Thunderbolt 7/20/2023

Vol. 51, No. 29

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Dark lightning research News/Features: page 3 Air Force Climate Plan

News/Features: page 3 Linguist breaks barriers

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Community: page 10 Events, Chapel, more...

A NASA ER-2 takes off from MacDill Air Force Base July 13 to conduct terrestrial gamma-ray (TGF) flash, or dark lightning, research in the Gulf of Mexico. TGFs are the most explosive manifestation of energetic natural particle acceleration and can deliver 1018 high-energy photons from thunderclouds to space in a few tens of microseconds. The Airborne Lightning Observatory for TGFs campaign is a collaboration between NASA and the University of Bergen to study the advanced science of high-energy radiation emissions from thunderstorms.

NEWS/FEATURES

Justice Department reinforces federal protections for servicemembers, spouses Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Justice Department announced July 14 that it has issued a letter to all state licensing authorities about new employment-related federal protections for military families. The letter informs state licensing authorities about Congress’s recent amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act that allows servicemembers and their spouses to use their professional licenses or certificates in new jurisdictions if they are relocating because of military orders and meet certain other requirements.

“Servicemembers and their families should not face unnecessary barriers to employment because of the sacrifices they make in service to our country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The guidance we are issuing today reflects the Justice Department’s commit-

ment to honoring our nation’s servicemembers and their families not just with words, but also with action.”

“Servicemembers bear great burdens to protect and advance our democracy and families of these dedicated military professionals often make sacrifices on our behalf, including frequent moves, child-care challenges and interruptions or barriers to employment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“The resources that we are making available should empower many servicemembers and military spouses with professional licenses to better navigate the burdens that can result from frequently moving around the country.”

In January 2023, Congress added a new provision to the SCRA — a law that provides servicemembers and their families with a wide variety of financial and housing protections —

to make it easier for servicemembers and military spouses to have their professional licenses recognized when they relocate to another state due to military orders. The new SCRA license portability provision provides that servicemembers and military spouses can have their out-of-state licenses recognized as valid in the new state while they are stationed there so long as they meet certain requirements.

The letter to state licensing authorities explains how the SCRA’s license portability provision reduces the administrative hurdles that servicemembers and their spouses face when they move across state lines. The documents explain the requirements servicemembers or their spouses must meet to have their license or certificate recognized as valid under this new law. The department is also releasing a fact sheet about the SCRA’s license portability provision.

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

◆

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 ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ 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 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 Air Force rolls out Climate Campaign Plan Secretary of the Air Force Energy, Installations, and Environment WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force released its Climate Campaign Plan July 11.

“Our priorities are to maintain air and space dominance in the face of climate risks...” - Dr. Ravi Chaudhary The Department of the Air Force Climate Action Plan, which was published in October 2022, defines how it will preserve operational capability, increase resiliency, and do its part to help mitigate future climate impacts. The plan lays out an enterprise-wide approach to why it is important to ensure policies, technology innovation and evolving operations remain relevant in a changing climate.

The Climate Campaign Plan is the implementation portion of the Climate Action Plan and breaks down the strategy through specif-

ic and measurable objectives and key results.

This plan details the actions, offices of primary responsibility, external partners and timelines to achieve the key results.

DAF’s overall goal is to be resilient to the effects of climate change and preserve a combat-credible force that is increasingly impacted by climate change. The department’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be critical to meet our national security obligations.

“Our priorities are to maintain air and space dominance in the face of climate risks, ensure our decisions reflect an understanding of the impacts of climate on our mission, and build resilience by optimizing energy use and pursuing alternative energy sources,” said Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, installations, and environment. “Ultimately, this Campaign Plan is about warfighting and responding at the point of effect for theater commanders – and we will be ready.”

The department will provide updates as necessary to address new policies, technology innovation, and evolving missions that answer emerging climate concerns.

U.S. Air Force graphic

The Department of the Air Force Climate Action Plan, which was published in October 2022, defines how it will preserve operational capability, increase resiliency, and do its part to help mitigate future climate impacts.

Air Force linguist breaks barriers during Mobility Guardian 2023

by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook Air Mobility Command Public Affairs YAKUMO SUB BASE, Japan—As a Hongkongese-American, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kelvin Chong has a unique advantage. A Japanese translator assigned to the 185th Security Forces Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Chong has played a vital role as the strategic cultural representative for the Air Force during Mobility Guardian 2023.

Chong’s bicultural background allows him to understand not only the Japanese language but also the cultural nuances that play a significant role in effective communication. His ability to navigate the intricacies of honorific terms and address individuals according to their status adds a layer of respect and professionalism to his role.

“The biggest challenge of my job is to understand what the expectaSee LINGUIST, Page 9

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kelvin Chong, a Japanese translator assigned to the 18th Security Forces Squadron, speaks to Lt. Gen. Ryusuke Morikawa, commander of Air Support Command in support of Mobility Guardian 2023, at Yakumo Sub Base, Japan, July 13. During MG23, Chong served as the strategic cultural representative for the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Air Force, ensuring accurate and efficient communication among partner nations.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 3

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

A C-130 Hercules assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing, Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, sits on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base July 16.

The 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron recently utilized the aircraft in a total force aeromedical training event. The AES forces support the full range of military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

A KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, front, and a KC-10A Extender assigned to the 60th AMW, Travis Air Force Base, California, are shown on the flight line at MacDill AFB July 12. Tanker aircraft are capable of performing air refueling which enables global reach for the Department of Defense.

U.S. Air Force Col. Katherine Lilly, 6th Maintenance Group commander, renders her first salute to the group during the 6th MXG change of command at MacDill Air Force Base July 14. Lilly was previously the director of staff to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs.

4

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

NEWS/FEATURES Air Mobility Command exercise expedites Joint Force capabilities

by Senior Airman Tiffany Del Oso Air Mobility Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii—In an endeavor to understand the challenges and tyranny of distance within the Pacific theater, Air Mobility Command has completed phase 1 of Mobility Guardian 2023.

The exercise fosters interoperability between Allies and partners as well as Joint Forces, in the maneuvering of more than 15,000 U.S. and international forces associated with other exercises across the Indo-Pacific.

Headquartered at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam, Hawaii, the Exercise Control Group is made up of dozens of exercise planners consisting of Air Force, Joint and international units. Connecting the diverse breadth of functions is key to the mobilization, deployment and sustainment needed to transmit the Joint Force and their equipment to any global location when it’s needed.

“The collaboration and connection formed alongside our DoD teammates and our Allies and partners during planning and execution will pay dividends today, tomorrow and into our unquestionably complex future,” said Lt. Col. Jake Parker, MG23 exercise director.

One of the units include a team of U.S. Marine Air and Ground Task Force planners, Sgt. Heather Dilcher, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing,

Photo by Airman 1st Class Madeline Baisey

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Heather Dilcher, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Marine and Lance Cpl. Veronica Huerta, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force Air and Ground Task Force planners, pose in front of a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy during a joint mission through Mobility Guardian 23 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 9. MG23 is a mobility exercise held across a 3,000-mile area intended to deepen interoperability with U.S. allies and partners, bolstering the collective ability See JOINT FORCE, Page 8 to support a free and open Indo-Pacific area.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 5

AMC commander, command chief visit the Gateway to the Pacific during MG23

by Senior Airman Alexander Merchak 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

W

ith Mobility Guardian 2023 well underway, U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, AMC command chief, visited numerous AMC locations, including Team Travis, July 11-12.

Mobility Guardian 2023 is AMC’s largest full spectrum readiness exercise in the command’s history and Minihan was there to observe the strategic role Travis AFB plays in the region.

“Everything that’s special about this [AMC] patch exists on this base,” said Minihan. “There is not another power projection platform on the planet that is more important than this base. Your efforts are being felt globally because of the work being done on this base.”

This is the largest Exercise Mobility Guardian in the command’s history with more than 3,000 mobility Airmen participating across the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility demonstrating all tenants of Rapid Global Mobility, maneuvering the Joint Force, and integrating with our Allies and partners. Team Travis deployed more than 400 personnel, including aircrew and support teams from the C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Super Galaxy and the 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.

Team Travis was emphasized as a strategically important node identified as one of the key mobility touchpoints visited by higher headquarters as part of MG23, further highlighting Travis as the “Gateway to the Pacific.”

“Travis demonstrates tremendous support to the Indo-Pacific region on a regular basis,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. “Mobility Guardian is an opportunity to showcase our ability to succeed with our allies and sister services in providing rapid global mobility on any scale. We’re no strangers to the trials of an operationally limited environment and we welcome this opportunity to show that we’re prepared to address these challenges and support the Joint Force in all aspects of combat operations.”

Airmen with the 821st Contingency Response Squadron participate in a lethality course demo vis Air Force Base, California, July 11.

See MG23, Page 11 Photo by Senior Airman Alexander Merchak

6

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

Photo by Senior Airman Alexander Merchak

Photo by Senior Airman Alexander Merchak

onstration during Mobility Guardian 2023 at Tra-

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Oliver Davis, left, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-5M Super Galaxy home station check journeyman, and Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, change a tire on a C-5M during a visit amidst Mobility Guardian 2023 at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 11.

(Far left) U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, fires an M4 with 5.56 simunition training rounds during a visit amidst Mobility Guardian 2023 at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 11.

(Left) U.S. Air Force Col. Michelle Milner, 60th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, asks a question during an all call amidst Mobility Guardian 2023 at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 11.

Photo by Nicholas Pilch

JOINT FORCE From Page 5

and Lance Cpl. Veronica Huerta, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force.

“The Marine Corps happens to be performing exercises in theater at the same time and we needed a lift in order to move our people out into the theater and conduct our exercises,” explained Dilcher.

Through months of coordination, the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California, was able to provide a C-5M Super Galaxy to support the Marine Corps mission; a team effort that required continuous communication.

The C-5 has the capacity to hold more than 281,000 pounds and can fly farther than 2,500 nautical miles without aerial refueling, making it an essential asset across the Department of Defense.

“This is my first time working jointly in this type of capacity, and I think it’s been going really well,” said Dilcher. “The commander here has been receptive to us working here. He’s given us access to everything we need to be involved in and ensured our access to equipment and space we need to conduct our mission.”

The MAGTAF planning team coordinated with the helicopter’s home station and the 60th AMW to ensure all the cargo was prepped and ready to go when the C-5 arrived. Preparation included removing and folding the aircrafts rotors to ensure multiple would fit inside the Super Galaxy.

“It was a pretty simple process,” said Senior Airman Christopher Medina, 2nd Airlift Squadron loadmaster. “The Marines knew ex-

8

◆

Photo by Airman 1st Class Madeline Baisey

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Veronica Huerta, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force Air and Ground Task Force planner, sits in a Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopter cockpit after its arrival on a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy during a joint mission through Mobility Guardian 23 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 9. actly what to do and how to set up all their cargo. Because of their preparation, it was really easy for us to pull [the helicopters] in.”

This is the first year Mobility Guardian has taken place in the Indo-Pacific, a clear shift from the exercise’s previous U.S.-based iterations. The purpose of this iteration is to truly understand the challenges the tyranny of

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

distance and contested logistics can present when it comes to delivering Rapid Global Mobility for the Joint Force and our Allies and partners. The Mobility Forces will serve as the cohesive flue that enables the meaningful maneuver for the Combined Joint forces across a variety of exercises this summer in the IndoPacific theater.

LINGUIST From Page 3

tions are,” said Chong. “I have to learn and use a lot of honorific terms in Japanese when dealing with different individuals and their status.

In my past, I didn’t have to deal with higherranking Japanese officers.”

Chong’s linguistic abilities were not limited to Japanese alone. Before joining the military, he had already learned four different languages, though only on a conversational level.

However, his time at Kadena Air Base allowed him to further develop his Japanese language skills. Working in the Pass and Registration office, he had the opportunity to interact with Japanese customers regularly, expanding his knowledge of the language and its application in military operations.

“That experience gave me more knowledge in Japanese and how it applies to military operations,” said Chong. “When Mobility Guardian came around, I was recommended for the role of a Japanese translator, and I gladly accepted the challenge.”

During MG23, Chong’s role was crucial in bridging the gap between the U.S. Air Force and their Japanese counterparts. He accompanied U.S. Air Force personnel in briefings, training exercises, and simulations, ensuring accurate and efficient communication at all times. His ability to convey messages accurately and interpret Japanese responses helped foster a collaborative environment, leading to successful joint operations.

“Being a part of Mobility Guardian has been an incredible experience,” said Chong. “I have witnessed firsthand the power of effective com-

Graphic by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kelvin Chong, 18th Security Forces Squadron Japanese translator, poses for a portrait in support of Mobility Guardian 2023, at Yakumo Sub Base, Japan, July 13. munication and how it strengthens relationships between nations. I am proud to serve as a strategic cultural representative for the U.S. Air Force, and I believe that my role has made a positive impact on the success of this exercise.”

Chong’s dedication and linguistic skills have

not only earned him respect among his U.S. Air Force colleagues but also admiration from his Japanese counterparts. His commitment to understanding and respecting Japanese culture has forged valuable connections and laid the foundation for future collaborations between the two nations.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 9

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Friday Stampede at Boomers Join the Boomers Stampede every Friday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Boomer’s is located inside the Breakaway Event Center with a full bar, multiple screens, music, and pool tables. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drink specials every Friday. For more information visit, macdillfss.com/wp-content/ uploads/friday_stampede.pdf.

MacBack to school event Don’t miss out on the MacBack to School event and Information Fair on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Come join the fun at Hanger 3 at this annual event filled with games, activities, music, food, free school supplies and information. To learn more, visit macdillfss.com/macback-to-school/.

Youth flag football registration Get in the game. Register your child(ren) July 26 through Aug. 25.

Join the Youth Center co-ed flag football for an active, fun, and inclusive experience. Develop skills, build friendships, and create lasting memories on the field. Current child and youth programs members can register beginning July 26 through their existing CYPBMS login. For pricing, requirements, and non-member registration details, visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/YOUTHFLAGFOOTBALL.pdf.

The Champ!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Brett Lafreniere, 6th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, pose for a photo with Tech. Sgt. Penny Cornell, 6th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of force management, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base July 11. Cornell was rewarded for her involvement in correcting a discrepancy within the Emergency Management Hurricane Readiness Team guidance which helped co-author new policies to resolve transportation and storage limiting factors.

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.

Protestant virtual services - Sunday - 11 a.m. (www.facebook.com/6amwhc)

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

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved)

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

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

(confessions by appointment)

Find more events at: macdillfss.com 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 10

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

MG23

From Page 6

MG23 features a wide range of refueling and transport aircraft working with thousands of Joint service mem-bers and international Allies and partners to practice interoperability across airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, air mobility operations (Global Air Mobility Support System), and command and control in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments. Many different units supported the heavy lift to seven different countries where U.S. Airmen worked side-by-side with multiple partner nations.

During MG23, land, naval, air, and defense forces from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom will conduct operations alongside U.S. Joint Force elements while spanning 3,000 miles.

“It should be evident by now that success of the Joint Force requires a capable and integrated Mobility Air Force,” Minihan said in a statement released when MG23 kicked off. “MG23 will turn planned integration into operational integration within the theater, stretching MAF capabilities to meet future demands and, protect shared international interests with our Allies and partners.”

Minihan stressed preparation for MG23 was not limited to a small group of planners, rather it was a whole of force effort taking heed to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s directive to “Go Faster.” When he took command in October 2021, Minihan propelled the command toward droves of unconventional but risk-informed approaches, guiding the way AMC projects mobility forces across the globe.

As Minihan concluded his visit in California, the Travis team spread across the globe supporting MG23 and the air mobility mission.

To see more updates about Mobility Guardian 23, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/MG23.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 11

12

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, July 20, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT