Vol. 47, No. 49 Thursday, December 5, 2019

‘Mobil Tiger’ staged at MacDill - page 8

News/Features: page 2 Native Americans honored

News/Features: page 3 No drones within 5 miles

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

News/Features: page 11 Airman awarded silver star

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brad Tipton Airmen assigned to the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, , Ga., load munitions on an A-10 Thun- Community: page 14 derbolt II aircraft assigned to the Moody AFB during exercise Mobil Tiger on MacDill Air Force Base Events, Chapel, more... Nov. 20. The exercise allowed Moody Airmen to practice their ability to deliver combat air power from an austere environ- ment with no installation support. NEWS/FEATURES MacDill celebrates Native American Heritage Month by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman Public Affairs

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ameri- can Indians constitute less than 2 percent of the nation’s population. Despite their small number, the Department of Defense acknowledges that today’s military successes depend heavily on Native Americans, with 31,000 serving on active duty and 140,000 living veterans. To commemorate the military service of American Indians and celebrate their contribu- tion to the U.S., MacDill Air Force Base hosted a Native American Heritage Month celebration Nov. 21. The event showcased Navajo art, tradition- al Cherokee dances and traditional Pow Wow Songs from the Kiowa and Cherokee Nations. Members of Team MacDill filled the chapel annex, sampled traditional native foods partici- pated in traditional dances. “Just look around the room, and you can see how diverse our organization is,” said Col. Steve Snelson, the 6th Air Refueling Wing com- mander. “Embracing diversity makes us better Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman as a nation, and it makes us better as a mili- Brian “Blue Jay” Littlejohn, of the Cherokee nation, plays a drum with his grandson Kyler during tary.” a Native American Heritage Month Celebration at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 21. Littlejohn per- According to Eric Vichich, the 6th Civil Engi- formed traditional Cherokee dances during the celebration. neer Squadron cultural resources program man- ager, even after everything American Indians “They have a warrior tradition, this is their was designated in 1990, and is celebrated every have endured throughout history, they continue home, and they are going to continue to defend November as a way to recognize the contribu- to serve in the armed forces at a higher rate it,” said Vichich. tions of American Indians to the establishment than any other demographic in the U.S. National Native American Heritage Month and growth of the nation.

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 Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per- sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to MacDillAirForceBase [email protected] or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam Instagram: macdill_afb 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 Refueling 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 Refueling 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 Refueling 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. NEWS/FEATURES No drone zone at MacDill by 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Commercial, off-the-shelf remotely piloted aircraft, or drones, continue to be an item of in- terest for gift-giving during the holiday season. As a result, a policy has been established to ensure the public is aware of Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense reg- ulations regarding the safety and security of re- sources and personnel on military installations. “Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drone flying is prohibited at MacDill Air Force Base,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather Dixon, sUAS program manager assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron. “Drone enthusiasts are re- minded that, per the Federal Aviation Admin- istration, drones can’t be flown within a 5-mile radius of military airfields or commercial air- ports.” Further, according to the FAA, all drones are aircraft—even the ones bought at the toy store. What that means is operators of a drone have the same responsibilities as a pilot of a passen- Photo by Senior Airman Ryan Lackey ger airplane. Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) or drone flying is prohibited at MacDill Air Force Base. “The safety and security of the mission and Per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), drones can’t be flown within a 5-mile radius of mili- individuals vital to the mission is crucial to the tary airfields or commercial airports. The FAA and Department of Defense (DoD) instituted the ban completion of our objectives, and a clear air- on sUAS, or drones, in response to the rising popularity of private sUAS and the possible security See DRONES, Page 13 risk they pose, along with the potential physical danger to aircraft.

An introduction – Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—In her first formal interview since be- coming Secretary of the Air Force, Barbara M. Barrett told Air Force Tele- vision about her youth, her life’s journey and how those experiences make the Air Force a good match. “Aviation is a big part of my life and space is, too. For me, the Air Force is a very comfortable home and a place that feels like the right fit,” she says. Barrett is a lawyer, a rancher and instrument-rated pilot with a long history of corporate and federal service, including serving as ambassador to Finland and in senior positions with the Federal Aviation Administra- tion and Civil Aeronautics Board. Before she was 30, she was an execu- tive with two global Fortune 500 companies. Informed by those experiences, she says serving as the Secretary of the Air Force is “an extraordinary privilege” but clearly places her emphasis on “the depth of the responsibility that this job carries.” At the same time, she understands a larger truth: “I also know that every Airman, when they raise their hand to defend the country and the Constitution, is making a bigger commitment than I am,” she says. “My job will be to give them the tools, give them the re- Photo by Wayne Clark sources, give them the support and get out of the way.” Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett conducts her first Air See SECRETARY, Page 15 Force TV interview with Airmen at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 24. WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Snider U.S. Air Force KC-135 aircrew with the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron perform preflight briefings, Nov. 24, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The 28th EARS, part of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and coalition forces, enabling a constant presence in the area of responsibility.

Photo courtesy of Special Operations Command Photo by Senior Airman Daniel Garcia U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Aaron Figel, a mem- Gen. Maryanne Miller, commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Terrence ber of United States Special Operations Command Greene, AMC command chief, observe as members of the 375th Aeromedical Squadron treat (USSOCOM), puts a parachute on a Farnell Middle a simulated patient suffering from ventricular tachycardia without pulse on board the Fuselage School student. More than 20 USSOCOM service Trainer (FuT) at , Ill., Nov. 18. The FuT allows AES Airmen to accomplish members and civilian employees participated in standardized training requirements without having to depart from Scott AFB and offers both the Great American Teach-In for Hillsborough and medics and ground support personnel a training platform with respect to aircraft configuration Pinellas counties Nov. 22. familiarization.

NEWS/FEATURES Hill AFB, DoD bases to serve as 5G test bed by Kendahl Johnson Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS)—In an effort to demonstrate innovative prototypes that use commercial 5G technologies as a way to augment future military capabilities, the Department of Defense chose and three other U.S. military bases including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, ; Naval Base San Diego and Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, . as a test bed for 5G technology. Frank Konieczny, Air Force chief technology officer, visited Hill AFB, Nov. 20, to meet with the base’s senior leaders and others who will be in- volved with the project. He said the initiative is a “very important project, one of the most important things we could be doing.” 5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology. It is the ad- vent of ubiquitous connectivity through wireless communications, and is expected by industry experts to be one of the fastest, most robust tech- nologies the world has ever seen. Hill AFB was selected for its ability to provide streamlined access to site spectrum bands, mature fiber and wireless infrastructure, access to U.S. Air Force graphic by David Perry key facilities, support for new or improved infrastructure requirements, The Department of Defense selected Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Oct. 31, as and the ability to conduct controlled experimentation with dynamic spec- one of four U.S. military installations to host testing and experimentation trum sharing. for 5G technology. The other bases chosen as test sites are Joint Base DoD leaders expect to release new testing opportunities each quarter, Lewis-McChord, Washington; Naval Base San Diego and Marine Corps See 5G, Page 10 Logistics Base Albany, Georgia.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ricky Smith, a 23rd Security Forces Squadron physical security NCO, guards a 74th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II and a HC130J Combat King II on MacDill Air Force Base for exercise Mobil Tiger, Nov. 19. The exercise allowed Moody Airmen to practice their ability to deliver com- bat air power from an austere environment with no installation support. Moody Airmen exercise combat air power at MacDill by Staff Sgt. Bradley Tipton “I was part of the first crew to hit the ground on MacDill where we quickly began 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs finding ways to improve our time and efficiency,” said Senior Airman Dylan Holton, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crewmember. he skill and agility of Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, were on full Deriving no support from MacDill AFB other than a slab of concrete on which to display at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 19 - 22, during exercise Mobil Tiger. operate, the 23rd AMXS Airmen reconfigured weapons on the A-10s, quickly unload- T The asymmetric advantage of U.S. combat troops is greatly increased by ing one aircraft, guiding the next into position and arming them prior to take-off. the venerable A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Commonly known as the ‘Warthog,’ this “It was my first time to experience an exercise like this and be at the center of all staple of combat air support depends greatly upon the expertise of Airmen who oper- the action,” said Holton. “We moved as quickly and safely as possible to get the mis- ate and sustain them. sion done.” “Mobil Tiger is an agile combat deployment exercise,” said Air Force Major Zachary Joining the A-10s on the ramp were HH-60Gs from the , who Krueger, an A-10 pilot assigned to the Exercises and Plans office, Moody received fully stocked ammunition cans for their .50 caliber guns from the maintain- AFB. “The intent was to provide close air support and recover to an austere field, us- ers on the ground. ing only weapons and fuel we had available ourselves.” Elsewhere on the ramp, crews transferred fuel from the HC-130J aircraft to the A- During the exercise, U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II aircraft assigned to 10s and the HH-60Gs, thereby extending their range and operations. the 71st Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, dropped off maintenance and security forces “It’s awe inspiring seeing them execute to such a high level, learn lessons and show personnel along with their equipment and supplies on a remote corner of the MacDill everyone else around them so that if and when we execute this mission downrange, AFB flightline to begin operations. we’re able to be effective and bring the whole weight of the 23rd Wing’s combat power Security forces established a security perimeter while maintainers pulled their to the combatant commander,” added Krueger. tools, set up chalks and placed munitions stands. They were swiftly joined by 74th Mobil Tiger serves as proof that the U.S. Air Force can project lethal force at any Fighter Squadron A-10s, ready to be configured for combat. chosen time and place. Photo by Staff Sgt. Bradley Tipton Weapons load crew members assigned to the 23rd Air- craft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., remove flares from an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft as- signed to the 74th Fighter Squadron, Moody AFB. The Airmen reconfigured weapons loads during exercise Mo- bil Tiger on MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 19-21.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ricky Smith, a 23rd Security Forces Squadron physical security NCO, guards a 74th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II and a 71st Rescue Squadron HC130J Combat King II on MacDill Air Force Base for exercise Mobil Tiger, Nov. 19. The exercise allowed Moody Airmen to practice their ability to deliver com- bat air power from an austere environment with no installation support.

Moody Airmen exercise combat“I was part air of the firstpower crew to hit the ground at on MacDill MacDill where we quickly began finding ways to improve our time and efficiency,” said Senior Airman Dylan Holton, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crewmember. Deriving no support from MacDill AFB other than a slab of concrete on which to operate, the 23rd AMXS Airmen reconfigured weapons on the A-10s, quickly unload- ing one aircraft, guiding the next into position and arming them prior to take-off. “It was my first time to experience an exercise like this and be at the center of all the action,” said Holton. “We moved as quickly and safely as possible to get the mis- sion done.” Joining the A-10s on the ramp were HH-60Gs from the 41st Rescue Squadron, who received fully stocked ammunition cans for their .50 caliber guns from the maintain- ers on the ground. Elsewhere on the ramp, crews transferred fuel from the HC-130J aircraft to the A- Photo by Staff Sgt. Bradley Tipton 10s and the HH-60Gs, thereby extending their range and operations. Photo by Staff Sgt. Bradley Tipton “It’s awe inspiring seeing them execute to such a high level, learn lessons and show U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Edmonds, an A-10 Thunderbolt II crew chief as- Weapons load crew members assigned to the 23rd Air- everyone else around them so that if and when we execute this mission downrange, signed to the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., craft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., we’re able to be effective and bring the whole weight of the 23rd Wing’s combat power coordinates maintenance operations at MacDill Air Force Base for exercise work under an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to to the combatant commander,” added Krueger. Mobil Tiger. The exercise allowed Moody Airmen to practice ability to deliver the 74th Fighter Squadron, Moody AFB. The Airmen were Mobil Tiger serves as proof that the U.S. Air Force can project lethal force at any combat air power from an austere environment with no installation support. at MacDill for exercise Mobil Tiger held Nov. 19-21. chosen time and place. 5G From Page 6 with the focus areas for the first round of experiments having military and leveraging 5G’s ability to enhance logistics operations and maximize and commercial relevance. The focus area for Hill AFB is establishing a throughout. The development of 5G technologies will be a collaboration dynamic spectrum sharing test bed to demonstrate the capability to use with industry and various government agencies. 5G in congested environments with high-power, mid-band radars. Konieczny said it is important for the DoD to remain relevant in 5G “The 5G spectrum sharing experimentation will provide us valuable technologies as adversaries are heavily investing in 5G to gain military, insight into how we can use 5G when ubiquitous, and provide intercon- intelligence and economic advantages. He said in addition to determining nectivity to meet the needs of the base and the depot of the future,” said future military capabilities, experimentation will aim to overcome signifi- Mike Neri, 75th Communications and Information Directorate chief tech- cant exploitable security challenges. nology officer. Leaders will issue a draft request for proposals for 5G testing this Other focus areas at the four test-bed installations include integrat- month, ahead of a full solicitation in December. They hope to get contracts ing augmented and virtual reality into mission planning and training, in place in early 2020, with work on the project starting as early as April. NEWS/FEATURES Special tactics Airman battled through injuries, presented with Silver Star

Photo by Senior Airman Rachel Williams Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, left, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presents a Silver Star Medal to Tech. Sgt. Cody Smith, a special tactics combat controller with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, during a ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 22. Smith was awarded the nation’s third highest medal against an armed enemy of the United States in combat for his actions while deployed to Afghanistan in October 2018. by Senior Airman Rachel Williams 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS)—The sun peaked over the urban Af- ghanistan terrain after days of cloudy grey skies, creating a peculiarly warm, late-October morning in 2018. The change in weather created a tempered omen as a joint special-operations team was heading back to camp following two long weeks outside the wire, a wary contrast for what they would soon face. The team knew they had to transit through a particularly dangerous area, but had no idea what was to come — a six-hour onslaught resulting in chaos and numerous causali- ties. For the duration of their battle, the training and instincts of an Air Force special tactics operator were realized as an Airman willingly exposed himself to enemy fire, directed nu- merous 30 mm gun-runs and nine 500-pound bombs, coordinated 11 danger-close engage- ments, assisted dozens of civilian casualties and aided in the recovery of a wounded team- mate, even after being struck by enemy fire. The joint special operations team was depending on the special tactics operator to get them out of there alive. He fought on. On Nov. 22, family, friends and teammates gathered as Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presented the Silver Star Medal to Tech. Sgt. Cody Smith, 26th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Special Tactics combat controller, during a ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base, New . See MEDAL, Page 12 medal From Page 11 “For the special tactics community, I think (this award is) just another just 2-3 meters from his position. testament to the level of personnel and the capabilities that we provide the “I actually didn’t know what had impacted near me,” Smith said. “It was combat environment,” Smith said. “It’s just another statement to say that just dust and confusion … severely disoriented, basically just like a spin- the Air Force does create combat-capable personnel that can perform at a ning effect, and extremely nauseous. I had to gather my composure and needed level.” then continue on with providing all the support that I could.” Smith was deployed as a qualified joint terminal attack controller with Even though Smith was suffering from a severe concussion, he refused a U.S. Army Special Forces team to Afghanistan in support of Operation medical treatment. Freedom’s Sentinel and in support of the Resolute Support mission during “The mission wasn’t over,” Smith said. “I was confident in myself to be the latter half of 2018. able to maintain my composure … there was no one else there that could “Among us, there are people who step up to do truly heroic things … have stepped up and filled that role to conduct close air support if the team people who have been called upon by history to accomplish extraordinary needed it. I needed to stay with the team and I needed to ensure that we actions … people like (Tech. Sgt.) Cody Smith,” said Col. Matt Allen, 24th made it back to our camp.” SOW commander. Throughout the fierce battle, Smith was targeted once more with a mor- The morning of Oct. 14, 2018, Smith and his team were transiting back tar and hit with enemy fire in his chest plate. to camp after conducting operations to push enemy forces out of Faryab As the fight continued on with the enemy swarming in on either side of Province during national parliamentary elections. the convoy, Smith was able to conduct precision-strike air power to elimi- As they were entering the Shirin Tagab district, they immediately en- nate forces, allowing the team to recover one of their own with a gunshot countered a tractor-trailer burning on the side of the road, a possible signal wound and break away. letting enemy forces know that American troops were coming. Smith remained with this element for the 14-hour transit back to camp Deeper into the city, concrete barriers inlaid with improvised explo- to ensure their safety. sive devices, inevitably slowed down the convoy and channeled them In the end, Smith’s actions that day resulted in saving the lives of his into the city. joint team and prevented a complete overrun by enemy forces. Then, the morning took a harsh turn. Smith credits the Silver Star Medal to his joint team. Enemy forces sprang an overwhelming close-quarters ambush with mor- “My actions are not my own and the amount of effort that was on the tar, rocket propelled grenade, machine gun and small-arms fire. battlefield that day and the actions that were taken by my (U.S.) Army “The best description of the scene would have to be a directional and teammates was nothing short of incredible,” Smith said. somewhat organized chaos,” Smith said. Amongst the crowd at Smith’s ceremony were four familiar faces: Col. Along with returning fire from his personal weapon, Smith was conduct- Corey Ketsel, Lt. Cols. Eric Cleveringa, Josh Wika, and Carl Palmberg. ing 30mm airstrikes from AH-64 Apache helicopters. He was also drop- These F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots with the 114th Fighter Wing, South Da- ping 250 and 500-pound bombs from F-16 Fighting Falcons, including 11 kota , were overhead that chaotic October day in Af- danger-close engagements as close as 50 meters away. ghanistan. “I think the special tactics and the combat control career field does an “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to see those guys again and shake incredible job at training personnel to meet and rise to those occasions in a their hands,” Smith said. “Largely the reason why I’m still here is because very deliberate and methodical way,” Smith said. “We train to a level that we had the support of those guys. They were incredibly competent in their enables us to be calm and be collected in those moments because that’s actions and they had a sense of calm that eased me on the ground and that when you’re the most critical as the Joint Terminal Attack Controller on a gave us the ability to put those effects down on the battlefield quickly and special forces team or any (special operations force) entity.” efficiently.” After a few hours of battling enemy fire, one of Smith’s teammates, clear- Special Tactics Airmen are U.S. Special Operations Command’s tactical ing IEDs in the front of the convoy, was hit and pinned down by hostile fire. air to ground integration force, and AFSOC’s special operations ground Civilian casualties, mostly mothers and children, began to approach the force, leading global access, precision strike, personnel recovery and battle- convoy asking for aid. field surgery operations. Smith was coordinating with aircraft and providing cover to some of the Since 9/11, special tactics Airmen have received one Medal of Honor, 11 U.S. forces and civilians when he was targeted with a mortar that impacted Air Force Crosses and 49 Silver Star Medals. drones From Page 3 space is a key component of that safety,” said Dixon. “The Air Force will take all necessary actions to ensure the safe- ty of our Airmen and installations.” The standard radius of controlled airspace around an airport is 5 miles. Anyone operating a drone within this radius is required to have a Remote Pilot Certification and prior authorization from the FAA. Any personnel found to be operating Unmanned Aerial Systems in this manner may be subject to law enforcement action. The ban of drones over military bases comes from (14 CFR) § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” and 10 U.S. Code §130i. “Protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.” “It’s critical to MacDill’s installation security and fly- ing operations that we maintain a safe and uninterrupted airspace by enforcing the drone ban on MacDill Air Force base,” said Link Collier, MacDill’s airfield manager as- signed to the 6th Operations Support Squadron. “We en- courage recreational drone owners to educate themselves on local drone policies and regulations in their area and to use them responsibly.” An article and mobile app, which shows where drone flight is permitted and other useful information is avail- able at https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_ can_i_fly/b4ufly/ Information about Airspace Restrictions is available at https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_ fly/airspace_restrictions/ People who witness drones or drone operators in viola- tion of the rule should contact the MacDill AFB Base De- fense Operations Center at 828-3322. COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Surf’s Edge Club MacWonderland Winter Festival & Tree Lighting from 5-9 p.m. Face- painting, snowflakes, skating rink, visits/photographs with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Live reindeer, free holi- day snacks & beverages (outside) DJ, kids crafting, games, sponsor booths and more. Holiday dinner buffet (inside). For more info, visit: https://tinyurl.com/qqw7ac5

Wednesday Boomer’s Bar & Grill Wednesday Bash BINGO – Jack- pot win up to $1,000. Wingman Wednesdays 75-cent wings. Bingo begins at 5 p.m. Bingo cards for members are $2 each. Non-mem- bers pay $2.50. Call 512-8441 for more information.

Thursday Trees for Troops Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks Building 72 Parking Lot (across New chiefs kick up heels! Newly-selected chief master sergeants celebrate their promotion during the chief master sergeant release from the golf course). Everyone ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 25. Eight Airmen from the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central with base access is Invited to pick Command, U.S. Special Operations Command Central and the Joint Communications Support Element up a free, fresh-cut Christmas tree. were selected to the top enlisted rank, representing 1 percent of the Air Force enlisted force. Trees are courtesy of FedEx and the Christmas Spirit Foundation* Times are 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for ac- tive duty military/their families CHAPEL SCHEDULE and 1-3 p.m. for everyone else. For Protestant service Catholic Mass more info, call FSS Marketing at Sunday - 11 a.m. - combined worship Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass 6 p.m. Thrive (contemporary worship) 828-3055. *No federal endorse- Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass ment of sponsor intended. Islamic service Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. Dec. 1-31 Friday - 1:30 p.m. Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Room) Youth Soccer Registration. Open for ages 5-12. Specific documents For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting required for registration (registra- http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 tion is not complete until all forms are on file) for full details and pricing, call Youth Sports at 828- 7956 or visit: https://tinyurl.com/ uzp8ukj

Mark your calendar • Dec. 13 - Santa Fun Run • Dec. 14 - UFC Fight Night #245 • Dec. 15 - Golf Club Member Ap- preciation Day • Dec. 19 – Club Membership Lun- cheon • Dec. 31 – New Years Eve Dinner & Party Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil secretary From Page 3 She primarily wants to continue to acceler- Air Force is going to be the frontline of defense. ate in the direction set by her predecessors. She The has to be ready to noted her commitment to modernizing the Air face those threats.” Force, ensuring readiness and streamlining op- Barrett says she is excited to work alongside erations by reducing Air Force Instructions with the “superstars” who populate the Air Force’s unnecessary rules and regulations. That effort, ranks. Guiding her are the lessons she learned she says, will ensure “we can make faster and growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania where smarter decisions.” hard work and determination were daily neces- She also said standing up the , if sities. So was education. approved by Congress, will be a key focus ar- Ethics and integrity are paramount, she says, ea. “We have to be first and best in space for as well as ensuring equal opportunity and re- the world’s safety and especially the defense of wards for merit and performance. That empha- America.” sis, she says, is a byproduct of her own path “A United States Space Force is not just a being a woman in positions and places often good idea; I might even say it’s overdue,” she dominated by men. said in the interview. “It’s really time for us to “In America we look for talent not packag- be attentive to our dependence on space, the ur- ing,” she said. “What matters to us is, what does gency of space, the importance of space and the somebody do? How do they perform? What do need for us to continue our lead in the warfight- they get done? … Those who move things for- ing domain.” ward, those who work with integrity and hones- Connected to all of that is ensuring that the ty … we don’t worry so much about the gender a Air Force meets its mandates as articulated in person is. We care about what the performance the National Defense Strategy. That document, is.” Photo by Wayne Clark which is the blueprint for defending the country “From my perspective, America is a place Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett and its interests “is the best I’ve seen,” she says. where we look to people according to abilities sits in front of cameras for her “It recognizes there are threats America has and performance. The Air Force is very much TV interview with Airmen at the Pentagon, Ar- to be ready for,” Barrett says. “The United States that way.” lington, Va., Oct. 24.