the Multi-Capable Airman Rodeo event at Tama Hills, Japan, June 28.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Shelimar Rivera Rosado

A German Air Force PA-200 Tornado receives fuel from a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules during the European Air-to-Air Refueling Training portion of exercise Arctic Defender 24 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 11. Arctic Defender is a German Air Force-led exercise that provides a unique opportunity to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases. EART trains tanker crews, planners, taskers and engineers, including maintenance personnel, in air-to-air refueling operations and offers a unique opportunity to the nations participating in Arctic Defender to train their tanker and fighter crews in planning and executing missions within a realistic and multinational framework.

Photo by Dylan Smith

U.S. Air Force photo

Cadet candidates arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School for in-processing in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11. The preparatory school offers a select group of civilians and enlisted personnel a pathway to join the cadre at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Fuels technicians assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron perform an aerial bulk fuel delivery at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 10. Aerial bulk fuel delivery systems are used to transfer fuel from one fuel bladder to another pre-flight.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Tyndall enhances efficiency for crew chief training

by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem 325th Fighter Wing TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—With recent advances in technology, crew chiefs assigned to F-35A Lightning IIs are now able to experience simulated F-35 cockpits for full immersion during their engine run certification, which is a four-day course of intensive training on advanced procedures that covers critical information, hands-on familiarization with the simulator and operational training with the aircraft.

The introduction of 5th-generation aircraft cockpit simulators has redesigned engine run training at Tyndall, enhancing productivity, readiness and budgeting for the Air Force.

“We used to have to schedule a jet for an entire week,” said Master Sgt. Brian Morrissey, 95th Fighter Generation Squadron F-35 production superintendent. “That takes the aircraft out

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Barfield, left, 325th Maintenance Squadron maintenance training instructor, observes Airman 1st Class Logan Youmans, 95th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, during F-35A Lightning II virtual reality maintenance training at Tyndall Air Force See TYNDALL, Page 11 Base, Florida, July 9.

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RODEO From Page 3

Photo by Staff Sgt. Diego Villarreal

U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel pose for a photo at Yokota Air Base Japan, June 28. The MCA Rodeo served as an opportunity for both U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel to collaborate together and combine skill sets to overcome a variety of challenges and scenarios.

“The goal of the rodeo is to create interest in the program and promote the mindset of being a Multi-Capable Airman,” said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Lewis, 374th Airlift Wing defense paralegal. “It’s also an opportunity to engage with our host nation partners and boost those relationships.”

Participants were grouped into teams of five members and pitted against each other in a competition to win first place in the rodeo. The winners were assessed based upon how they applied and utilized their new skills.

Day one featured training and assessments of teams’ abilities to perform land navigation, radio etiquette, tactical combat casualty care; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense, and pallet building and cargo movement.

Day two started at the outdoor recreational area, Tama Hills, where all five teams were dropped off in a location where they had to utilize their new skills to navigate their way to checkpoints while adapting to an everchanging environment.

“We strive to actively involve our host nation as much as possible in events like this so that we have those relationships built and a mutual understanding of how each other operates,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Hershberger, 374th Operations Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of survival, evasion, resistance and escape.

The MCA Rodeo event marked a significant milestone in the U.S. and JASDF partnership, as both forces worked together to showcase their skills while adapting to a range of challenging scenarios. Through training events like these, Yokota continues to bolster partnerships and mission readiness capabilities while strengthening valuable skills in personnel in both the U.S. Air Force and JASDF forces.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Keller, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management section chief, treks across terrain with his team during the Multi-Capable Airman rodeo at Tama Hills, Japan, June 28. Teams competing in the rodeo had to push through the terrain with newly-acquired land navigation skills to locate their next waypoint.

NEWS/FEATURES

First U.S. military base in Niger completes withdrawal

by Staff Sgt. Charles Welty 406th Air Expeditionary Wing U.S. and Nigerien military personnel held a ceremony to mark the completion of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger, on July 7, 2024.

The complete withdrawal from Air Base 101 comes a month after the first departure of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the base in early June. Over the last month, U.S. forces have successfully withdrawn all personnel and essential assets from the base and have handed control of U.S. areas within the installation back over to the Nigerien government.

“Today we reflect positively on the past 15 years of security cooperation and shared sacrifice by U.S. forces and Nigerien forces,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, U.S. Africa Command Director of Strategy, Engage-

Photo by USAF Maj. Sandy Van Den Mooter

U.S. and Nigerien military personnel held a ceremony to mark the completion of the U.S. miliSee NIGER, Page 10 tary’s withdrawal from Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger, on July 7.

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From Sicily to CENTCOM

by Senior Airman Zachary Foster United States Air Forces Central U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY – Born and raised in the picturesque village of Alia, Sicily, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Guccione’s journey from a small Mediterranean town to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility epitomizes the American Dream.

During his formative years in Alia, Guccione fully embraced his surroundings. Fluent in the local language and deeply connected to the vibrant culture, he laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

By age 25, he earned a degree in kinesiology and met the woman who would later become his wife.

Everything was going just as it should, but it was different from how Guccione pictured his future. Despite his accomplishments and deep roots in Sicily, Guccione found himself drawn to new horizons beyond his familiar Mediterranean surroundings.

“In 2015, my brother found a job for me in the States,” Guccione said. “The job itself wasn’t anything special but it was a chance for change.”

Soon, Guccione worked in a warehouse alongside his brother, reconnecting with family members who had already made the move.

The work wasn’t exciting, but it was a start. He was in the Land of Opportunity and was determined not to let this chance slip through his fingers.

After working a few odd jobs, Guccione sat down with an old friend to redefine his goals. He had been in the U.S. for a few years but had not found the right fit.

“My friend was a recruiter for the [U.S.] Army at the time,” Guccione said. “He recommended I take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) just to see where I stand. It turns out I scored well with electronics, and before I knew it, I was off to basic training.”

Guccione is no stranger to change. He knew basic training would be difficult. He knew he would face the same fundamental issues everyone else does; missing his family and friends is something every trainee has to overcome, but Guiccione had one more than everyone else.

“When I got to basic training I knew very little English,” Guccione said. “That makes everything more difficult because all of the learning materials are in English, the instructors, the other trainees, everyone spoke this language that I didn’t really understand.”

Guccione had just a few short weeks to accomplish a task that many take years to do. He had no additional materials; he just had teammates willing to help.

“Practice. Practice. Practice,” Guiccione said. “Everything comes down to practice. I knew very little English when I first joined the Air Force, but the more I worked at it the quicker it came.”

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Before he knew it, Guccione not only knew the language but could leverage his bilingualism to advance his career.

After several assignments across different bases, Guccione finally found himself at Aviano Air Base in Italy, just a day’s drive from his hometown. Here, his bilingual skills opened doors to new opportunities.

“My time in Aviano has been great,” Guccione said. “It’s been really incredible to talk with people in a more familiar language, and it’s been helpful in facilitating communication between our Airmen and the local force.”

Guccione’s bilingual proficiency proved invaluable when a team of researchers from Washington D.C. arrived in Italy to search for WWII-era aircraft and evidence of POW/MIA casualties in the Pisa area. His ability to translate facilitated critical conversations with locals, making him a natural choice for the assignment recommended by his flight chief.

“Our first stop was to Pisa,” Guccione said. “My role was to ask the old people if they remembered anything. They pointed us in every direction, and we went everywhere to see what we could find.”

Guccione’s efforts laid the groundwork for a long-term project aimed at repatriating fallen veterans to their families.

Shortly after, Guccione was again called upon for this bilingual capabilities- this time at a deployed location.

Recently, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted a fleet of Italian Air Force assets on their way to Japan for Operation Indo-Pacific Jump 2024, which leverages the ITAF’s global partnerships to advance the force’s warfighting capabilities.

One stop on their journey to the Indo-Pacific region was an installation within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, where Guccione is deployed.

During the operation, Guccione used his familiar culture and language to advocate on behalf of the wing. His translations enabled ITAF personnel to carry out their mission better and the 379th AEW Airmen to facilitate.

“The pilots spoke English well, but everyone else had issues,” Guccione said. “Small things like conversions to the imperial system for the quantity of fuel can have a significant impact if communicated incorrectly.”

During Operation IPJ 2024, Guccione’s role as the sole translator for ITAF planning and emergency procedures proved pivotal. His precision ensured seamless communication between international units, underscoring the mission’s success.

Guccione continues to excel in bridg ing cultures and enhancing international cooperation, so he remains rooted in his Sicilian heritage.

His journey from a small village to a pivotal translator in global missions is a testament to perseverance and the boundless opportunities within the U.S. Air Force.

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U.S. trans of re from

U.S. Air Force photo

Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Guccione, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory specialist, middle, slates for Italian Air Force personnel in support of Operation Indo-Pacific Jump 2024 at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area esponsibility, June 30. Gucionne supported this year’s IPJ as a liaison between the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and transient ITAF. Guiccone is originally m Sicily, bringing a familiar culture and language to better support ITAF personnel on their journey to the Indo-Pacific AOR. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Guccione, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory specialist, translates for Italian Air Force personnel in support of Operation Indo-Pacific Jump 2024 at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 30. Gucionne supported this year’s IPJ as a liaison between the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and transient ITAF. Guiccone is originally from Sicily, bringing a familiar culture and language to better support ITAF personnel on their journey to the Indo-Pacific AOR.

U.S. Air Force photo

NIGER From Page 7

ment and Programs. “I am grateful for the close collaboration with our Nigerien hosts to support the safe, orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces commemorated today at Air Base 101.”

The successful departure of U.S. personnel and assets from Air Base 101 was made possible through the Joint Disengagement Commission’s cooperative and transparent efforts. They included provisions for a small contingent of additional U.S. personnel to provide logistical support, ensuring the efficient withdrawal of remaining forces and assets.

“We have yet to define the next chapter of our bilateral security relationship with Niger. As we do, our close collaboration on the Air Base 101 withdrawal will help set the tone for those discussions.,” said Ekman.

“That next chapter will also involve other regional militaries as we adjust our presence and activities in West Africa to pursue mutual security objectives. United States Africa Command will maintain our focus on building partner capacity and strengthening relationships and trust. We are committed to listening to West African militaries to best support their partner-led, U.S. enabled operations to counter violent extremism and improve security and stability.”

With Air Base 101’s withdrawal now complete, the focus moves to Air Base 201 in Agadez, which has simultaneously been prepped for a safe and orderly withdrawal by Sept. 15.

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Photo by USAF Maj. Sandy Van Den Mooter

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III taxis down the runway following a ceremony marking the official turnover of the U.S. compound at Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger. This Nigerien base has housed U.S. personnel and assets to help counter violent extremist organizations in the region.

With the closure of the U.S. compound on Air Base 101, U.S. forces will now focus on completing the withdrawal from Air Base 201 in Agadez.

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TYNDALL From Page 5

of the fight and off the pilots’ hands for training and what they need to accomplish. It’s nice having these [simulators] where we can send a couple of guys through and train them without reserving one of our most valuable assets.”

Utilizing this technology reduces logistical obstacles previously faced during the training course. One of the key features is the accuracy, closely replicating real-world scenarios that are difficult to recreate on aircraft unless a system is failing.

“It gives the students a chance to get comfortable in the cockpit before getting into real aircraft and seeing emergencies,” said Staff Sgt. Cameron Barfield, 325th Maintenance Squadron maintenance training instructor. “We benefit from receiving easier opportunities for screen time compared to reserving aircraft, eliminating multiple steps and making us more efficient. The simulator [shaves] a full day off the course.”

Master Sgt. Emiliano Canales, 325th Maintenance Group development instructor element chief, stated the simulator is the future of crew chief training with the potential of going beyond engine run training with opportunities for broader use across various maintenance units.

The 325th MXG has now taken the initiative to apply this new equipment throughout the Air Force for 5th-generation aircraft.

“I would like to see other maintenance sections come over and use this equipment to tailor their own style of troubleshooting on aircraft,” Canales said. “Let’s say someone needs to learn how to open the air refueling door, they could come here and run that process without spend-

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Barfield, 325th Maintenance Squadron maintenance training instructor, holds the control stick for a F-35A Lightning II simulator at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 9. Utilizing the simulator reduces logistical obstacles previously faced during the engine run training, such as reserving one of Tyndall’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft that could be conducting flying training. ing extra time reserving an aircraft. It would make the process a lot quicker and give everyone more confidence. This screen time is much more than you would be able to see every day on the flight line.”

Currently, only 15 Airmen have completed the course with the new technology, but the simula-

tor is proving to serve as a crucial component as Tyndall currently has 8 of the projected nearly 70 F-35 aircraft. This hands-on training not only will benefit crew chiefs, but pilots and instructors too by preparing personnel for real-world scenarios and teaching appropriate response strategies.

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WINNING From Page 3

The AAWC, a tenant unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, is a small team, composed of just over 20 Air Force and Army personnel. These operational experts travel to 9 different countries throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, working to build those relationships and military ties. With an average assignment length of 2.5 years, AWC personnel live in their host-nation communities, further building those international relationships.

By providing subject-matter experts, the U.S. is able to assist partner nations in building their exercises and increase the coalition’s collective capabilities throughout the region.

Walsh says their focus is “integration and interoperability,” with the goal of seeing U.S. and other nations’ aircraft “take off and all speak the same tactical language.”

The AAWC is involved in multiple exercises throughout the region, such as HAWKEX, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Operations Course, BALLAST CANNON, FALCON TALON and DESERT FLAG, which this year hosted 10 different countries in a large-scale operational exercise.

While the AAWC provides subject-matter experts to assist partner nations, Walsh says they don’t take control over exercises, or dictate how those nations should conduct those trainings.

“It’s very important that the mentality we take is ‘here’s a way that we, in the U.S., have found successful,’” said Walsh. “It does not mean it is the best way; it’s just a way that we’ve found successful given various circumstances, and we present that to our partners to modify – given their cultural underpinnings and their capabilities and resources – to find a way that works for them.”

Walsh says that the strength the U.S. has in the region lies in the relationships it has with its partners, making this mission even more important.

“We need to be able to rely on our partners to have a team effort to get after some of those strategic goals,” said Walsh. “We use these exercises and partner-nationintegration events to build stronger coalitions, build stronger friendships and partnerships, so that when called upon, we can all act together in our interests.”

With U.S. adversaries still operating in the region, as well as joint efforts to keep shipping lanes safe for nations throughout the world, Col. Walsh says the AAWC’s mission is vital to strategic efforts.

“Being able to be a direct input into that, being able to

Courtesy photo

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from Aviano Air Base’s 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, also known as the ‘Buzzards,’ currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, prepares to taxi out for a flight in an undisclosed location in Pakistan during Exercise Falcon Talon, June 4. U.S. Air Force Central’s 378th Air Expeditionary Wing and Pakistan Air Force Airmen recently conducted the fifth iteration of Exercise Falcon Talon, a bilateral Field Training Exercise focused on tacticallevel counter-terrorism, air-to-ground weapons employment and subject matter expert exchanges.

Courtesy photo

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from Aviano Air Base’s 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, also known as the ‘Buzzards,’ currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, watch aircraft take off from an undisclosed location in Pakistan during Exercise Falcon Talon, June 10. Exercise Falcon Talon 2024 provided U.S. forces the opportunity to integrate with partner forces to expand training interacSee WINNING, Page 14 tions and support operational objectives for both nations.

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WINNING From Page 13

liaise with our partners, so that we can all work together to keep the global commons free, to keep external actors from exerting a malign influence in the region, is a really neat thing to be a part of, since it does directly impact our public back home, whether they know it or not.”

After commanding the AAWC for 2 years, Walsh says the biggest lesson he’s learned is how much we can learn from our partners.

“We live in a fantastic and amazing country,” said Walsh, “and I think one of the negative aspects of that can be the belief that our way is always the best, and our way is always the right way. Having the opportunity to live in various parts of the world, see how other cultures address things, and then taking those lessons learned back home is probably my big takeaway from this assignment.”

While the AAWC has played a large role in improving the interoperability of partner nations throughout the region, it is still working hard to continue to build those partnerships and ensure a stronger coalition, prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

“Never underestimate the importance of the relationship building that the U.S. military does. We need to continue to leverage foreign area officers, organizations that specialize in theater security cooperation missions, to help build those relationships, and learn about other countries, so we can understand their motivations and maybe their reactions, to help shape how we approach problem-solving and decision making.”

Editor’s Note: At the time of this interview, Col. Kevin Walsh was the commander of the AFCENT Air Warfare Center. At a Change of Command ceremony July 2 he relinquished command to Col. Nicklaus Walker.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Virtual cooking classes Don’t miss this fun opportunity to brush up on your cooking skills or learn how to prepare a new dish alongside (via Zoom) season 4 winner of Master Chief, Luca Manfe.

To register and view the zoom sessions available July 26 and July 27, go to forcesupport.awardsplatform. com.

July base theater movies Your MacDill Base Library will be offering free movies at the Base Theater. Movies are open to anyone with base access to MacDill AFB. For a complete movie schedule, visit macdillfss.com/library/.

Outdoor adventure trips Experience the thrill of adventure with 6 FSS Outdoor Adventure Tours! From mastering the basics of kayaking to embarking on exhilarating kayak tours, swimming alongside majestic manatees, and exploring the depths through scuba diving. Visit macdillfss.com/ outdoor-adventure-tours/tours to view upcoming classes and unforgettable trips that sell out quickly.

Tap to pay now available All eight 6 FSS Food Beverage locations now accept contactless payments, including Apple Pay & Google Pay! Stop by today and grab a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage. For a list of facilities and menus visit, macdillfss.com/eatdrink/.

Joint airborne training

An Alaska Air National Guard pararescueman from the 212th Rescue Squadron conducts airborne operations from an Alaska Army National Guard CH-47F Chinook helicopter at Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 9. The Guardsmen of the 212th RQS and the 3rd ASOS TACP special warfare Airmen conducted joint airborne training to maintain the PJ’s proficiency in conducting full-spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional rescue operations and the TACP’s to direct lethal and nonlethal joint firepower whenever necessary.

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)

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Photo by Senior Airman Julia Lebens

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Chapel at 828-3621 or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

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

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

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, July 18, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15

WEAPONS From Page 2

“We test them on weapons, munitions systems and aircraft knowledge,” Beard said. “We look over their uniforms, haircuts, boots, patches, tool boxes are inspected for cleanliness and organization. It’s a two-week effort to make sure all those things are aligned and prepared for, culminating in the final load.”

With tightened timelines, spectators and peer pressure, the Airmen must look over the missile launchers, bomb racks and the munition itself before they can begin to load, secure it and get ready for flight – all while following a series of checklists and technical orders to ensure accuracy and safety.

“Preparation is the key to the ability to be flexible,” said Senior Airman Brandon Marshall, 23rd Maintenance Group lead crew member and event evaluator. “Being in a situation where you’re going to be under high stress is a way to prepare for the deployed environment.”

Adding a unique twist to the normal quarterly event, senior leaders

performed a head-to-head load after the Airmen from 74th and 75th FGS finished theirs.

“It’s a good opportunity to remind these Airmen that are out there working the job day in and day out, that these master sergeants, seniors and even chiefs, they were all in those shoes,” Marshall said. “It’s a great way to let the senior leaders get back to their roots as well.”

Just like the teeth and claws of the tiger, weapons Airmen perform a crucial role in the complex machine that is the United States Air Force.

Quarterly load competitions add the opportunity to build morale and camaraderie, sharpen the skills of Airmen and pick the best of the best to compete at their pinnacle annual competition.

“Without bombs or missiles, the jet is just going to fly around and poke holes in the sky,” Beard said. “Without weapons, it’s just another airline.”

In a close race, the Airmen from the 75th FGS won ending the long winning streak of the 74th FGS lasting since 2019.

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

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