Thunderbolt 8/29/2024 by MacDill Thunderbolt

NEWS/FEATURES

325thCONSconductsOperationContestedShores

byAirman1stClassZeeshanNaeem 325thFighterWing

TYNDALLAIRFORCEBASE,Fla.—The 325thContractingSquadronrecentlyconducted OperationContestedShoresatTyndallAFB, Aug. 5-9.Thetrainingexerciseaimedatimprovingreadinessandcapabilitytoestablish andsustainnecessarydemandsduringdeployments.

OperationContestedShoresservesasacontingencycontractingofficercapstone, ayearly Air ForceinstructionrequirementforcontractingspecialistswithintheAir Force.

325thCONSemphasizedtaskprioritization, timemanagementandexecutionofcontracting necessities. Theexercisecreatedahigh-pressureenvironmentwithsimulatedbombthreats andthedonningofmission-orientedprotective posturegearwithinacontrolledsetting.

“Ourobjectiveistoguidethem,sowhenthey godown-rangeit’snotthefirsttimethey’reexecutingcontractrequirementswithinatime crunch,” said Capt. Kenneth Angel,325th CONSoperationsofficer. “Thisexercise simulatesahigh-pressureaustereenvironment,it’s aninvaluableopportunitytobuildexperience andconfidencewithinasafespace.”

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PhotobyAirman1stClassZeeshanNaeem U.S.AirForceSeniorAirmanForestNelson,325thContractingSquadroncontractingspecialist, donsmissionorientedprotectiveposture level2duringOperationContestedShoresat Tyndall AirForceBase,Florida,Aug.8.OperationContestedShoresisaweek-longcontingencycontractingofficercapstonethatfulfillsyearlyAirForceinstruction requirements.

TheActionLineprovidestwo-waycommunicationbetweenthe 6thAirRefueling Wingcommander and theMacDillcommunity. Personnelmaysubmitquestions,concernsorcommentsviaemailto macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook@6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

Thiscommercial enterprise newspaper is anauthorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDillThunderbolt are notnecessarily the officialviews of,or endorsed by the U.S.

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Everyarticleandphotographis edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook andLibel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

NEWS/FEATURES

CombatSupport TrainingRangesimprovedeployment readiness

Courtesystory

SCOTTAIRFORCEBASE,Ill.—Members fromthe12thAir Task ForceA-Staff, headquarteredhere, attendedaworkshoprecently thatfocusedonthedevelopmentofCombat SupportTrainingRangesatTyndallAFB, Florida,and FortBliss, Texas.

Theworkshop wassponsoredbytheAir ForceInstallationandMissionSupportCenter, andthe12th ATF wasjoinedbythe12thCombatAirBaseSquadron’sleadershipteamalong withpersonnelfromHeadquartersAir Force, AirMobilityCommand, andseveralother ATFsand CABSwhileatTyndallAFB.

CombatSupportTrainingRanges, orCSTRs, areintendedtoprovidephysicallocationsto conductcross-functionalunittraining, corecapabilityassessments, missionrehearsaland advancedexercises. CSTRsiteswillplay acrucialroleinhelpingtheAir Force, the ATFsand theircorresponding CABStrainandcertifyfor futuredeployments.

AFIMSCbegandevelopingCSTRsitesin

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Membersfromthe12thAir TaskForceA-Staffattenda workshopfocusedonthedevelopment ofCombatSupport TrainingRangesat TyndallAFBJuly 22.CombatSupport TrainingRanges,or CSTRs,areintendedtoprovidephysicallocationstoconductcross-functional unittraining, corecapabilityassessments, missionrehearsalandadvancedexercises.

Sailor’spositivityfuelssuccess

byPettyOfficer1stClassNataliaMurillo NavyTalentAcquisition GroupMiami

PERRINE,Florida—Managingtherolesof asingle parent,asole provider, headofhousehold,full-timeprofessional andsupervisor, is demandingforoneperson. These aretherolesthatEngineman1stClassClarisa Morelfulfillssuccessfully and with asmile, earningherthetitleof Navy TalentAcquisitionGroup(NTAG)MiamiSailorinthe Spotlight,Aug 19.

“WevalueSailors, like PettyOfficerMorel,wholeadfromthefront,” saidCmdr. JohnnyR. Lykins, Jr., commandingofficer, NTAGMiami.“She isaprimeexampleofthecorrelation between attitudeand success You canachieveanythingyousetouttodowiththerightmindset.NTAG Miamianditsleadershiprecognizehardworkfromrecruiters likehertasked withfindingthenextgenerationof quality Sailorstomanthefleet.”

Morelhasbeenasuccessfulrecruiterforthepasttwoyearsbutit’sher demeanorthatmakesherunique. Herimmediate supervisor, ChiefNavy Counselor(Recruiter) PatriciaArteagatirado, divisionleading chief petty officer, DivisionONE, NTAGMiami, ismovedbyher Sailor’s consistent positivity.

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PhotobyMassCommunicationSpecialist1stClassNataliaMurillo Engineman 1stClassClarisaMorel,attachedtoNavy TalentAcquisition Group(NTAG)Miami,posesforaphotoinfrontofNavyRecruitingStation(NRS)Perrine,wheresheservesasthe recruiterincharge,June6, 2024.NTAGMiamihas38 recruitinglocationsthroughoutSouthFlorida, PuertoRicoandthe VirginIslands,withthecombinedmissionto recruitthehighestcaliberSailorstomeettheneeds ofthefleet.

Photoby12thAir TaskForce

WEEKINPHOTOS

Servicemembersfromthe6thAirRefuelingWingconductaforeignobjectdebris walkfollowing TropicalStormDebbyAug.6,atMacDillAirForce Base.Morethan200peopleparticipatedinthecleanupoftheflightline.

PhotobyStaff Sgt.LaurenCobin

U.S.AirForceSeniorAirmanDakotaGross,50thAirRefuelingSquadronboomoperator,preparesaKC-135Stratotankerforflightduring a NuclearOperationalReadinessExerciseAug.13,atMacDillAirForce Base.Asthe6thAirRefuelingWing’snumberonemission,NOREparticipationensuresMacDillAirmenarepreparedand readytodefendthe nationfrompotentialnuclearconflict.MobilityAirmen regularlyparticipateinannualexercisesandair refuelingtrainingmissionstomaintain asafe,secure,effective,and readynucleardeterrent.

AKC-135Stratotankerassignedtothe350thExpeditionaryAirRefuelingSquadrontakesflightatanundisclosedlocationwithintheU.S. CentralCommand(USCENTCOM)areaof responsibility(AOR),Aug.13. TheKC-135isdeployedtotheUSCENTCOMAORasaforceenablerfor theNinthAirForce(U.S.AirForcesCentral).The350thEARSprovides criticalair refuelingcapabilitiestoU.S.andcoalitionforcesthroughout the region,extendingtheU.S.AirForce’sglobal reach.

PhotobySeniorAirmanSterlingSutton

U.S.AirForcephoto

NEWS/FEATURES PuttingtheCOMMin commandandcontrol

byStaffSgt.MadelineHerzog AirCombatCommand

JOINT BASELANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.—The 52nd CombatCommunicationsSquadron(CBCS) andthe 51stCBCS, stationed atRobinsAir Force Base, Georgia,recentlysupportedexercisesBambooEagle24-3and Agile Flag24-3overathree-weekperiod during Julyand Augustinthe Western UnitedStates.

Priortotheexercisesstarting, theydeployedover 60personnelto numerouslocationsacrossthewest coasttosetupcommunicationsequipmentwithamultitudeofrequirements, andthey stayed untilafterthe exerciseswrappedup.

CombatreadinessisacommonthemewhendiscussingAir Forcetrainingexercises. ‘Gettheaircraftto alocation’,‘sendmaintenanceAirmento theforwardoperatingbase’and‘bring along support personnelasneeded,’ arethemesheardinpreparation.

However, oneofthemostimportant, andfrequentlyforgotten,career fieldsthatenablesexercises, and real-worldscenarios, tosucceedinany

U.S.AirForceAirman1stClassCzarJackson,RobinsAirForceBase, Georgia,52ndCombatCommunicationsSquadroninitialcommunicationstechnician,setsupasatellitecommunicationsdishbeforeexerciseAgileFlag24-3kicksoffatMojaveAirandSpacePort,California, July29. SeeCOMM,Page16

PhotobyStaffSgt.MadelineHerzog

2023andisaggressively workingtoestablishupto 12fullycapablesitesover thenextfewyears, saidLt. Col.RossDotzlaf, AFIMSC forcegenerationintegrationandreadiness chief.

“Asthesesitescomeonline, theywillbeableto satisfytheneedforunits totrainonthetactics, techniquesandprocedures neededforthehigh-end flight,” hesaid.“Toaccomplishthisgoal,thesites willofferausteretraining environmentsandcome equippedwithlow-density, high-demandtrainingassets.”

The12th ATFisresponsibleforensuringthat CombatServiceSupport TeamAirmenfromBarksdale, LittleRockandScott arepreparedandcertified todeployinfiscalyear 2026.

AccordingtoGen.David Allvin,theAir ForceChief ofStaff, “thesepathfinding ATFswillworkandtrain togetherthroughouttheir Air Force ForceGeneration cycletoensuretheyareat peakeffectivenessonDay Oneofanydeployment.”

Membersfromthe12thAir TaskForceA-StaffattendaworkshopfocusedonthedevelopmentofCombatSupport TrainingRangesat TyndallAFBJuly22.CombatSupport TrainingRanges,orCSTRs,areintended toprovidephysicallocationstoconductcross-functionalunittraining,corecapabilityassessments,mission rehearsalandadvanced exercises.

Membersfromthe12thAir TaskForceA-StaffattendaworkshopfocusedonthedevelopmentofCombatSupport TrainingRangesat TyndallAFBJuly 22.

NEWS/FEATURES

17thannualSeminole WarsserviceheldatSt.FrancisBarracks

bySgt.NeysaHuertasQuinones FloridaNationalGuardPublicAffairsOffice

Thesoundofcannonfirefilledtheairasthe17thannualcommemorationoftheendofthe2ndSeminole War wascelebratedatSt. Francis Barracks, Fla.,Aug. 17.Theceremonyisa yearlytraditionhostedby theFloridaNationalGuardinordertohonorfallenparticipantsofthe FloridaSeminole War.

TheFloridaNationalGuardwelcomedmembersofthecommunityto witnessthemarchofthecolorguardandceremonyparticipantsfromSt FrancisBarrackstotheSt.AugustineNationalCemeterywhereaservice washeld.Thoseparticipatingintheeventthisyearincludedmembersof theMasonic Fraternity, St.AugustineHighSchoolROTCprogram,Seminole Wars FoundationInc.,the PeaceRiverArtilleryandmore.

“It’simportanttoknowhistory,” saidChristopherKimball,amember oftheSeminole Wars FoundationInc.,“It’saboutwhoweareandwhere wecamefrom;whatwearetoday. I wasintheArmyduringDesertShield andDesertStormintheArmyAdjutantCorps. Ijustlikeresearchingthe historyandthehistoryofpeopleburiedinthebackhereandwhatwecan findoutaboutthem.”

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ParticipantsmarchfromtheSt.FrancisBarrackstotheSt.Augustine NationalCemeteryduringthe17thannualcommemorationoftheend ofthe2ndSeminole War, Aug.17.Spectatorsgatheredtoviewtheservicethatwasdedicatedtothosethatfoughtinthenearly50yearconflict.TheFloridaNationalGuardhoststheeventannuallyinorder to preservethehistoryofboththestateandtheevolutionoftheguard.

MobilityAirForcesfighters,bombers, jointairops:BambooEagle24-3

byAirMobiltiyCommandPublicAffairs AirMobilityCommand

SCOTTAIRFORCEBASE,Ill.—

AirMobilityCommandteamedupwiththe U.S. Air Force WarfareCenter(USAFWC),AirCombatCommandandAir ForceGlobalStrikeCommandtoexecute ExerciseBambooEagle24-3, July30toAug.11,acrossthewesternUnitedStatesand PacificOcean.

MobilityAirmenusedtheeight-day exercisetopracticemobilityoperationsinacombatrepresentativeenvironmentandemphasizemobility’s crucialrolein wartimeoperations.

“[Otherexercises]arescripted--thescheduleisset;thedifferentunitsgettotalkface-to-faceand missionplantogether,” saidLt.Col.IanOsterreicher,34th FighterSquadroncommander.“Bamboo Eagleisunlikeanythingelse.Thereisnoscript.”

“It’s importantbecausethatiswhatwillhappen[inconflict],”hesaid.“You’llgosomewhereyou’ve neverbeenbeforewithpeopleyou’veneverworkedwithandbeaskedtodosomethingyou’venever donebefore.”

Inthisunpredictableenvironment,therangeandflexibilitytheMobilityAir Forceprovides wason fulldisplayasapproximately3,000servicemembersoperated,maintainedandsupportedover150 aircraftandcrewsinmorethan10locations.AMCAirmenprovidedmobilityopsthroughcontingency response(CR)units,tacticalairlift,air-to-airrefuelingandcommandandcontrolcapabilities, ensuringthe Joint Forcecanadapt,deployandredeployrapidlyandovercome challengesoftimeanddistance.

TheKC-46 Pegasusplayedamajorroleintheexercise, conducting24-houroperationsthatsupportedandrefueled U.S. Air ForceF-15Es,F-22s,F-16s, U.S. MarineF-35sandRoyalAir ForceF-35s.

ParticipatingAMCunitsincludedthe6thAirliftSquadron,15thAirliftSquadron,32ndAirRefuelingSquadron,61stAirliftSquadron,91stAirRefuelingSquadron,22ndAirrefueling Wing,344thAir RefuelingSquadron,384thAirRefuelingSquadron,and621stContingencyResponse Wing.

“BambooEagletestedandimprovedtheintegrationofmobility, combat,bomberandjoint,which iskey tojointforceandinternationalpartnersuccess,” saidLt.Col.AaronHines, AMC Jointexerciseplanner.

“Weenablethejointforce,” saidMaj.AndrewDoenitz,32ndExpeditionaryAirRefuelingSquadron commander”Expandingourcapabilitiesincreasestheirlethality.”

BE24-3 wasanopportunityforthemobilityairforces(MAF)totesttheirapproachtocommand relationships,determininghowbesttopostureforces,runcargooperations,directbaseeffortsandestablishthetempoforflightoperations.Asthreatsevolveandtheneedforausterelocationoperations increases,AMCcontinuestoestablishrapidglobalmobilitytosupportthe Joint Force.

“AMC’scontinuedeffortstoachievemaximumcombateffectivenessarekeytoenablingandsustainingthe Joint Force’ssuccessnowandintothefuture,” Hinessaid.

BE24-3showcasedtheCRteams’roleinmobilityand Joint Forcesuccessanddemonstratedtheir abilitytoprepausterelocationsforfighteraircraftandlargerfollow-onforces.Duringtheexercise, CRtestedcontingencysupportelement(CSE)teams, whichconsistofeighttotenpersonnel,and equipmentnecessaryforCommandandControl,jointaircargoinspection,aircraftmaintenance,force protectionandcommunicationsupport.DuringBE24-3,CSEsoperatedmultipleairfieldlocationsto simulatesettingupandoperatingfromremoteairfieldsinthe Pacific.

“Ourgoalin thisexerciseistoprovidetheAirExpeditionary Wingcommandertheforcepackages necessarytoachievehubandspokeoperations,” saidMaj. JacobDraszkiewicz, 621stContingency Response WingExecutiveOfficerand521stContingencyResponseelement(CRE)commanderforBE 24-3.“The521CREcanquicklygenerateCSEteamstobedynamicallytaskedfromthehubandsent forwardtomultiplespokes.TheCSEteamshavebeentailoredtobeasagileaspossibleforBamboo Eagle,providinggreaterflexibilitytobetaskedmorequicklythroughoutthespokes.”

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Astar-litC-130JSuperHerculesaircraftassignedtoth pletedafulldayofcargoandpersonneltransportinsupportoftheAirCombatCommanddirectedexercise.

U.S.AirForceAirman1stClassCandiceBarr, ertodropoffcargoontoaC-17GlobemasterIIIinpreparationforexerciseBambooEagle24-3at anairfieldinthewestern regionoftheU.S.,Aug.3.BambooEagle24-3isanexampleofhowth

AirForceimplementslargescaleexercisesandmission-focusedtrainingthatencompassesmultipleoperationalplanstodemonstrateand re

Astar-litC-130JSuperHerculesaircraftassignedtothe 61stAirliftSquadronsitsonthe flightlineduringBambooEagle24-3atSacramentoMcClellanAirport,California,Aug. 9.The aircrafthadcompletedafulldayofcargoandpersonneltransportinsupportoftheAirCombatCommanddirectedexercise.

PhotobySeniorAirmanChristianSilvera 15thAirliftSquadronloadmaster,positions a K-loadertodropoffcargoontoaC-17GlobemasterIIIinpreparationforexerciseBambooEagle24-3at gionoftheU.S.,Aug.3.BambooEagle24-3isanexampleofhowthe isesandmission-focusedtrainingthatencompassesmulhearseforcomplexmilitaryoperations.

PhotobySeniorAirmanWilliamLunn

Capt.CodyDonahue,344thAirRefuelingSquadroninstructor pilot,pullsuptoaboompodtobe refueledasoneofthreeKC-46PegasustankerssenttosupportexerciseBambooEagle24-3on Aug.2.The344thARSprovidescriticalinflight refuelingcapabilitieswiththeAirForce’snewest tanker,testingitsabilitytodeployrapidlyandmaneuvertheJointForceattime,scaleandmass. BambooEagleisacoastalexercisethatteststheintegration ofmobility,combat,bomber, joint andAlliedaircraft,whichiskeytojointforceandinternationalpartnersuccess.

PhotobySeniorAirmanJulianAtkins

BAMBOOEAGLE

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TheAMCmissionsetsaccomplishedduringBE24-3 werepartofAFFORGENcertificationevents, designed toensurethatAirmenarepreparedtoexecutedynamic operationsacrossdifferentareasofresponsibility.

“BambooEagleexemplifiestheAir Force’scommitmenttoreoptimizeforGreat PowerCompetition,” said Maj.Gen.ChristopherNiemi,USAFWC commander. “In today’srapidlyevolvingstrategiclandscape, exercises serveaspivotalcomponentsofourreadinessstrategy. Thisexerciseunderscoresourcommitmentto countering anti-accessthreatsandretainingourabilityto project powerglobally, atatimeandplaceofour choosing.”

BE24-3 wasaprimeexampleofhowtheAir Forceemployslarge-scaleexercisesandmission-focusedtraining, encompassingmultipleoperationalplanstodemonstrate andrehearseforcomplex, large-scalemilitaryoperations.

“AMCprovedthatthetyranniesof geographyinthe Pacificarenotaninsurmountableboxedcanyon, but a challenge-torelish,todominateandtowin,” saidGen. MikeMinihan,commanderofAirMobilityCommand. “The Joint Forceexudesstrength becauseofmobility.”

Engineman1stClass ClarisaMorel,attached toNavy TalentAcquisition Group(NTAG)Miami,discussestheNavalaviation careerpathwithafather andsoninquiringabout pilotopportunities,at the NavyRecruitingStationin Perrine,June5.

“Nomatterhowmuchshehasgoingon, she stillcomesintotheofficewitha smile every dayandcrushesit,” saidArteagatirado “Sheislikeasuperhero.”

EN1Morelisa2015graduateof PassaicHigh Schoolin Passaic, New Jersey, where she wasbornandraised,alongwithhertwo brothers, by her parentswhomigrated fromthe DominicanRepublic. ThefamilyremainstogetherandhassincerelocatedtoMiami-Dade County.

Herbrother, FelixMorel, wasalsoanenginemanintheNavy andserved onactive duty from2013to2017.

“Icomefromalow-incomefamily,” said Morel.“I wantedthebenefitstheNavyoffers butalsotofollowinmybrother’sfootsteps so inAugustof2015Ishippedofftobootcamp.”

A Navycareeroffersbenefitssuch ascompetitive pay, healthcare, training andretirement.Sailorsareprovidedtheopportunityto supportthemselves, their families, andtheir ambitions.

Dependablehealthcare andpay areimportantforMorelwhotakescareofher parents andherthree-year-olddaughterwith specialneeds.

Inherpersonallife, Morelsaysherdaughterisherfocusbutastherecruiter-in-charge atNavyRecruitingStation Perrine, she focuses on herteam’sand recruits’ success.

“I wantedtorecruitbecauseIlovehelpingpeople,” saidMorel.“I’mmostproudofbecomingamentorandbeing able to bean exampletoothers Isharemy wisdomwithmy Sailorsandrecruitssothattheymayfindtheirownsuccess. It’sabout seeinga smile on applicants’facesandimpactinglives.”

EN1Morelleadsbyexample Sinceher arrival atNTAGMiamiin 2022, shehasearned aNavyCommendationMedal,twoNavyandMarine CorpsAchievementMedals, and mostrecently, waspromotedtotheE6paygradeviatheMeritoriousAdvancementProgram(MAP).MAPauthorizescommandingofficerstheopportunitytorecognizetheirbest personnelinpaygradesE5 and below byadvancingthemwhenthey arereadyforthenext levelofresponsibility.

“It wassohumblingbecauseforthefirsttimeIfeltlikeI wasbeing seenforwho I am andformyworkethic,” saidMorel aboutherpromotion.“I oweitall tomy chief, Chief Arteagatirado.”

Arteagatiradoshareshersentiment aboutMorelinonebriefstatement.

“Sheisatestamenttothephrasethat says, ‘not allheroeswear capes.’” NTAGMiamihas38recruitinglocationsthroughoutSouth Florida, PuertoRicoandthe VirginIslands, withthecombinedmissiontorecruitthehighestcaliber Sailorstomeetthe needsofthefleet.

Doyouthinkyouhavesuperhero characteristics? WanttolearnmoreaboutopportunitieswithAmerica’sNavy?Checkusoutonline atnavy.com/careers-benefits/careers orfor arecruiternearyou,visitwww.navy.com/contact-us/find-a-recruiter.

PhotobyMassCommunicationSpecialist1stClassNataliaMurillo

WiththetransitiontotheAir Force Force Generationmodel,theyearlyexerciseshifted focusfromlocalemergencyresponsetoascenarioalignedwiththeNationalDefenseStrategy. 325thCONSsimulated U.S. Indo-Pacific Commandforwardoperatingbases in orderto respondtoChina’scontinuedaggressioninthe SouthChinaSea, specifically focused onthe Spratlyand ParacelIsland chains.

“Wededicatedthefirsttwodaysgoingindepthwithtrainingandsituational briefings,” said Tech. Sgt. JustinMerritt,325thCONS noncommissionedofficerofcommodities. “The lasttwodaysinvolvedthemapplyingthat knowledge. Theteamsweretaskedwithmeetingobjectiveswhilebriefing‘basecommanders’foreachforwardoperatingbase, allthe whileremainingpreparedto[don]MOPP gear inresponsetopossiblehazards.”

Contractingspecialistsplayavitalroleas forcemultipliersfortheAir Forceduringadeployment.Byleveraginglocaleconomiesand resources, contractingspecialistsensureAirmenhaveaccesstonecessarysupplies for survivalandsustainmissionoperations.

“Peopletendtounderestimatethestrategic valueoffinancialresources,” saidAngel. “Withoutcontracting, howareourtroopsgetting whattheyneedtosurviveforaweek? We’re abletoprovideessentialssuchas food, water andlivingspacewithinatimelymanner. We’re theonlyindividualsintheAir Forcethatare authorizedto obligatethegovernment and its dollars, sothistrainingisessentialforrealworldscenarios.”

Merrittexplainedthattheexperience gained throughexercisessuchasOperationContested Shoresareincreasinglycriticalwiththeeverevolvingcircumstances in modern warfare, providingcontractingspecialiststheknowledgeandconfidenceneededtosupporttheAir Force’sglobalmissionandrequirements.

“Overall,theweektaughtusalot. We learnedfromtheinstructorsand gottosee a differentsideofourcareer,” saidSeniorAirmanTrivaneDennis, 325thCONScontracting specialist.“IthinkmanyofournewerAirmen willbeabletotakesomethingfromthisexerciseand performday-to-daydutiesat a much higherlevel.”

(Top) U.S. AirForce Airman 1stClass FernandoZamora Amezcua,325thContracting Squadron contractingspecialist, preparesto brief asimulatedforwardoperating base commander during OperationContestedShoresatTyndall AirForceBase, Florida, Aug. 8.

(Above) U.S.Air Force Staff Sgt.Nathan Koehn, 325thContractingSquadron contracting specialist, inspectshismission orientedprotective posturelevel 4duringOperation ContestedShores.

SomeparticipantssuchasKimballhavebeenanactivepartoftheceremonyformanyyears. Itisanannualtraditionthathasresonatedwith localsastheylearnandpreservethehistorythatplayedapivotalrolein thestate’sfoundation.Theevent wasfirststartedwhenretiredLt.Col. GregMoore, acommandhistorianfortheFloridaNationalGuard,invited West PointgraduatestoSt.AugustinetolearnabouttheSeminole Wargravesite

“Wedon’t wantanyonetoforgetthemenwhosenamesareengraved intothiscemetery,” saidAlisonSimpson,commandhistorianoftheFloridaNationalGuard.

“TheymostlywereactivedutySoldiersbuttherewereFloridaSoldiers thatwerekilledincombatduringthis waraswell.Myroleistotalk abouttheirhistorysotheirnamesaren’tlost.”

Thegravesite wascreatedin1842whentheremainsofthosethat participatedinthe warweretransportedtotheSt.Augustinecemetery Therelocationoftheirremainsallowedthefamiliesofthoseindividualstohaveaccesstotheirlovedonesasthebattlefieldswereotherwise inaccessibletothepublic. Thispublicgravesiteisconsideredtheoldest ofitskindinthenationasitprecededtheNationalCemeterySystemdevelopedinthe1860’s. TheFloridaNationalGuardcontinuestomaintain historicalrecordsanddiligentlyseeksoutmoreinformationintheirmissiontopreserveboththestate’shistoryandtherootsofitsguard.

“Rememberingthepeopleisthemostimportantthing to me,” said

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Participantsgatherforaparadeduringthe17thannualcommemoration oftheendofthe2ndSeminole War, Aug.17.Participantsmarchedfrom theSt.FrancisBarrackstotheSt.AugustineNationalCemeteryfor a memorialservicehonouringthosethatfoughtduringtheFloridaSeminole Wars.TheFloridaNationalGuardmaintainsthistraditioninorder topreservethefoundationalhistoryofboththestateandtheGuards’ evolutionthroughouttheyears.

SEMINOLE

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Kimball.“Ifit wasn’tfortheresearchdonebytheNationalGuardandothersinvolvedthatshareapassionforhistory, thesemightbenamesthatarelosttohistory We’ve hadpeoplecomeuptousateventssayingmyancestors areoneofthepeopleburiedhere. It’sgoodtohavethat humanconnection.Theonly waywearegoingtobeable togetpeopletounderstandhistoryistohavesomething torelateto.”

The Seminole Wars impacted notonly thecourse of Floridahistorybutcontinuestoinfluenceour military historytothisday. Lessonswerelearnedbothonandoff thebattlefieldastheconflict changedtactics, military organisationsandtheestablishingcommunities. Theannualcommemorationofthisconflictrepresentstheefforts topreservethestoryofFloridaaswellasitsdedicationto growfromit.

“Wearestilltaking away lessonslearnedfromthe war ofthemid18thcenturyinFlorida,” saidSimpson.“Ihave metalotofSoldiersthroughoutmytimewiththeFloridaNationalGuardandalmostallofthemarepassionate abouttheirhistory IencourageourSoldiersandAirmen tocontinuetopursuethehistoryoftheunitinwhichthey serveasmostlikelywhatevercitytheyareininFlorida hasaconnectiontothistimeperiod.”

U.S.ArmyphotobySgt.N.W.Huertas Volunteersparticipate inamemorialservice duringthe 17thannualcommemorationofthe endof the2ndSeminole War, Aug.17.

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

FSSLaborDayclosures

Forafulllistof6thFSSprogram facilities, foodandbeverage, and recreationalfacility closures, visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/ labordayhours2024.pdf.

StrengthSquadCompetition

Getreadytoflexyourmuscles attheShort FitnessCenter PowerliftingChallengeonSaturday, Sept.7,startingat9a.m.Showoff yourstrengthinsquats, deadlifts, andbenchpresses, withweigh-in uponentry. Competefortopprizes invariousweightcategories, with atotaloffive awardsupforgrabs Plus, hitthe1000-lbsmarkand you’llearna T-shirt.Enjoycomplimentarysnacksandrefreshments andbepartofourLiftingAfterActionCollage Poster. Volunteers arewelcometojoininthefun. Visit moredetails, visitmacdillfss.com/ short-fitness-center/.

MikeSuper, illusionist

Don’tmissoutonaspellbinding eveningwithMikeSuper, winner ofNBC’sPhenomenonandfinalist onAmerica’sGot Talent. Joinusat theMacDill Base Theater Friday, Sept.13, forafreenightofmagic andillusionthatwillleaveyouin awe. Doorsopenat6 p.m.,withthe showstartingat6:30 p.m.Bring thewholefamilyandenjoyconcessionsbeforetheshow. Remember, all childrenmustremainseatedfor theirsafety. Noticketsneeded— justcomeandbeamazed. Formore information,visitmikesuper.comor call828-3055.

Findmoreeventsat:macdillfss.com

Tanker takeoff

AU.S.AirForceKC-135Stratotankerassignedtothe350thExpeditionaryAirRefuelingSquadron takesofffromanundisclosedlocationwithinthe U.S.CentralCommand(USCENTCOM)areaof responsibility(AOR),Aug.12.TheKC-135isdeployedtotheUSCENTCOMAORtohelpdefendU.S.and coalitioninterests,promote regionalsecurity, anddeterpotentialadversariesinthe region.

CHAPELSCHEDULE

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

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessionsby appointment)

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

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule &tojoin distro,pleasecontactelimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

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

OtherFaith Groups - Pleasecontact the Chapelat (813)828-3621orviaemail at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visitthe Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

U.S.AirForcephoto

environmentis warfightingcommunications, alsoknownasexpeditionary communicationsorXCOMM.

It’snotaflashyjob, butitisoneofthemostnecessary andimpactful combatsupportfunctionswhentalking aboutmission generationsuccess andthefuturefight.

“Whenwegettasked,webecomeanexpeditionarycounterparttothe communicationssquadronforthe[deployablecombatwing],” saidStaff Sgt.ChadHumphries, 52nd CBCSnetworksystemsoperationssupervisor. “Wegetinto‘country’asfast as possible, setupthebackboneandthen once thebattlespaceisgoodtogo, theleadwingwillcomeinandkeepthe communicationsrunning.”

The52ndCBCS, partofthe5thCombat CommunicationsGroup(CCG), isonlyoneofthreeRegularAir Forceunitsthatsupply expeditionary commstotheentireDepartmentoftheAir Force. CBCS personneldeployto variouslocationsaroundtheworld,ofteninremoteandhostileenvironments. Theyestablishandmaintaincommunicationnetworksandinfrastructure, allowingjointforcestocommunicateeffectively.

“Thebiggestpartofthisexerciseiscommand andcontrol, andbeingable tocommunicate, regardlessofthesituation,” said SeniorAirmanNicholas Anderson, 9thReconnaissance Wing Communications Squadron data operationstechnicianandexerciseparticipant. “We’reonly abase comm unit, we[usually]don’tdoexpeditionarycomms, they[theCBCS]areenabling ustodoourjobtothebestofourability.”

Threeseparateguardunitssupportedthe 52nd CBCS duringthethreeweektenure, toincludeunitsfromtheAlabama AirNationalGuard, Maine ANGandFloridaANG.

Total ForceIntegrationisastrategic approach toenhanceoperational effectivenessbyintegratingactivedutyAir ForceAirmenwiththeANG andAir ForceReservecounterparts.

Whenthe5thCCG wastaskedto accomplishthemissionforbothexercises, theyneededtoensuretheyhadtherightpersonnelfor thejob.

“WeareoneofthreeactivedutyXCommunitsinthe entireAir Force, so wedorelyonourguard andreservecombat communicatorstohelpwith theseexercises,” said1stLieutenantRoland Yoder, 52ndCBCS officerin chargeofmissionsupport. “Havingtheirexpertiseandcapabilitiesout

AirmenassignedtoRobins Air ForceBase,Georgia,52ndCombatCommunicationsSquadron,setupasatellitecommunicationsdishbefore exerciseAgileFlag24-3kicksoffatSantaMariaAirport, California,July 30.Thesepersonneldeploytovariouslocationsaroundtheworld,often in remoteandhostileenvironments.Theyestablishandmaintaincommunicationnetworksandinfrastructure,allowingjointforcestocommunicateeffectively.

herewithus, isextremelyhelpful.”

Thegoalofintegratingactive, nationalguardandreserveAirmenisto optimizeresources, maximizecapabilities, andensureseamlesscooperationamongthesecomponentstomeetmissionrequirements.

Combatcommunicatorswillcontinuetobeforcemultipliers, andoperateanddefend warfightercommunications, wheneverandwherever, acrossthefullspectrumofoperationsforAirCombatCommandandthe Air Force.