Emerald Warrior Search and Rescue Exercise - Page 8 News/Features: Page 3 Help for Victims

Vol. 47, No. 7 Thursday, February 14, 2019

Emerald Warrior search and rescue exercise - page 8 News/Features: page 3 Help for victims

News/Features: page 3 Testing requirement abolished

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

News/Features: page 6 AF pioneer laid to rest

Photo by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner A U.S. Navy Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) team member awaits extraction from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during an Em- Community: page 15 erald Warrior 2019 search and rescue training exercise, Jan. 22. Special Tactical Operation SEALs worked alongside joint Events, Chapel, more... terminal attack controllers to extract injured and embattled joint force team members in an austere environment.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 1 NEWS/FEATURES MacDill Guardsman saves life, receives Airman’s Medal by Airman 1st Class Caleb Nunez 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

“It was kind of automatic how everything happened,” he said, recalling the moment he risked his life to save another. “It wasn’t a decision, it was just a reaction.” Airman 1st Class Peejay Jack, a 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron vehicle maintainer with the Florida Air National Guard, was awarded the Airman’s Medal by Maj. Gen. Lenny Ri- choux, the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command commander, during a ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 9. The Airman’s Medal is awarded to those who distinguish them- selves through a heroic act involving voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict with an armed enemy of the United States. “I feel like I did what any other human being would have done,” Jack emphasized. “God put me in a position to help a man in need so he could get back to his family.” During his morning commute to MacDill, Jack witnessed a motor vehicle lose control and veer off the interstate at high speed. Rush- ing into action, he repeatedly attempted to free the trapped victim through a broken window, when the vehicle suddenly burst into flames near the engine. It was at this time another bystander man- aged to pry the door open with a crowbar and Jack was finally able to free the victim without causing further bodily harm. Within 30

seconds of the extraction, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, which Photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb Nunez would have significantly reducing the chances of survival for the U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Lenny Richoux, the Joint Enabling Capabilities Com- driver. mand commander, presents Airman 1st Class Peejay Jack, a 290th Joint Com- “I’m just glad I was able to be there for him, whether I was re- munications Support Squadron vehicle maintainer, the Airman’s Medal at Mac- ceiving this medal or not,” Jack said. “This is what we do as service Dill Air Force Base Feb. 9. Jack was awarded the Airman’s Medal for saving a members; this is why we put on our uniform – to help those who are motorist after his vehicle lost control, veered off the interstate and burst into in need.” flames.

For information about base operations during emergencies or natural disasters, call the Straight Talk Line at 828-4163

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil The Action Line provides two-way communication between the Facebook: www.facebook.com/ 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per- sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to MacDillAirForceBase [email protected] or Facebook @6thAirMobilityWing- Instagram: macdill_afb CommandTeam Twitter: @macdill_afb

MacDill Thunderbolt U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted Publisher: Joe DeLuca The appearance of advertising in this publication, including to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt Editor: Nick Stubbs the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, at 828-2215. Email: [email protected]. 6th Air Mobility Wing or the TImes Publishing Company of the Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publish- products or service advertised. appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after ing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318. deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an autho- Everything advertised in this publication shall be made considered for publication based on news value and timeliness. rized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. mili- available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar- tary services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

2 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES SAPR provides awareness, support for sexual assault victims by Marvin Krause 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Service members and their families at Mac- Dill Air Force Base have access to sexual assault prevention and family advocacy support to help anyone in need. The 6th Air Mobility Wing’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program office, staffed by sexual assault response coordinators and a victim advocate, provides support and guidance to sexual assault victims.Their mission is to educate, advocate and collaborate to respond to and eliminate sexual assault and its harmful ef- fects. “Our SAPR team provides a full spectrum of resources to victims by assigning a victim advocate, working with the local crisis center to assist with the sexual assault forensic exam, requesting a referral for special victims’ coun- seling, connecting the member with behavioral health, the chaplain and a Department of De- fense safe helpline,” said Debbra Hooks, instal- lation sexual assault response coordinator. The Air Force SAPR program focuses on the See SAPR, Page 12 Courtesy graphic Air Force ends promotion testing for E-7 and above by Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va.(AFNS)—The Air Force announced today it is removing the Weighted Airman Promotion System testing requirement for active-duty promotions to the grades of E-7 through E-9, beginning this fall with the 2019 E-9 promotion cycle. The memo, signed Jan. 31, removes the phase one requirement for senior noncommissioned officers to test for promotion, allowing promotion boards to identify the best qualified Airmen to promote into the senior noncommissioned officer corps. Prior to the policy change, promotions were conducted through a two-phase process. Phase one consisted of a Promotion Fitness Exam and Specialty Knowledge Test, while phase two consisted of a central evaluation board. “We continue to transform talent management across the force,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, Courtesy graphic personnel and services.“This adjustment fo- Starting in the fall with the 2019 E-9 promotion cycle, there no longer will be required to test for ac- cuses on performance being the driving factor tive duty promotions for E-7 through E-9. The new system allows promotion boards to identify the See TESTING, Page 12 best qualified Airmen for advancement to the senior NCO corps.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3 WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Master Sgt. Joey Swafford Maintainers assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing work to lower the nose landing gear on a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Feb. 1. The C-5M landed with its nose landing gear up after experiencing an in-flight emergency.

Photo by Staff Sgt. James Richardson Photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 506th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling An F-15E Strike Eagle painted in the heritage colors of its P-47 Thun- Squadron is de-iced before a refueling mission at Eielson Air Force Base, derbolt predecessor takes off from RAF Lakenheath, England, Feb. 6. Alaska, Feb. 5. The Stratotankers refueled a B-52 Stratofortress bomber The 48th Fighter Wing officially unveiled the aircraft publicly during a from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, which is currently deployed ceremony Jan. 31. from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence operations.

4 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5 NEWS/FEATURES Female AF pioneer laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery by Staff Sgt. Victoria H. Taylor Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Marcelite Jordan Harris was laid to rest Feb. 7 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with full military funeral honors. During Harris’s life and Air Force career, she accomplished multiple crowning achievements. After receiving her commission through Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base,Tex- as, in 1965, she ventured into her first assign- ment as the assistant director for administration for the 60th Airlift Wing at Travis AFB,Califor- nia. She then completed a tour in West Germany in 1971 before enrolling in the Aircraft Mainte- nance Officer Course at Chanute AFB, Illinois. After graduating, she was named aircraft maintenance officer — the first woman to ever hold the title. “Being a leader, being a mentor is not about how much you can fill your own cup, it’s about how much you pour into others and with Major Photo by Staff Sgt. Rusty Frank General Harris, our cups run over,” said Lt. Gen. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Lenny Richoux, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command’s Joint Stayce Harris, Inspector General of the Air Force. Enabling Capabilities Command, presents the American Flag to retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. “She poured so much of herself, personally and Mareclite Harris’s daughter, Tenecia Harris, during a full honors funeral at Arlington National Cem- professional, into all of us and influenced so ma- etery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 7. Gen. Harris’s accomplishments include being the first woman aircraft ny — those she knew and those who knew her maintenance officer, one of the first two women air officers commanding at the U.S. Air Force from afar.” Academy and the first woman deputy commander for maintenance. She also served as a White Through hard work and dedication, Harris con- House social aide during the Carter administration. tinued to pave the way for females and women of color in the military.While she served at assign- to serve as a commanding officer for an Air Force jor general, and was the first woman to hold this ments in Thailand, California, Washington, D.C., cadet squadron in 1978. In 1988, she became the rank in the service. Colorado, Kansas, Japan, Mississippi and Okla- first female wing commander. “Harris was the personification of enduring homa, she continued to rise through the ranks. Harris continued to break barriers – on May power…she had the ability to withstand chal- During those assignments, she was appointed as 1, 1991, she was promoted to brigadier general lenges and changes that came with being the a White House aide during the presidential ad- – making her the first African-American female first…the first woman, the first forerunner, the ministrations of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter general in the U.S. Air Force.Amere four years pioneer for females in male dominated career in 1975, and she was the second female in history later, on May 25, 1995, she was promoted to ma- See REST, Page 10

6 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES Lunch-and-learn teaches effective communication fosters trust

by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Members from across the 927th Air Refuel- ing Wing gathered for a lunch-and-learn during the February Unit Training Assembly, Feb. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base. Debbie Lundberg, principal of Presenting Powerfully, shared information with the group of Airmen about how to effectively communicate with their respective peers by understanding different personality types. Lundberg said that communication is the easiest way for relationships to build or cause friction amongst two or more people. “It’s very important for people to understand the different dynamics of people that they come across on a daily basis,” said Lundberg.“The military is a communication-oriented entity and Photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley the more that the Airmen know about communication, the better off they will be later on even Debbie Lundberg, principal of Presenting Powerfully, teaches about leadership to Airmen and civil- in life after the military.” ians during a lunch-and -learn event at the February Unit Training Assembly at MacDill Air Force Base. The lunch-and-learn series is a monthly event where members in the community come to See COMMUNICATION, Page 11 MacDill to provide Airmen about invaluable information in various topics.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 7 A U.S. Army 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion UH-60 Black Hawk gunner from Fort Drum, N.Y., provides aerial support during an Emerald Warrior combat search and rescue scenario, Avon Park, Fla., Jan. 22. During Emerald Warrior, a combat search and rescue scenario was conducted to evaluate mission readiness while providing a joint maritime certification amongst mission part- U.S. Army 1st Lt. Anthony Minissale, a 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion UH-60 Black Hawk pilot fr ners. uses a signal flare during an Emerald Warrior 2019 search and r evaluated on properly communicating commands over a combat survivor care to an injured co-pilot and tasked with successfully extracting his team members.

Emerald Warrior combat sear story and photos by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

distinct and repetitious sound rumbles through the air above Aa U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft violently unleashes 4,200 rounds per minute from its 30mm hydraulic rotary cannon, breathing fire upon its target. The nine A-10s from the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge ed close air support for a combat search and rescue scenario involving training exercise, Emerald Warrior, Jan. 22. “Exercise Emerald Warrior is a certification and validation mission readiness exercise realistic and relevant readiness training to U.S. Special Operations Command forces and inter participants in an irregular warfare scenario,” said Capt. project manager. During the search and rescue scenario,Airmen from 127th A U.S. Army 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot from Fort Drum, survivors of a simulated U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash involving a Blac N.Y., configures a combat survivor evader locator (CSEL) radio for an emergency aircrew extrac- the 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion from Fort Drum, tion during an Emerald Warrior search and rescue training exercise, Avon Park, Fla., Jan. 22. safety through Avon Park’s 160,000 acres of austere terrain that is home to alligators Pilots were evaluated on how to properly use and communicate over a CSEL radio and MK-124 other predators. signal flare to safely extract joint force team members as well as how to provide self-aid buddy care to injured personnel.

8 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Helicopter Battalion UH-60 Black Hawk pilot from Fort Drum, New York, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Anthony Minissale, a 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion UH-60 ch and rescue training exercise at Avon Park, Fla., Jan. 22. Minissale was Black Hawk pilot from Fort Drum, N.Y., radios an extraction team during an Em- commands over a combat survivor evader locator (CSEL) radio, performed self-aid buddy erald Warrior 2019 training exercise Jan. 22. Minissale was one of eight stranded ed co-pilot and tasked with successfully extracting his team members. team members tasked with safely extracting his team after a simulated Black Hawk helicopter crash in an austere environment. Emerald Warrior is one of the largest joint special operations exercises where U.S. Special Operations Command forces trained to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict. arrior combat search and rescue training brings mission partners together While very realistic and dangerous, these meticulously planned training scenarios strengthen joint forces’ training with a focus on tactical warfare. “This is why we go through survival, evasion, resistance and escape training for situations like this,” said distinct and repetitious sound rumbles through the air above Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, as 1st Lt. Anthony Minissale, a 2-10 AHB Black Hawk pilot. “Evading the enemy while surviving the elements Thunderbolt II aircraft violently unleashes 4,200 rounds per minute from its is crucial to determining whether someone lives or dies out here.” breathing fire upon its target. When embattled survivors of a simulated Black Hawk crash are living on a prayer for safe passage and ighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, provid- rescue,it is comforting knowing special tactical operation teams such as a U.S. Naval Special Warfare Sea, h and rescue scenario involving joint special operations forces during Air and Land (SEAL) and joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) teams were there to assist. “The SEAL and JTAC teams were proficiently quick and steadfast with getting us out,” said Minissale. arrior is a certification and validation mission readiness exercise, which provides “It’s a huge relief knowing they are on our side.” Special Operations Command forces and inter-agency According to Davenport, over the course of the day, it was a realistic warzone with thousands of 30mm said Capt. Jason Davenport, the 107th FS Emerald Warrior rounds, multiple laser guided bombs and illumination flares being expended. “Executing realistic and complex training missions alongside the Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command Airmen from 127th Wing at Selfridge ANGB trained as aircrew and Naval Special Warfare Command is invaluable because in real life situations, these partnerships strengthen wk helicopter crash involving a Black Hawk pilot with our wartime capability and efficiency as a total, joint force with a singular mission priority,” said Davenport. New York. Together, they navigated their way to Although multiple and diverse mission partners came together for Emerald Warrior, each left with a s 160,000 acres of austere terrain that is home to alligators, venomous snakes and larger understanding of their role in the mission, increasing their operational wartime tactical and strategic capabilities, which in short, is bad news for the bad guys.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9 REST From Page 6 fields,” said Lt. Col. Ruth Segres, chaplain. “In the midst of opposition and obstacles she exhib- ited a power, a mental steadfast strength and a fierce fortitude to keep her composure — a credit to her character.” After 32 years of service, Harris retired in 1997 as the highest ranking female in the U.S. Air Force and highest ranking African-American female in the Department of Defense. She continued her legacy of service by aiding as the trea- surer of the Atlanta branch of the NAACP and a director on the board of Peachtree Hope Char- ter School. In 2010, she was given the chance to once again serve with her Air Force family when President Barack Obama appointed her to work as a member of the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Air Force Academy. “My sister was a fighter,” said Elizabeth John- son, Harris’s younger sister during the memorial service.“She was forever striving to serve others, and even in retirement she never missed an opportunity to contribute.” Harris passed away Sept. 7, 2018, at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, on a Caribbean vaca-

tion with her companion, retired U.S. Army Lt. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rusty Frank Col. David Branch. Though her death was sud- A caisson delivers the remains of retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Marcelite Harris during her full den and unexpected, she was surrounded by honors funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 7. In 1991, Harris became the loved ones. first African-American woman to earn the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force.

10 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT COMMUNICATION From Page 7 The course was very in- formational for many Air- men, but for one the session made her reflect upon her own communication battles in the past. “This course put a lot of things in perspective for me,” said Senior Airman Hannah Stephenson, 927th Mission Support Group Commanders Support Staff journeyman. “Debbie did a great job teaching about the different personality types and how they all prefer for communication to happen, which I thought was very profound.” The 927th ARW provides countless opportunities and outlets for service members; this lunch-and-learn was just another opportunity to Photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley showcase the various sup- An Airman takes a personality test during the lunch-and -learn event at the February Unit Training Assembly at MacDill port and resources the wing Air Force Base. The personality test was used to decipher which communication type people are depending on their has to offer. results.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11 MacDill Retiree Appreciation Day is Feb. 28 The MacDill Retiree Affairs Office will be hosting Retiree Appreciation Veterans Affairs will be at the base clinic.To honor our retirees, the base Day for all retirees Thursday, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. All MacDill agencies will Honor Guard will perform a National Flag ceremony and there will be a be participating, including the military personnel flight ID card section, cake cutting at 11 a.m. base legal office, and pharmacy. Representatives from the Department of Please take the time to see MacDill’s tribute to our retirees.

SAPR From Page 3 survivor. SAPR responses are gender inclusive, culturally competent and not condone nor tolerate sexual assault or harassment.” recovery oriented offering non-confidential and confidential reporting The SAPR program reinforces Team MacDill’s commitment to eliminate through unrestricted or restricted reporting.The SAPR team executes a incidents of sexual assault through training, education, victim advocacy, proactive and comprehensive sexual assault prevention program in order response, reporting and accountability. MacDill’s SAPR team promotes to enable mission readiness and reduce, with a goal to eliminate sexual sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and assault. accountability for those who commit these crimes. Sexual assault is a crime, chargeable under Articles 120, 120a, 120b, The SAPR office is planning a month full of SAPR awareness commu- 120c, or 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice; or attempts to com- nity events in April, annually recognized as sexual assault awareness and mit such acts are punishable under Article 80 of the UCMJ. prevention month. They are also conducting a 40-hour victim advocate Active duty service members, dependents 18 years and older, Reserv- course March 4-8 for active duty Air Force, Reserve or Air National Guard ists, National Guard members on title 10/32 status and DoD civilian em- service members in active status and DoD appropriated funded civilian ployees are eligible for the unrestricted and restricted reporting options employees. Civilians must be in the grades of GS-07 and above, enlisted under the SAPR program. Regardless of the eligibility requirements, the must be in the grades of E-4 and above, 21 years of age, and officers must SAPR program office will provide you with the resources to assist with be in the grades of O-2, or O-1 if prior enlisted. If interested in becoming a your needs. victim advocate, please call 813-828-5775 for additional information. There are two reporting options for sexual assault victims, restricted Individuals on G-series orders, first sergeants, chief master sergeants, and unrestricted, allowing victims a choice and a level of confidently. Air Force Office of Special Investigations officers, security forces, office “If a victim desires a non-disclosure report with more privacy and only of the staff judge advocate, area defense counsel, healthcare providers, requests assistance with behavioral health, medical services or a chap- equal opportunity, chaplain, firefighters, emergency medical technicians lain, the SAPR office offers a restricted reporting option without chain and inspector general personnel are not eligible to be victim advocates. of command knowledge or a law enforcement investigation,” Hooks said. For more information on the program or SAPR events, call the MacDill “This is a great option to give the victim time to process the incident and AFB SAPR office at 828-2678/2880 or 24/7 SAPR HOTLINE 828-7272 or still get the help they need without an investigation. If a victim decides to visit macdill.af.mil/SAPR initiate an investigation by disclosing the chain of command is involved, To contact the family advocacy program, call 828-827-9172 or 24/7 DA- this will generate an unrestricted report.” VA HOTLINE 279-1320. Prior to reporting a sexual assault, victims are briefed on available To contact the DoD Safe Helpline, call 877-995-5247 or visit safe- SAPR resources and the privacy options available for each. The fear that helpline.org. a reported assault will not be kept confidential may prevent victims from reporting but report information is limited to those only with a need to Safe Helpline is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) sole hotline for know based on the selected reporting options. members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline “Our office is committed to reducing the trauma of sexual assault, is a completely anonymous, confidential, 24/7, specialized service—pro- crime and violence, as well as providing community education for its pre- viding help and information anytime, anywhere.ASafe Helpline user vention,” Hooks added. “We are dedicated to creating a supportive, car- can access one-on-one support, peer-to-peer support, information, resourc- ing environment for victims, survivors and their families to enhance the es and self-care exercises 24/7 to aid in their recovery. Since 2011, Safe healing process. Everyone at MacDill AFB serves a critical role in sexual Helpline has provided support and resources to thousands of members of assault prevention by fostering a culture of dignity and respect that does the DoD community. TESTING From Page 3 we consider when selecting our senior noncommissioned officers. It also leadership potential might test into promotion, while also ensuring that continues our work toward increasing transparency and making our pro- our strongest performers continue to earn the promotion they deserve.” cesses simple.” Promotion boards will continue to score records using the current scor- The Air Force will use a promotion board process similar to the board ing process as well as reviewing the last five years of evaluations and all process used by officers. awards and decorations. Decoration points will no longer be utilized be- “We trust this board process will continue to give senior leaders and cause the board will be considering all decorations during its review and commanders the greatest level of confidence that the right individuals are scoring records accordingly. being selected for promotion to the top enlisted ranks,” said Chief Master Additional guidance will be published in an upcoming Air Force guid- Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright. “We found that removing the testing ance memorandum or revised Air Force instruction after the last evalua- portion will eliminate any possibility that Airmen without the strongest tion board is completed.

12 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT 6 FSS President's Day Holiday Hours, 2019 HOLIDAY 2/15/2019 2/16/2019 2/17/2019 2/18/2019 FRISAT SUNMON FITNESS Fitness Center 0430-2030 0600-1400 0600-1400 24/7 Ops DINING Diner’s Reef 0630-0830 0630-0830 0630-0830 0630-0830 Breakfast Grab N Go 0830-1030 0830-1030 0830-1030 0830-1030 Lunch 1030-1330 1030-1330 1030-1330 1030-1330 Grab N Go 1330-1630 1330-1630 1330-1630 1330-1630 Dinner 1630-1830 1630-1830 1630-1830 1630-1830

Midnight Meal 2230-0030 2230-0030 2230-0030 2230-0030

Surf’s Edge 0800-1600 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Club Boomers 1500-2000 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED SeaScapes 1100-1400 1600-2100 CLOSED CLOSED Beach House 1600-2100 Rickenbackers 1500-2200 1500-2100 CLOSED CLOSED (BAR hrs) Rickenbackers 0700-1900 0700-1400 0700-1400 0700-1400 (Café) CHILD CARE Child Development 0630-1745 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Centers Family Child 0900-1500 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Care Youth Center Preteen 1330-1830 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Teen 1330-1830 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED School Age 0630-1745 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Program RECREATION Golf Course 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1730 Fairways Grill 0630-1330 0630-1330 0630-1330 0630-1330 Bowling Center 1100 - 2200 1200 - 2200 1200 - 1800 CLOSED

Ten Pin Grill 1100 - 2200 1200 - 2200 1200 - 1800 CLOSED Information, Tickets & Travel Tickets 0900-1700 1000-1500 CLOSED CLOSED Leisure Travel 0900-1700 1000-1500 CLOSED CLOSED Outdoor Recreation Marina 0700-1730 0700-1730 0700-1730 0700-1730 ODR Registration 1000-1800 1000-1800 CLOSED CLOSED (Wet Slip) Skeet Range CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Main Pool CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED (Recreational)

CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED (Adult Lap) Arts & Crafts Center Framing & Engraving 0900-1700 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Shops Auto Shop 1100-1900 0900-1700 CLOSED CLOSED Wood Shop 0900-1700 0900-1700 CLOSED CLOSED Library 0900-1700 0900-1600 CLOSED CLOSED CUSTOMER SUPPORT Military & Family 0800-1600 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Readiness Center Military Personnel & ID 0730-1530 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Card Section Civilian 0730-1530 0730-1530 0730-1530 CLOSED Personnel Human 0730-1530 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Resources Base Education 0830-1530 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Office

Resource 0730-1530 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Management

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13 NEWS/FEATURES Pilot training moving at the speed of innovation by John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS)—The 80th Flying Training Wing is moving at the speed of innovation and is bound to only get faster as visionaries incorporate the latest in mixed realities to boost undergraduate pilot training. Lt. Col. Jason Turner, 80th FTW Strategic Initiatives director, said the implementation of virtual and augmented realities is creating a portfolio of tools that allows instructor and student pilots alike to enhance the learning experience within the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program, the world’s only internationally manned and operated combat pilot training program. Through the use of 360-degree cameras, skilled pilots and actual images from flights over north Texas and southern Oklahoma, the program is able to build instructional content to train students on items such as local aerial procedures and ground operations. In short, it’s creating a realistic flying environment in a controlled setting that enables students to learn and make mistakes in a safe setting. “The solution essentially gives them the ability to visualize some of the Photo by John Ingle things that they’ll experience airborne so that once they do get airborne, Lt. Col. Jason Turner, right, 80th Flying Training Wing director of Strategic they’re able to take those reference pictures that they saw in mixed real- Initiatives, helps Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reserve Officer ity and apply them to their training in the air, hopefully making their air Training Corps Cadet Ian Palmer guide a T-38C Talon through a mixed time training more valuable,” he said. reality environment during a training session at Sheppard Air Force Base, Maj. Steve Briones, the 80th FTW’s director of Wing Innovation, has Texas, Feb. 1, 2019. The 80th FTW has been installing and fine tuning played an integral role in leading the innovative charge to marry tradi- virtual and mixed reality training platforms in their Innovation Lab, which tional simulator training and real flight time with fast-advancing tech- allows Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program students to further nologies such as virtual and augmented realities. He said it has taken practice their skills outside of an actual aircraft. about six months to go from concept to two functional “Innovation Labs” available to ENJJPT instructors and students. over the course of the 55-week program: formation flying. Virtual reality creates an experience where a person is immersed in “They’re still learning.They’re still developing,” Turner said of the po- a virtual world, whereas an augmented reality incorporates digital ele- tential for student pilots as seen by the MIT students.“But this also gives ments to a live view of an environment. them a place to practice where mistakes don’t cost them their safety.” “It’s the future of learning in the Air Force,” Briones said. “It’s just be- There is, admittedly, some hesitancy with the new technology as there ing able to take different methods of delivering content or just making is very little performance data in the program at this time to fall back on. the learning content accessible in different ways.” Turner said part of that is because the technology has not been specifi- Briones said the innovative training tools will not replace traditional cally introduced into the ENJJPT syllabus. simulators as they provide a physical, hands-on platform to practice in- What they’ve done, he said, is encourage students to try out the equip- strument familiarity and emergency procedures. However,the newest ment to change their mindset in regards to effectiveness of the training set up does allow for visuals that can’t be replicated in a simulator such and the sense of reality it brings.What they’ve seen is when one student as formation flying because they are able to link individual training sta- sees the capabilities, they bring others to the experience, who in turn tions. bring more. The technology brings pilot training methodologies together in a new Turner said ENJJPT Class 20-04 will start a small-group trial at the and adaptive way, he said, that is a cloud-based and student-focused in end of February, which will include deliberately implementing these tech- such a way that Airmen in the ENJJPT program can access courseware nologies into their training.They will also soon have the ability to toggle wherever they are and whenever they want to. between T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon training modules. “If you asked folks six months ago when we were just thinking about “While that virtual reality or mixed reality won’t replace actual flight this if this was possible, they would’ve been like,‘No way. There’s no way,’” time, it’s intended to augment it to make that time more valuable,” he he said. “So, I think it allows us to think critically about how we’re train- said. “That’s when students will officially be coming here as part of their ing and how we can make ourselves better.” training experience.” A group of Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from the Massachu- Turner and Briones both lauded the public-private partnership with setts Institute of Technology were in the 10-station lab Feb. 1 trying out industry leaders to create a training environment that compliments ex- the technology as part of a visit to the 80th FTW.Turner said the trio isting platforms.The technology, they said, is exceeding expectations and taking a virtual flight had spent about 30 minutes on the mixed reality they are seeing how it will continue to enhance the ENJJPT training cur- trainers, but they were already showing a skill ENJJPT students learn riculum.

14 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Base Theater In honor of Black History Month, the MacFlix Base Theater, in coordination with the Black His- tory Month Committee, is offering a special showing of “Hidden Figures,” starring Taraji P. Hen- son, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. Enjoy this free movie at 11 a.m. and be sure to partake of a tasty treat or two from the Box Office Bistro while you’re there! For full menu and pricing, click: https://www.macdillfss.com/images/AllImages/pdfs/Bistro/Bistro-To- Go-Menu_23Jan19.pdf

Sunday Bay Palms Golf Complex Club Member Appreciation – free golf and cart to AF Club card members. Call 840-6904 to reserve your tee time today. Must show valid club card when checking in at the pro shop. Photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb Nunez Base Theater Military Saves Week Free movie: “The Nutcracker U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Snelson (center), 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, signs a Military Saves Week and the Four Realms” (PG). Doors proclamation at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 31, along with Lt. Col. Jason Williams (left), 6th Comptroller open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 Squadron commander; and Cathy Jordan (right), Armed Forces Bank manager. Designated for Feb. 25 to p.m. Overflow parking available in March 2, the proclamation encourages military members to set personal saving or debt reduction goals and the SOCOM parking garage. pledge to sustain that goal for the rest of the year.

Thursday Outdoor Recreation Learn new painting skills at CHAPEL SCHEDULE Bldg. 2017 every third Thursday of Protestant service Catholic Mass the month from 9-11:15 a.m. Hill- Sunday - 8 a.m. - traditional worship Saturday -5:30 p.m. - Mass ary Houchens is an accomplished 11 a.m. - contemporary worship muralist. Refreshments will be Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass served. Call the Arts & Crafts Cen- Islamic service Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. ter at 828-4413 for more info. Friday - 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Room) Surf’s Edge Club There will be a Taste of New Or- For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting leans Luncheon from 11 a.m. - 1:30 http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 p.m. featuring chicken and sau- sage jambalaya, fried catfish, sides and desserts. *Reservations only required for parties of 10 or more. Call 840-2020 for more info.

Base Theater Free movie: “Bohemian Rhap- sody” (PG-13). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15 16 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 14, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT