The History of the 6Th Ops Group - Page 10
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Vol. 40, No. 40 Friday, October 7, 2011 The history of the 6th Ops Group - page 10 File photo An anonymous armorer of the 6th Bombardment Group makes a pre-flight check on the bomb load of a B-29 before one of the many missions flown from North Field, Tinian, in the final years of World War II. The 6th Bombardment Group flew 75 missions from the small island, located near Saipan and Guam in the Northern Mariana chain, from February through August 1945. They earned four campaign stars for the group’s Asiatic- Pacific Theater Ribbon and two Distinguished Unit Citations. COMMANDER’s CORNER Proving you’re the ‘best’; some wing standouts by Col. Lenny Richoux rocks ‘till Comm rolls!” 6th Air Mobility Wing commander We proved last week that we can keep those indispensable systems safe from attack and Have you ever heard me say that you’re part exploitation thanks to the 6th Communica- of the best Air Mobility Wing on the face of the tions Squadron, led by Lt. Col. Samantha planet? Well you proved it again. Ray, the Wing’s Information Protection effort The Defense Information Systems Agency headed by Rob Cowart, and dozens of out- evaluated the 6th Air Mobility Wing last week standing performers like our Wing Information on our computer network systems during our Assurance Manager Pam Hartnagel, and Command Cyber Readiness Inspection. This Wing Emission Security Manager Staff Sgt. was no drive-by snapshot either. The inspec- Liana Buck. tion team looked deep into the physical and More good news: our 6th Force Support Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing com- virtual security of our systems for deficiencies Squadron’s food service team recently ex- mander, and Col. David Pavey, 927th Air Refu- and discrepancies. Their primary goal: make posed one of the secrets behind its talent for eling Wing commander, sign donation forms sure we’re taking all necessary measures to ef- feeding us. It’s definitely a challenge for the for the Suncoast Combined Federal Campaign fectively operate and protect the systems and Diner’s Reef Food Service Team to knock out while Capt. Sean Wilson, 6th AMW Suncoast networks we depend on for safe mission accom- more than 25,000 fantastic meals each month CFC representative, assists at MacDill Air plishment. so human fuel tanks across the base are well Force Base, Sept. 29. CFC is known to be the And you know what? We are! They gave satisfied. It’s easier when you have talent like most inclusive workplace giving campaign in our classified networks and systems a rating of Senior Airman Nicole Ford on your team. the world. “Excellent.” Now that’s huge, but it wasn’t the She was recently part of the Aramark Culinary best thing the inspectors told us. They also let Excellence challenge, something a bit like you’d 6th Operations Group. Lt. Gen. Rusty Find- us know they rated our unclassified networks see on “Top Chef” or “Chopped.” Based on her ley, Air Mobility Command’s vice commander, and systems as “Outstanding.” Wow! ACE performance, you may very well see her has taken his fini-flight after 35 years in blue. It’s easy to take for granted the profession- on one of those programs one day. She walked He’s written a moving farewell commentary als who keep our networks and systems hum- away as the winner among six competitors. worth your time at www.amc.af.mil. ming. If you ever find yourself leaning that Well done, Airman Ford! Best wishes, General and Mrs. Findley. way, though, try getting your mission done for Finally, this week marks the close of a great You’ll always be welcome here. just one day while fasting from all things IT. I Air Force career in service to our country. Some As always, I am proud to serve with all the guarantee you’ll wake up from that cold-sweat of you may still remember this senior leader men and women of the 6th in the finest Air nightmare screaming passionately, “nobody from his days here as the commander of the Mobility Wing on the face of the planet! COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides a two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or com- ments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or e-mail macdillwingcom- [email protected] fense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobil- may be obtained by calling 259-7455. MacDill Thunderbolt ity Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submit- Publisher: Denise Palmer The appearance of advertising in this publication, in- ted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. Editor: Nick Stubbs cluding inserts or supplements, does not constitute en- 25, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt dorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department staff at 828-2215. Email: [email protected]. of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspa- Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays to The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt News- pers, Inc., of the products or service advertised. appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received af- papers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Everything advertised in this publication shall be made ter deadline may be considered for future use. All submis- U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to sions are considered for publication based on news value authorized publication for distribution to members of the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, and timeliness. U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-mer- Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar- Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or it factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Style- endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of De- Display advertising or classified advertising information book and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101. NEWS/FEATURES Commentary Your T-bolt Today News/Features: page 4 70 years and still growing strong by Bob Hughes In addition, we will again be rebuilding 6th Civil Engineer Squadron director another major roadway. The section of South Flu vaccine here Boundary Blvd. from Hangar Loop to Zemke In April of this year we celebrated the 70th Ave. will be widened to two lanes in both di- News/Features: page 4 birthday of MacDill Air Force Base. Our long rections. MacDill was also fortunate to have history began in 1941, which means our facili- project investments that support our fitness Road closure ties and infrastructure were constructed during programs. A new quarter-mile track will be con- the 1940s. We have had many upgrades since structed behind the fitness center and the jog- then, replaced several facilities and increased ging trail will see improvements from the Joint News/Features: page 10 our electrical distribution systems, but we still Communication Support Element area through have a way to go to revitalize our plant. Over housing. History of the 6th Ops Group the last eight years the Air Force has invested Along with our construction efforts, the land- heavily to improve the quality and reliability of scape (and view) will change along Bayshore. this 70-year-old base in order to support our de- The oldest remaining housing units on base, manding mission long into the future; hopefully known as Wherry housing, will be demolished News/Features: page 16 another 70 years. It’s hard to believe that anoth- in the next several months as our privatization er fiscal year has passed. From a civil engineer partners complete the final new homes needed Pigskin Picker standpoint, it has been another continuous year for our required number of homes on base. This of changes, increased investments and needed will conclude a four-year construction effort to improvements. replace the majority of the previously govern- Chapel Events for October Protestant Services: Catholic Services: MacDill Community: page 17 Sunday: 9:00 a.m. Praise Service Mon-Thurs: 12:10 p.m. Daily Mass 12:00 p.m. Gospel Service Saturday: 4:30 p.m. Confessions, We are working extremely hard to keep these ment owned housing on base. We will also be 5:30 p.m. Mass Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Mass Catholic Religious Education 2011-2012 Sundays, Starting 11 September from 9:00 Wednesdays, Starting 7 September AM to 10:15 AM in Annex 2. Cost is $30 for Family Dinner @ 5:00 p.m. each child or $45 for 2 or more. Call Mrs. systems working, building for the current and demolishing the Bayshore Officer’s Club and AWANA Program 5:45 -7:15 p.m. Baggerly @ 828-8565 to register Registration: $10 / Vest & Books: $10 (per child) Call Mrs. Lavelle @ 828-8564 CBS4W (Chapel Bible Study 4 Women) Base Chapel, Annex 1 On Tuesday, 11 October @ 9:30 a.m. 11-week study using Grace for Every Trial. Chapel Annex 2 - Join us for bible study and fellowship. e-mail [email protected] future missions, replacing tired old pavement two Visiting Officer’s Quarters facilities near For more information regarding services & programs, please call the base chapel @ (813) 828-3621 Events, movies, more... or visit our website @ http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel and utility systems all at the same time.