Thunderbolt 07/28/2022

Vol. 50, No. 30

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Thank you, Col. and Mrs. Jonsson

News/Features: page 3 Visit to Saudi Royal Forces

News/Features: page 3 New crises line

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Ryan C. Grossklag

Community: page 15 Events, Chapel, more...

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson, assuming 6th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) commander, walks with his wife, Heather, at the 6th ARW assumption of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 4, 2020. The event, presided by Maj. Gen. Sam Barrett, 18th Air Force commander, was attended by the family of Jonsson, as well as base and community leaders. The 6th ARW change of command ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow.

NEWS/FEATURES Air Force prepares for newly approved COVID-19 vaccine Novavax provides new option for unvaccinated Airmen, Guardians

by Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS)—The Air Force will soon have the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine available after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized it for emergency use and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed it as another primary series option for adults ages 18 years and older.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, which will be available in the coming weeks, is a two-dose vaccine that presents a new option for those who have been hesitant to receive the FDA fully licensed and approved mRNA vaccines, Pfizer Cominarty and Moderna Spikevax.

One distinction from mRNA vaccines is that Novavax uses a traditional platform similar to other vaccines that Airmen and Guardians may have already received.

“Most Airmen and Guardians have already received vaccines using similar technology as the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, like the hepatitis B vaccine, which is a Department of Defense requirement. Other vaccines produced with similar technology are the human papillomavirus vaccine and even one of the flu vaccines,” said Lt. Col. David Sayers, chief of preventive medicine, Air Force Medical Readiness Agency. “The

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine uses technology that has been around since the 1980s. Not only do we have effectiveness and safety data from the Novavax clinical trials, but we also have decades of experience with this type of vaccine.”

In clinical trials performed before the emergence of the delta and omicron variants, Novavax was 90.4% effective in preventing mild, moderate or severe COVID-19 infections. Unvaccinated service members must receive the two doses, the primary series, taken at least 21 days apart to be considered fully vaccinated and meet the Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

Individuals who are in the process of seeking a religious accommodation exemption can elect to use any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccination under emergency use or fully licensed vaccine, which now includes Novavax, at any point in the review process to comply with this vaccine requirement.

“Novavax may accommodate those with sincerely held beliefs who felt limited in their options with the previous vaccine offering,” said Maj. Gen. Sharon Bannister, medical operations director, Air Force Surgeon General.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Air Force medical leaders are urging all Airmen, Guardians and their families to vaccinate against COVID-19 and stay up-to-date on their vaccinations. Approved vaccines have been proven to decrease the chances of severe COVID-19 and preSee VACCINE, Page 16

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website 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,

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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 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

CENTCOM leaders visit Saudi Royal Armed Forces USCENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla.—Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, along with Vice Adm. Charles “Brad” Cooper, commander of U.S. Navy Central, and Lt. Gen. Pat Frank, commander of U.S. Army Central, visited the Saudi Royal Armed Forces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia July 20-21.

TAMPA, Fla. – Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, along with Vice Adm. Charles “Brad” Cooper, commander of U.S. Navy Central, and Lt. Gen. Pat Frank, commander of U.S. Army Central, visited the Saudi Royal Armed Forces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia July 20-21.

The visit is part of an ongoing multi-country trip to the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

See SAUDI VISIT, Page 14

U.S. Centcom photo

Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, along with Vice Adm. Charles “Brad” Cooper, commander of U.S. Navy Central, and Lt. Gen. Pat Frank, commander of U.S. Army Central, visited the Saudi Royal Armed Forces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia July 20-21.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline quick-dial option now live by 1st. Lt. Amelia Leonard 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AFNS)—The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline is launching a new quick-dial option nationwide starting July 16.

Anyone located within the United States can call or text 9-8-8 any time of day, seven days a week to receive support for suicidal, mental health, and substance use crisis. The line will connect callers to trained crisis counselors.

People can also call or text 9-8-8 if worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

“What we want to do is make it as easy as possible for someone to reach help when they need it,” said Colleen Carr, director of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, in a 2022 interview. “It’s not a new network being established. It’s a new way to access that network in a way that’s easier to remember.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, callers will be routed to a local crisis center based on their area code. A local, trained counselor will listen, provide support and share resources, if needed. If there is no one available at a local crisis See SUICIDE, Page 16

U.S. Air Force graphic by David Perry

The three-digit code 988 has been designated to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting July 16.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sabin Venable, 6th Security Forces Squadron marine patrolman, operates a vessel at MacDill Air Force Base, July 10. Marine patrolmen utilize patrol boats, jet skis, and all-terrain vehicles to monitor coastal restricted areas surrounding MacDill AFB which include shallow waterways accessible only by jet ski.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Parker, 6th Mission Support Group commander, serves cake with Airmen as part of an appreciation meal at MacDill U.S. Air Force photo Air Force Base, July 21. The three-course meal, hosted by 6th ARW leadership and the 6th Force Support Squadron, aimed to provide a Ch, 1st Lt. James Whitfield, 6th ARW, conducts an invocation prior to unique dining experience for servicemembers at the Dinner’s Reef Din- the Port Dawg Memorial Run at MacDill Air Force Base. The annual meing Facility. morial run honors fallen aerial transportation specialists.

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NEWS/FEATURES MacDill Airman wins first professional MMA fight

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. Air Force owns the sky through air superiority, but who’s to say Airmen can’t compete on the ground?

On July 14, Senior Airman Adam Amado, 6th Maintenance Group aircraft maintenance unit scheduler, earned a technical knockout victory over his opponent at Cage Fury Fighting Championship 110 in Tampa.

Mixed martial arts, commonly known as MMA, is a sanctioned combat sport that incorporates multiple fighting disciplines such as wrestling, boxing, muay Thai and jiu-jitsu.

While Amado has a background competing in wrestling during his high school years, it was his striking abilities that separated him from his opponent on July 14.

“I knew I missed no steps in training and went in there with complete confidence,” Amado said. “In MMA, there’s a sense of healthy arrogance See FIGHTER, Page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Adam Amado, 6th Maintenance Group aircraft maintenance unit scheduler, trains at a boxing gym in Tampa July 11.

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NEWS New medical profile system to enhance communication and readiness

Photo by Staff Sgt. Chance Nardone

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Cabral, 52nd Security Forces member, performs a physical therapy exercise in the medical clinic at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 14. A new medical profile system aimed at improving communication and overall readiness has been developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory in collaboration with the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency and the Defense Health Agency and is scheduled to roll out to military treatment facilities later this summer.

by Gina Marie Giardina Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS)—A new medical profile system aimed at improving communication and overall readiness has been developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory in collaboration with the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency and the Defense Health Agency and is scheduled to roll out to military treatment facilities later this summer.

The Airman and Guardian Availability Management system will continue to reside in the Aeromedical Services Information Management System, but will be the new way of generating a profile. ASIMS is a web-based application that provides the Air Force the capability to track medical readiness, including immunization data, through a web portal for all personnel both in fixed or deployed facilities, and for security purposes, must be accessed using a Common Access Card.

AGAM is currently being tested at 14 locations includSee SYSTEM, Page 10

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Sixth Air Refueling Wing leaders and Airmen pose for a group photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base July 22. The 6th ARW is a 3,000-person force capable of rapidly projecting air refueling power anywhere in the world.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook

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SYSTEM From Page 6

ing Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Fairchild AFB, Washington; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; Travis AFB, California; Beale AFB, California; Shaw AFB, South Carolina; Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota; as well as seven Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units.

Medical profile systems are communication tools that act as a conduit between medical providers, ill or injured service members and their supervisors or commanders. As part of the treatment plan for ill or injured service members, medical providers document recommended limitations and restrictions with the service members as well as with supervisors and commanders for decision making purposes in order to support the healing process.

After assessing the prior system, teams of experts in AFRL, DHA and AFMRA determined an updated system could improve the management of patients, give them more autonomy over their healing processes and enables better communication with leadership regarding the readiness status of personnel. Additionally, the update could increase medical providers’ occupational and operational awareness as they would better understand the physical requirements of various career fields across the Total Force.

“Our hope with this new system is that service members will be more engaged in the profiling process and have more responsibility during recovery. Likewise, commanders will have ready access to information on unit members who are placed on a profile, supporting their ability to determine how service members can contribute to the mission, as well as whether or not certain members can deploy,” explained Maj. Lindsay Johnston, chief of the Base Operational Medicine Clinic (BOMC) Development Branch in AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing.

AGAM introduces changes to current processes, and provides improved communication between commanders and medical providers. This profile system also has a completely new look with dashboards so service members and commanders will have easier access to information.

“We designed AGAM to provide improved communication between

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commanders and medical providers, balancing service members’ medical needs during recovery with duty requirements,” Johnston explained.

“Additionally, the improved system will empower Airmen and Guardians, allowing them to take an active role in their health. They’ll not only be responsible for updating their recovery progress, but they can also document in AGAM when more care is needed.”

During the development process, the team worked with medical providers in many specialties and built templates for more than 200 diagnoses to give commanders an improved decision-making tool. These templates are standardized based on the most current medical guidance allowing for consistency across the Department of the Air Force.

For medical providers, AGAM generates all profile information electronically on the Air Force Form 469, which is the official form providers use to communicate recommendations for fitness, duty and mobility restrictions, which optimizes treatment, stabilization and recovery.

Johnston stated protected health information is not visible on the Air Force Form 469.

For service members, the new process will require them to log into their MyIMR and provide status updates at specific intervals prescribed by their providers.

“Service members on medical profiles will get an email from AGAM reminding them to make these updates, which will minimize delays in evaluation and treatment,” Johnston explained. “Commanders will also be able to see updates or if service members are due or overdue to either follow-up with their providers or to certify a condition.”

In addition to being an enhanced communication tool between providers, service members and commanders, Johnston stated the improved profile data will allow for recognition of trends and focused interventions such as the potential for embedded care teams or changes to equipment within units.

“AGAM is designed to enhance readiness all around,” Johnston said.

“We strongly believe this new design will not only be user-friendly but offer a stronger support team for ill and injured service members.”

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FIGHTER From Page 5

you need to carry within yourself. You cannot go in there with any sympathy for your adversary. I was after the finish, and I did just that.”

Amado was able to defend each takedown attempt and ended the fight with punches on the ground over his opponent who brought a 3-1 professional record with him into the cage.

The idea of getting punched in the face is one that many people would flinch at. At a young age, Amado gravitated towards hand-to-hand combat and developed his passion for martial arts.

“I grew up watching Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies, and I wanted to be able to throw punches and kicks like them,” Amado said. “As I began MMA, I learned early on that you have to get over the fact that you’re going to take some hits in and out of the cage. It’s about how you respond. You either keep getting hit or fight back.”

Amado’s main card fight at CFFC 110 was his second professional bout. His professional debut did not end with him getting his hand raised.

“Losing my first professional fight hurt,” Amado said. “It was a close fight that I knew I should have won. It made me hungrier, it made me work harder and it made me take fighting even more serious than I thought I was taking it. I wasn’t going to let that happen again.”

Amado said that the toughest part about swallowing his debut loss was the thought of disappointing his family and friends who have supported him on his athletic journey. That feeling led Amado to double down on his training efforts, which included more hours spent in the gym and sharpening his skills.

Since his time at MacDill, Amado has been able to manage not only his duties with the 6th MXG, but has also been able to train and compete as a professional mixed martial artist.

“Balancing the two isn’t easy work,” Amado said. “There are days I want to sit home and spend time with my family.

I have learned to unplug emotionally and just stick to the routine.”

Amado said that part of his motivation comes from the support he receives from other Airmen in his unit. One of the members who attended Amado’s fight was his supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Adam Canty, 6th MXG noncommissioned officer in charge of scheduling.

“Senior Airman Amado gave an amazing performance,” Canty said. “He trains daily during after-duty hours to perfect his craft, and to see all that hard work pay off, I couldn’t be happier for him.”

As per the Airman’s Creed, the American Airman is a warrior whose mission is to fly, fight and win. Through his endeavors in and out of the cage, Amado exemplifies being that warrior.

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Adam Amado, 6th Maintenance Group aircraft maintenance unit scheduler, trains at a boxing gym in Tampa, July 11. Amado was preparing for an upcoming professional mixed martial arts fight later in the month, which he won by technical knockout in the second round.

Photos bt Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

Force Support Squadron Services Effective as of 04 JUNE 2022 OPERATIONAL

CLOSED

LIMITED SERVICES

MASK REQUIRED INDOORS REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS COMMUNITY SERVICES

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Common Access Card (CAC) - By Appointment Only or Mission Essential Actions (Initial CAC issue; lost CAC; PIN Reset; CAC expiring within 7 days; emergency hardships Retiree/Dependent ID Cards - 2 Kiosks available at the BX for renewals or by appointment only Passports - By Appointment Only Military Personnel Flight APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office Manpower & Organization Office School Liaison/EFMP NAF Cashier Cage Private Org/Unit SM&W Funds Emergency Financial Assistance

Main Base Pool - Closed For Season FamCamp Marina - 1/2 or Full Day Boat/ Equipment Rentals, Snacks & Drinks Boat/RV Registration + Wet Slips Golf Course Arts & Crafts Center Bowling Information, Tickets & Travel DIY Auto Hobby Shop DIY Wood Shop Skeet Range Archery - by Reservations Only Car Wash/Resale Lot

READINESS/DEVELOPMENT

EVENT SUPPORT Capacity limited to 50 patrons for all events.

Breakaway Event Center Theater

FOOD OPERATIONS

Dine-in limited to 50% capacity for all facilities.

DFAC Rickenbacker’s Cafe Brews of the Bay Bar Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Boomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) SeaScapes Bar - Friday nights only 1500-2000 AAFES Food Operations

Fitness Center- Masks must be worn while indoors at all times except while actively engaging on cardio or anaerobic equipment.

Child Development Centers (CDCs) Family Child Care School Age Program Youth Center Military & Family Readiness Center Open for walk-in customers and appointments.

Classes & Workshops are a mixture of virtual and in person.

Library Base Education Base Training Office Airman Leadership School Professional Development Center/FTAC WAPS/Vol. Education Testing Lodging (MacDill Inn)

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SAUDI VISIT From Page 3

center, the caller will be re-routed to a national center for assistance.

If needed, the counselor on the call can activate a local mobile mental health crisis team to be dispatched to the caller to provide therapeutic interventions and make referrals for outpatient services or transportation for further evaluation, according to SAMHSA. In the U.S., 45,979 people died by suicide in 2020. That is an average of one person every 11 minutes, according to theCenters for Disease Control. Additionally, 12.2 million adults thought about suicide, 3.2 million adults planned to die by suicide, and 1.2 million adults attempted suicide.

The creation of 9-8-8 not only helps everyone living in America, but it also has the potential to make a significant impact on the active military and veteran community.

“These mental health professionals are trained on helping the military population and addressing the unique issues they encounter,” said Kristin Wright, violence prevention integrator and suicide prevention program manager at Hanscom Air Force Base. “Veterans, service members and military families face distinctive challenges in multiple aspects of their lives.”

If a veteran calls 9-8-8, they have the additional option of being connected to the Veteran’s Crisis Line instead of a local crisis center. The Veteran’s Crisis Line is a free, confidential and secure resource for military members and veterans. Veteran suicide accounted for 6,261 suicides in 2019, which represented 13.7% of suicides among U.S. adults that year, according to data from the Veteran’s Administration.

Nearly 600 members of the military, among active duty, reserves and National Guard, died by suicide in 2020 according to data provided in the annual suicide report from the Department of Defense. The report also shows 202 military family members died by suicide in 2019.

“The findings are troubling. Suicide rates among our service members and military families are still too high, and the trends are not go-

ing in the right direction,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in a statement in September 2021.

By calling 9-8-8 instead of 9-1-1 when a behavioral health or mental crisis may not be life-threatening, the response provided by public services, such as law enforcement and EMS, can be reserved for lifethreatening emergencies requiring their assistance.

“We have a three-digit number for medical emergencies; we need a three-digit number for psychological emergencies — and that’s what this is,” said John Draper, executive director for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in a 2022 interview.

The Federal Communication Commission is requiring all phone service providers in the U.S. to direct 9-8-8 calls and texts to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16. However, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number, 1-800-273-8255 will not go away. People will still receive the same services whether dialing 9-8-8 or 1-800-273-8255.

The new 9-8-8 quick-dial came about after the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by former President Donald Trump in 2020.

“It can be taxing to remember the digits in a 1-800 number, especially during a crisis, but remembering a three-digit number is a simpler solution for everyone. The 9-8-8 rollout allows any individual to receive assistance for not only suicidal ideation and prevention, but for substance use and other mental health crises. It is the beginning of making mental health a priority and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in our country,” Wright said.

If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away. Call your doctor’s office, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or 9-1-1 for emergency services, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Library Summer Reading Party Aug. 4, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Join us at the library for our end of summer reading program closing ceremony and awards. Lots of games and events for the entire family.

Youth Center Back to School Dance Party August 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Open to youth ages 13-18. Come out to the Youth Center to kick off back to school. Meet some new friends or catch up with old ones from the summer break. Contact the Youth Center for more details at 828-7956.

MPF ID cards new phone system You can now call or text 796-5272 to get quick answers to your ID card questions. Open 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Looking for the perfect job?

The 6th Force Support Squadron is seeking qualified candidates 16 years and older. All positions start at $15 an hour or above. Ready to join our FSS family? Visit https://macdillfss. com/open jobs/ to see current job openings and apply today!

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

A message from VP Harris!

U.S. Air Force photo

One of my greatest honors as Vice President is spending time with our dedicated service members.

I have met with those deployed overseas in Poland, Singapore, and Honduras. I have met with them across our country, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, and this week at MacDill Air Force Base. With each meeting I continue to be deeply impressed and eternally grateful for all that they do for our country. To all service members, thank you.

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.

Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW. HCADMIN@us.af.mil

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m.

MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill. af.mil/chapel

(confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

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

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VACCINE From Page 2

vent hospitalizations and death. Currently, the United States is averaging more than 120,000 daily reported cases and more than 350 deaths per day, driven by the new, more contagious variant called BA.5.

“Unlike the flu, which circulates seasonally, SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has circulated continuously over the last two and a half years,” said Sayers. “It is important to get vaccinated and stay up-todate with your vaccines to limit severe disease. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is another option to ensure we can protect our members and protect the mission.”

Airmen and Guardians can contact their local military treatment facilities for more information. Additional information on vaccine appointments and testing can be found here.

SUICIDE From Page 3

The Saudi Royal Armed Forces, who have had a codified security cooperation with the United States since 1951 and fought alongside the U.S. military during Operation Desert Storm, is a critical partner in the Middle East. This visit, the second by Gen. Kurilla to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and fifth to the region since taking command of CENTCOM in April, underscores the importance of that partnership.

While in Saudi Arabia, Gen. Kurilla engaged with Chief of General Staff, Gen. Fayyadh al-Ruwaili and other Saudi senior military leaders.

The leaders discussed matters of importance to both militaries and to the region, including opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation across an expanded network of security partners and ways to enhance security through employment of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology.

Gen. Kurilla visited multiple military sites including port operations along the Red Sea and a Saudi Patriot battery defending Jeddah from missiles, rockets, and unmanned aerial systems. The Patriot crew members relayed their experience from multiple intercepts of Houthi attacks.

The American and Saudi military leaders also visited the US-Saudi Combined Expeditionary – Robotics Operations Center (CE-ROC) where they discussed cutting-edge maritime initiatives involving Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and unmanned surface and undersea vessels.

“The Saudis are all-in on partnering for innovation,” said Kurilla. “They understand the technology, the application of that technology, and they are leaning forward on its implementation. The Kingdom is poised for the future, and I look forward to a continued military partnership.”

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