Thunderbolt 8/29/2024

Vol. 52, No. 34

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Final edition of the MacDill Thunderbolt

It’s been an honor publishing the Thunderbolt all these years, but don’t worry: You can get your base news at the MacDill Air Fore Base website at www.macdill.af.mil News/Features: page 3 Combat Support Training

News/Features: page 3 Sailor’s positivity = sucess

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin

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

U.S. Air Force staff sergeant selects pose for a group photo Aug. 20 at MacDill Air Force Base. The celebration recognized 113 of the 12,827 staff sergeants selected for promotion for the 24E5 promotion cycle.

NEWS/FEATURES

325th CONS conducts Operation Contested Shores

by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem 325th Fighter Wing TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—The 325th Contracting Squadron recently conducted Operation Contested Shores at Tyndall AFB, Aug. 5-9. The training exercise aimed at improving readiness and capability to establish and sustain necessary demands during deployments.

Operation Contested Shores serves as a contingency contracting officer capstone, a yearly Air Force instruction requirement for contracting specialists within the Air Force.

325th CONS emphasized task prioritization, time management and execution of contracting necessities. The exercise created a high-pressure environment with simulated bomb threats and the donning of mission-oriented protective posture gear within a controlled setting.

“Our objective is to guide them, so when they go down-range it’s not the first time they’re executing contract requirements within a time crunch,” said Capt. Kenneth Angel, 325th CONS operations officer. “This exercise simulates a high-pressure austere environment, it’s an invaluable opportunity to build experience and confidence within a safe space.”

See 325th, Page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Forest Nelson, 325th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, dons mission oriented protective posture level 2 during Operation Contested Shores at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 8. Operation Contested Shores is a week-long contingency contracting officer capstone that fulfills yearly Air Force instruction requirements.

MacDill on the web

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

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NEWS/FEATURES

Combat Support Training Ranges improve deployment readiness

Courtesy story

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—Members from the 12th Air Task Force A-Staff, headquartered here, attended a workshop recently that focused on the development of Combat Support Training Ranges at Tyndall AFB, Florida, and Fort Bliss, Texas.

The workshop was sponsored by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, and the 12th ATF was joined by the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron’s leadership team along with personnel from Headquarters Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and several other ATFs and CABS while at Tyndall AFB. Combat Support Training Ranges, or CSTRs, are intended to provide physical locations to conduct cross-functional unit training, core capability assessments, mission rehearsal and advanced exercises. CSTR sites will play a crucial role in helping the Air Force, the ATFs and their corresponding CABS train and certify for future deployments.

AFIMSC began developing CSTR sites in See COMBAT Page 6

Photo by 12th Air Task Force

Members from the 12th Air Task Force A-Staff attend a workshop focused on the development of Combat Support Training Ranges at Tyndall AFB July 22. Combat Support Training Ranges, or CSTRs, are intended to provide physical locations to conduct cross-functional unit training, core capability assessments, mission rehearsal and advanced exercises.

Sailor’s positivity fuels success

by Petty Officer 1st Class Natalia Murillo Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami

PERRINE, Florida—Managing the roles of a single parent, a sole provider, head of household, full-time professional and supervisor, is demanding for one person. These are the roles that Engineman 1st Class Clarisa Morel fulfills successfully and with a smile, earning her the title of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami Sailor in the Spotlight, Aug. 19.

“We value Sailors, like Petty Officer Morel, who lead from the front,” said Cmdr. Johnny R. Lykins, Jr., commanding officer, NTAG Miami. “She is a prime example of the correlation between attitude and success. You can achieve anything you set out to do with the right mindset. NTAG Miami and its leadership recognize hard work from recruiters like her tasked with finding the next generation of quality Sailors to man the fleet.”

Morel has been a successful recruiter for the past two years but it’s her demeanor that makes her unique. Her immediate supervisor, Chief Navy Counselor (Recruiter) Patricia Arteagatirado, division leading chief petty officer, Division ONE, NTAG Miami, is moved by her Sailor’s consistent positivity.

See SAILOR Page 11

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Natalia Murillo

Engineman 1st Class Clarisa Morel, attached to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami, poses for a photo in front of Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Perrine, where she serves as the recruiter in charge, June 6, 2024. NTAG Miami has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the combined mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the fleet.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton

Service members from the 6th Air Refueling Wing conduct a foreign object debris walk following Tropical Storm Debby Aug. 6, at MacDill Air Force Base. More than 200 people participated in the cleanup of the flightline.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dakota Gross, 50th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, prepares a KC-135 Stratotanker for flight during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise Aug. 13, at MacDill Air Force Base. As the 6th Air Refueling Wing’s number one mission, NORE participation ensures MacDill Airmen are prepared and ready to defend the nation from potential nuclear conflict. Mobility Airmen regularly participate in annual exercises and air refueling training missions to maintain a safe, secure, effective, and ready nuclear deterrent.

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron takes flight at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR), Aug. 13.

The KC-135 is deployed to the USCENTCOM AOR as a force enabler for the Ninth Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Central). The 350th EARS provides critical air refueling capabilities to U.S. and coalition forces throughout the region, extending the U.S. Air Force’s global reach.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Putting the COMM in command and control

by Staff Sgt. Madeline Herzog Air Combat Command

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.—The 52nd Combat Communications Squadron (CBCS) and the 51st CBCS, stationed at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, recently supported exercises Bamboo Eagle 24-3 and Agile Flag 24-3 over a three-week period during July and August in the Western United States.

Prior to the exercises starting, they deployed over 60 personnel to numerous locations across the west coast to set up communications equipment with a multitude of requirements, and they stayed until after the exercises wrapped up.

Combat readiness is a common theme when discussing Air Force training exercises. ‘Get the aircraft to a location’, ‘send maintenance Airmen to the forward operating base’ and ‘bring along support personnel as needed,’ are themes heard in preparation.

However, one of the most important, and frequently forgotten, career fields that enables exercises, and real-world scenarios, to succeed in any See COMM, Page 16

Photo by Staff Sgt. Madeline Herzog

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Czar Jackson, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, 52nd Combat Communications Squadron initial communications technician, sets up a satellite communications dish before exercise Agile Flag 24-3 kicks off atMojave Air and Space Port, California, July 29.

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COMBAT From Page 3

2023 and is aggressively working to establish up to 12 fully capable sites over the next few years, said Lt. Col. Ross Dotzlaf, AFIMSC force generation integration and readiness chief.

“As these sites come online, they will be able to satisfy the need for units to train on the tactics, techniques and procedures needed for the high-end flight,” he said. “To accomplish this goal, the sites will offer austere training environments and come equipped with low-density, high-demand training assets.”

The 12th ATF is responsible for ensuring that Combat Service Support Team Airmen from Barksdale, Little Rock and Scott are prepared and certified to deploy in fiscal year 2026.

According to Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force Chief of Staff, “these pathfinding ATFs will work and train together throughout their Air Force Force Generation cycle to ensure they are at peak effectiveness on Day One of any deployment.”

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Photo by 12th Air Task Force

Members from the 12th Air Task Force A-Staff attend a workshop focused on the development of Combat Support Training Ranges at Tyndall AFB July 22. Combat Support Training Ranges, or CSTRs, are intended to provide physical locations to conduct cross-functional unit training, core capability assessments, mission rehearsal and advanced exercises.

Photo by 12th Air Task Force

Members from the 12th Air Task Force A-Staff attend a workshop focused on the development of Combat Support Training Ranges at Tyndall AFB July 22.

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NEWS/FEATURES

17th annual Seminole Wars service held at St. Francis Barracks

by Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones Florida National Guard Public Affairs Office The sound of cannon fire filled the air as the 17th annual commemoration of the end of the 2nd Seminole War was celebrated at St. Francis Barracks, Fla., Aug. 17. The ceremony is a yearly tradition hosted by the Florida National Guard in order to honor fallen participants of the Florida Seminole War. The Florida National Guard welcomed members of the community to witness the march of the color guard and ceremony participants from St. Francis Barracks to the St. Augustine National Cemetery where a service was held. Those participating in the event this year included members of the Masonic Fraternity, St. Augustine High School ROTC program, Seminole Wars Foundation Inc., the Peace River Artillery and more.

“It’s important to know history,” said Christopher Kimball, a member of the Seminole Wars Foundation Inc., “It’s about who we are and where we came from; what we are today. I was in the Army during Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Army Adjutant Corps. I just like researching the history and the history of people buried in the back here and what we can find out about them.”

See SEMINOLE, Page 13

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. N.W. Huertas

Participants march from the St. Francis Barracks to the St. Augustine National Cemetery during the 17th annual commemoration of the end of the 2nd Seminole War, Aug. 17. Spectators gathered to view the service that was dedicated to those that fought in the nearly 50 year conflict. The Florida National Guard hosts the event annually in order to preserve the history of both the state and the evolution of the guard.

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Mobility Air Forces fighters, bombers, joint air ops: Bamboo Eagle 24-3

by Air Mobiltiy Command Public Affairs Air Mobility Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—Air Mobility Command teamed up with the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC), Air Combat Command and Air Force Global Strike Command to execute Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3, July 30 to Aug. 11, across the western United States and Pacific Ocean.

Mobility Airmen used the eight-day exercise to practice mobility operations in a combat representative environment and emphasize mobility’s crucial role in wartime operations. “[Other exercises] are scripted -- the schedule is set; the different units get to talk face-to-face and mission plan together,” said Lt. Col. Ian Osterreicher, 34th Fighter Squadron commander. “Bamboo Eagle is unlike anything else. There is no script.”

“It’s important because that is what will happen [in conflict],” he said. “You’ll go somewhere you’ve never been before with people you’ve never worked with and be asked to do something you’ve never done before.”

In this unpredictable environment, the range and flexibility the Mobility Air Force provides was on full display as approximately 3,000 service members operated, maintained and supported over 150 aircraft and crews in more than 10 locations. AMC Airmen provided mobility ops through contingency response (CR) units, tactical airlift, air-to-air refueling and command and control capabilities, ensuring the Joint Force can adapt, deploy and redeploy rapidly and overcome challenges of time and distance.

The KC-46 Pegasus played a major role in the exercise, conducting 24-hour operations that supported and refueled U.S. Air Force F-15Es, F-22s, F-16s, U.S. Marine F-35s and Royal Air Force F-35s.

Participating AMC units included the 6th Airlift Squadron, 15th Airlift Squadron, 32nd Air Refueling Squadron, 61st Airlift Squadron, 91st Air Refueling Squadron, 22nd Air refueling Wing, 344th Air Refueling Squadron, 384th Air Refueling Squadron, and 621st Contingency Response Wing.

“Bamboo Eagle tested and improved the integration of mobility, combat, bomber and joint, which is key to joint force and international partner success,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Hines, AMC Joint exercise planner.

“We enable the joint force,” said Maj. Andrew Doenitz, 32nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron commander” Expanding our capabilities increases their lethality.”

BE 24-3 was an opportunity for the mobility air forces (MAF) to test their approach to command relationships, determining how best to posture forces, run cargo operations, direct base efforts and establish the tempo for flight operations. As threats evolve and the need for austere location operations increases, AMC continues to establish rapid global mobility to support the Joint Force.

“AMC’s continued efforts to achieve maximum combat effectiveness are key to enabling and sustaining the Joint Force’s success now and into the future,” Hines said.

BE 24-3 showcased the CR teams’ role in mobility and Joint Force success and demonstrated their ability to prep austere locations for fighter aircraft and larger follow-on forces. During the exercise, CR tested contingency support element (CSE) teams, which consist of eight to ten personnel, and equipment necessary for Command and Control, joint air cargo inspection, aircraft maintenance, force protection and communication support. During BE 24-3, CSEs operated multiple airfield locations to simulate setting up and operating from remote airfields in the Pacific.

“Our goal in this exercise is to provide the Air Expeditionary Wing commander the force packages necessary to achieve hub and spoke operations,” said Maj. Jacob Draszkiewicz, 621st Contingency Response Wing Executive Officer and 521st Contingency Response element (CRE) commander for BE 24-3. “The 521 CRE can quickly generate CSE teams to be dynamically tasked from the hub and sent forward to multiple spokes. The CSE teams have been tailored to be as agile as possible for Bamboo Eagle, providing greater flexibility to be tasked more quickly throughout the spokes.”

A star-lit C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assig pleted a full day of cargo and personnel trans

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Candice Barr, er to drop off cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster an airfield in the western region of the U.S., A Air Force implements large scale exercises a See BAMBOO EAGLE, Page 10 tiple operational plans to demonstrate and re

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Photo by Senior Airman Julian Atkins

gned to the 61st Airlift Squadron sits on the flightline during Bamboo Eagle 24-3 at Sacramento McClellan Airport, California, Aug. 9. The aircraft had comsport in support of the Air Combat Command directed exercise.

Photo by Senior Airman Christian Silvera

Photo by Senior Airman William Lunn

, 15th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, positions a K-loadr III in preparation for exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 at Aug. 3. Bamboo Eagle 24-3 is an example of how the and mission-focused training that encompasses mulehearse for complex military operations.

Capt. Cody Donahue, 344th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot, pulls up to a boom pod to be refueled as one of three KC-46 Pegasus tankers sent to support exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 on Aug. 2. The 344th ARS provides critical inflight refueling capabilities with the Air Force’s newest tanker, testing its ability to deploy rapidly and maneuver the Joint Force at time, scale and mass.

Bamboo Eagle is a coastal exercise that tests the integration of mobility, combat, bomber, joint and Allied aircraft, which is key to joint force and international partner success.

BAMBOO EAGLE From Page 8

The AMC mission sets accomplished during BE 24-3 were part of AFFORGEN certification events, designed to ensure that Airmen are prepared to execute dynamic operations across different areas of responsibility.

“Bamboo Eagle exemplifies the Air Force’s commitment to reoptimize for Great Power Competition,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi, USAFWC commander. “In today’s rapidly evolving strategic landscape, exercises serve as pivotal components of our readiness strategy.

This exercise underscores our commitment to countering anti-access threats and retaining our ability to project power globally, at a time and place of our choosing.”

BE 24-3 was a prime example of how the Air Force employs large-scale exercises and mission-focused training, encompassing multiple operational plans to demonstrate and rehearse for complex, large-scale military operations.

“AMC proved that the tyrannies of geography in the Pacific are not an insurmountable boxed canyon, but a challenge - to relish, to dominate and to win,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command.

“The Joint Force exudes strength because of mobility.”

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SAILOR From Page 3

Engineman 1st Class Clarisa Morel, attached to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami, discusses the Naval aviation career path with a father and son inquiring about pilot opportunities, at the Navy Recruiting Station in Perrine, June 5.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Natalia Murillo

“No matter how much she has going on, she still comes into the office with a smile every day and crushes it,” said Arteagatirado. “She is like a superhero.”

EN1 Morel is a 2015 graduate of Passaic High School in Passaic, New Jersey, where she was born and raised, along with her two brothers, by her parents who migrated from the Dominican Republic. The family remains together and has since relocated to Miami-Dade County.

Her brother, Felix Morel, was also an engineman in the Navy and served on active duty from 2013 to 2017.

“I come from a low-income family,” said Morel. “I wanted the benefits the Navy offers but also to follow in my brother’s footsteps so in August of 2015 I shipped off to boot camp.”

A Navy career offers benefits such as competitive pay, healthcare, training and retirement. Sailors are provided the opportunity to support themselves, their families, and their ambitions.

Dependable health care and pay are important for Morel who takes care of her parents and her three-year-old daughter with special needs.

In her personal life, Morel says her daughter is her focus but as the recruiter-in-charge at Navy Recruiting Station Perrine, she focuses on her team’s and recruits’ success.

“I wanted to recruit because I love helping people,” said Morel. “I’m most proud of becoming a mentor and being able to be an example to others. I share my wisdom with my Sailors and recruits so that they may find their own success. It’s about seeing a smile on applicants’ faces and impacting lives.”

EN1 Morel leads by example. Since her arrival at NTAG Miami in 2022, she has earned a Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and most recently, was promoted to the E6 pay grade via the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP). MAP authorizes commanding officers the opportunity to recognize their best personnel in paygrades E5 and below by advancing them when they are ready for the next level of responsibility.

“It was so humbling because for the first time I felt like I was being seen for who I am and for my work ethic,” said Morel about her promotion. “I owe it all to my chief, Chief Arteagatirado.”

Arteagatirado shares her sentiment about Morel in one brief statement.

“She is a testament to the phrase that says, ‘not all heroes wear capes.’”

NTAG Miami has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the combined mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the fleet.

Do you think you have superhero characteristics? Want to learn more about opportunities with America’s Navy? Check us out online at navy.com/careers-benefits/careers or for a recruiter near you, visit www.navy.com/contact-us/find-a-recruiter.

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325TH From Page 2

With the transition to the Air Force Force Generation model, the yearly exercise shifted focus from local emergency response to a scenario aligned with the National Defense Strategy. 325th CONS simulated U.S. Indo-Pacific Command forward operating bases in order to respond to China’s continued aggression in the South China Sea, specifically focused on the Spratly and Paracel Island chains.

“We dedicated the first two days going indepth with training and situational briefings,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Merritt, 325th CONS noncommissioned officer of commodities. “The last two days involved them applying that knowledge. The teams were tasked with meeting objectives while briefing ‘base commanders’ for each forward operating base, all the while remaining prepared to [don] MOPP gear in response to possible hazards.”

Contracting specialists play a vital role as force multipliers for the Air Force during a deployment. By leveraging local economies and resources, contracting specialists ensure Airmen have access to necessary supplies for survival and sustain mission operations.

“People tend to underestimate the strategic value of financial resources,” said Angel. “Without contracting, how are our troops getting what they need to survive for a week? We’re able to provide essentials such as food, water and living space within a timely manner. We’re the only individuals in the Air Force that are authorized to obligate the government and its dollars, so this training is essential for realworld scenarios.”

Merritt explained that the experience gained through exercises such as Operation Contested Shores are increasingly critical with the everevolving circumstances in modern warfare, providing contracting specialists the knowledge and confidence needed to support the Air Force’s global mission and requirements.

“Overall, the week taught us a lot. We learned from the instructors and got to see a different side of our career,” said Senior Airman Trivane Dennis, 325th CONS contracting specialist. “I think many of our newer Airmen will be able to take something from this exercise and perform day-to-day duties at a much higher level.”

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Photos by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem

(Top) U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Fernando Zamora Amezcua, 325th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, prepares to brief a simulated forward operating base commander during Operation Contested Shores at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 8.

(Above) U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Koehn, 325th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, inspects his mission oriented protective posture level 4 during Operation Contested Shores.

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SEMINOLE From Page 7

Some participants such as Kimball have been an active part of the ceremony for many years. It is an annual tradition that has resonated with locals as they learn and preserve the history that played a pivotal role in the state’s foundation. The event was first started when retired Lt. Col. Greg Moore, a command historian for the Florida National Guard, invited West Point graduates to St. Augustine to learn about the Seminole War gravesite.

“We don’t want anyone to forget the men whose names are engraved into this cemetery,” said Alison Simpson, command historian of the Florida National Guard.

“They mostly were active duty Soldiers but there were Florida Soldiers that were killed in combat during this war as well. My role is to talk about their history so their names aren’t lost.”

The grave site was created in 1842 when the remains of those that participated in the war were transported to the St. Augustine cemetery.

The relocation of their remains allowed the families of those individuals to have access to their loved ones as the battlefields were otherwise inaccessible to the public. This public grave site is considered the oldest of its kind in the nation as it preceded the National Cemetery System developed in the 1860’s. The Florida National Guard continues to maintain historical records and diligently seeks out more information in their mission to preserve both the state’s history and the roots of its guard.

“Remembering the people is the most important thing to me,” said See SEMINOLE, Page 14

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. N.W. Huertas

Participants gather for a parade during the 17th annual commemoration of the end of the 2nd Seminole War, Aug. 17. Participants marched from the St. Francis Barracks to the St. Augustine National Cemetery for a memorial service honouring those that fought during the Florida Seminole Wars. The Florida National Guard maintains this tradition in order to preserve the foundational history of both the state and the Guards’ evolution throughout the years.

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SEMINOLE From Page 13

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. N.W. Huertas

Volunteers participate in a memorial service during the 17th annual commemoration of the end of the 2nd Seminole War, Aug. 17.

Kimball. “If it wasn’t for the research done by the National Guard and others involved that share a passion for history, these might be names that are lost to history. We’ve had people come up to us at events saying my ancestors are one of the people buried here. It’s good to have that human connection. The only way we are going to be able to get people to understand history is to have something to relate to.”

The Seminole Wars impacted not only the course of Florida history but continues to influence our military history to this day. Lessons were learned both on and off the battlefield as the conflict changed tactics, military organisations and the establishing communities. The annual commemoration of this conflict represents the efforts to preserve the story of Florida as well as its dedication to grow from it.

“We are still taking away lessons learned from the war of the mid 18th century in Florida,” said Simpson. “ I have met a lot of Soldiers throughout my time with the Florida National Guard and almost all of them are passionate about their history. I encourage our Soldiers and Airmen to continue to pursue the history of the unit in which they serve as most likely whatever city they are in in Florida has a connection to this time period.”

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

FSS Labor Day closures For a full list of 6th FSS program facilities, food and beverage, and recreational facility closures, visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/ labordayhours2024.pdf.

Strength Squad Competition Get ready to flex your muscles at the Short Fitness Center Powerlifting Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 7, starting at 9 a.m. Show off your strength in squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, with weigh-in upon entry. Compete for top prizes in various weight categories, with a total of five awards up for grabs.

Plus, hit the 1000-lbs mark and you’ll earn a T-shirt. Enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments and be part of our Lifting AfterAction Collage Poster. Volunteers are welcome to join in the fun. Visit more details, visit macdillfss.com/ short-fitness-center/.

Mike Super, illusionist Don’t miss out on a spellbinding evening with Mike Super, winner of NBC’s Phenomenon and finalist on America’s Got Talent. Join us at the MacDill Base Theater Friday, Sept. 13, for a free night of magic and illusion that will leave you in awe. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and enjoy concessions before the show. Remember, all children must remain seated for their safety. No tickets needed— just come and be amazed. For more information, visit mikesuper.com or call 828-3055.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Tanker takeoff

U.S. Air Force photo

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron takes off from an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR), Aug. 12. The KC-135 is deployed to the USCENTCOM AOR to help defend U.S. and coalition interests, promote regional security, and deter potential adversaries in the region.

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

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

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

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

(confessions by appointment)

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the 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, August 29, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15

COMM From Page 5

environment is warfighting communications, also known as expeditionary communications or XCOMM. It’s not a flashy job, but it is one of the most necessary and impactful combat support functions when talking about mission generation success and the future fight.

“When we get tasked, we become an expeditionary counterpart to the communications squadron for the [deployable combat wing],” said Staff Sgt. Chad Humphries, 52nd CBCS network systems operations supervisor.

“We get into ‘country’ as fast as possible, set up the backbone and then once the battlespace is good to go, the lead wing will come in and keep the communications running.”

The 52nd CBCS, part of the 5th Combat Communications Group (CCG), is only one of three Regular Air Force units that supply expeditionary comms to the entire Department of the Air Force. CBCS personnel deploy to various locations around the world, often in remote and hostile environments. They establish and maintain communication networks and infrastructure, allowing joint forces to communicate effectively.

“The biggest part of this exercise is command and control, and being able to communicate, regardless of the situation,” said Senior Airman Nicholas Anderson, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Communications Squadron data operations technician and exercise participant. “We’re only a base comm unit, we [usually] don’t do expeditionary comms, they [the CBCS] are enabling us to do our job to the best of our ability.”

Three separate guard units supported the 52nd CBCS during the threeweek tenure, to include units from the Alabama Air National Guard, Maine ANG and Florida ANG. Total Force Integration is a strategic approach to enhance operational effectiveness by integrating active duty Air Force Airmen with the ANG and Air Force Reserve counterparts.

When the 5th CCG was tasked to accomplish the mission for both exercises, they needed to ensure they had the right personnel for the job.

“We are one of three active duty XComm units in the entire Air Force, so we do rely on our guard and reserve combat communicators to help with these exercises,” said 1st Lieutenant Roland Yoder, 52nd CBCS officer in charge of mission support. “Having their expertise and capabilities out

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Photo by Staff Sgt. Madeline Herzog

Airmen assigned to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, 52nd Combat CommunicationsSquadron, set up a satellite communications dish before exercise Agile Flag 24-3 kicks off at Santa Maria Airport, California, July 30. These personnel deploy to various locations around the world, often in remote and hostile environments.They establish and maintain communication networks and infrastructure, allowing joint forces to communicate effectively. here with us, is extremely helpful.”

The goal of integrating active, national guard and reserve Airmen is to optimize resources, maximize capabilities, and ensure seamless cooperation among these components to meet mission requirements.

Combat communicators will continue to be force multipliers, and operate and defend warfighter communications, whenever and wherever, across the full spectrum of operations for Air Combat Command and the Air Force.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, August 29, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

News

“Refuel the Force”

6th Force Support Squadron’s Monthly Highlights – a Supplement to the MacDill AFB Thunderbolt

SEPTEMBER ‘24

6th Force Support Squadron Telephone Extensions Prefix 828

Commander....................................... 2823 Deputy ................................................ 2823 Ops Officer......................................... 2703 Mortuary Affairs.............................. 6597 Unit Readiness ............................... 2252 Senior Enlisted Leader.....................3969 Honor Guard ....................................5190 First Sergeant.....................................4153 Marketing & Publicity.......................3055 Military & Family Readiness Flight..0134 Military & Family Readiness Ctr ......0145 Child & Youth Services Flight.......5097 Child Development Ctr 1.................. 3332 Child Development Ctr 2 ................. 2244 Child Development Ctr 3 ..................0195 Family Child Care .............................. 7760 School Age Care................................. 5971 Youth Center...................................... 7956 Civilian Personnel Flight................4286 Civilian Personnel .............................6090 Human Resource Office (NAF) .........2911 Community Services Flight............2921 Arts & Crafts Center..........................4413 Auto Hobby Shop ................... 373-6545 Wood Hobby Shop .........................2093 Bay Palms Golf Complex ................0046 8 Iron Grill.........................................1507 Information, Tickets & Travel ...............2478 MacDill Bowling Lanes.....................4005 Hangar 6 Grill ...................................7735 Outdoor Recreation/Equip Rental/ FamCamp ................................ 840-6919 Pool............................................769-9901 Marina ....................................... 840-1513 Skeet Range............................... 488-1244 Force Development Flight ............. 7320 Airman Leadership School.............. 2299 Base Theater...................................... 3607 Education .............................................3115 Library................................................. 3607 Professional Development...............1229 Training ...............................................4004 Manpower/Org Flight ..................... 9977 Manpower ............................................3711 Military Personnel Flight CAC Appointment Line ............... 828-6673 6fss.fsmps.deersidcards@us.af.mil Resource Mgmt Flight.....................1449 Private Organizations....................... 6962 Sustainment Services Flight ..........0034 2 Brews Catering...................... 840-2020 Diner’s Reef Dining Facility...............2412 Flight Meals....................................4998 Fitness Center...................................4496 MacDill Inn - Lodging........................ 4259 Rickenbacker’s ..............................7425 SeaScapes Restaurant ............. 840-1451 Breakaway Event Ctr/Boomers .. 840-2020

macdillfss.com

Happy 77th!

Air Force Birthday Celebration SPECIALS Boomers Bar & Grill and SeaScapes Restaurant Sept 18th through September 20th FOOD SPECIALS •Chili Dog $7.50 •Steak Burger with Side $8.75 DRINK SPECIALS Domestic Beer $3.00 • Wine (House) $5.00 RWB Cocktail $6.50

Vodka, Blue Curacao, Sprite and Topped with Grenadine

6FSS NEWS

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September ‘24

• Family Fun Night - Oct 18 • Disney Family Books Giveaway – Oct 19 • Fall Festival – Oct 25 • Family Fun Night – Nov 15 • Turkey Trot – Nov 22 • Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta – Nov 22 • MacWonderland & Tree Lighting – Dec 6 • Boots on the Court - Dec 7 • Miles for Life - Dec 13

Coming Soon - Your Passport to MWR Fun Collect Stamps & Win! *Subject to change

NOW HIRING!

OUTDOOR RECREATION • (813) 840-6919

All Positions Starting At

$15/HR or Higher

September Specials

Benefits include: Access to on base facilities, bowling, fitness center, golf and tax free shopping. PLUS MUCH MORE!

SKEET

• Shoot & Save - Buy 9, Get 1 FREE

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

HOSPITALITY | ADMINISTRATIVE RECREATION | CHILD & YOUTH

• BOGO Bike Rental (Mon-Thu) • Bouncy Houses $25 OFF Mon-Thu

macdillfss.com/open-jobs/

*Only 1 discount per visit. Discounts cannot be combined.

Discount applied at the time of payment & cannot be retroactive

MARINA

• BOGO Kayak/Canoe/Paddle Board (Thursday Only)

• Frequent Boat Rental Rent 5, Get 1 FREE Rental • $25 OFF 1/2 Day Boat Rental or $50 OFF Full Day Boat Rental (Thursday Only)

SHORT FITNESS CENTER

GRAB & GO!

Before You Can Rent a Boat: If you’ve never completed a boater safety course before: Visit Boatus. org (4-6 hour course) Print Certificate or email it to macdillmarina@gmail.com (Please call to verify receipt)

BENTO POWER EATS BOXES $6.50 each

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WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, August 29, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

September ‘24

6FSS NEWS

3

LIMITED TIME OFFERS AT SEASCAPES & 8 IRON GRILL

Say ! e z e e h C

BLT Grilled Cheese Jalapeño Grilled Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese

$6.50

SEPTEMBER LIMITED TIME ONLY SPECIALS R I CKE N BACKE R ’ S CAFE Breakfast Wrap $5.95

Eggs, ham, bacon, and cheese… Wrap a great start to any day.

Superfruit Tea $4.50 | $5.25 | $5.75 Peachy green tea, lime slices, strawberries & berry syrup

Cafe BRE W S OF THE BAY Delights Teachers Pet - Crownberry Cocktail $7.50

NEW!

Crown apple, sour apple, cranberry, and grenadine.

TUE-SAT • 11AM-9PM SUN • 12PM-7PM

Rickenbacker's Cafe Open Mon-Fri • 7AM-2:30PM Gourmet Coffee & Tea | Espresso | Frappuccino | Bakery Items Breakfast Sandwiches | Grab & Go Snacks | Deli Sandwiches Cool off Brews of the Bay Open 7 Days a Week • 3-10PM Local Craft Beers & Cocktails at the Caf macdillfss.com/rickenbackers/

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, August 29, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3

6FSS NEWS

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September ‘24

INFORMATION, TICKETS & TRAVEL

Ticket Counter: (813) 828-2478

Leisure Travel Office: (813) 828-1860

https://macdillfss.com/information-tickets-travel/

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW. CHOOSE YOUR NIGHT TO SCREAM.

September 13, 14, 21, 28 & Weekends in October included in regular admission

4-10PM | Select Nights Sept. 27 - Oct. 27

ZooTampa Members and Pay For A Day Ticket Holders Get Admission Reservations Strongly Recommended

DOLLYWOOD 2024 TICKETS 1 Day/2 Day/ Splash Country/ Combo Tickets Available

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Delight in a spooky atmosphere and frightful fun at this spirited celebration – offered on select evenings.

Now-October 31, 2024, from 7:00 PM to midnight.

Special event tickets are on sale now!

We Sell Concert/ Show/Event Tickets!

COMING SOON!

Get Ready for the Thunder!

@macdillfss 4

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WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, August 29, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

mac dillf s s .c o m