Vol. 47, No. 40 Thursday, October 3, 2019

News/Features: page 3 Lessons in resiliency

News/Features: page 3 MG’19 testing Airmen

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

News/Features: page 6 MG ‘19 forging relationships

Now the 6th Air Refueling - page 2

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Snelson, the (ARW) commander, speaks at the 6th ARW redesignation Community: page 15 ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 30. As of Oct. 1, MacDill’s host wing will transition from the 6th Air Mobility Wing Events, Chapel, more... to the 6th ARW, maintaining its dedication to delivering unmatched air refueling. NEWS/FEATURES 6th Air Refueling Wing redesignation by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag 6th Air Refueling Wing

Team MacDill held a redesignation ceremony commencing the transition of the 6th Air Mobility Wing to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Monday. The new designation became official Tuesday. The event, held at the community park, marks the host wing’s first redesignation since the 6th AMW moved to MacDill Air Force Base from , Alaska in 1993. The change comes with the departure of MacDill’s C-37A Gulfstream jets and the deactivation of the historic 310th Squadron. “With the deactivation of the 310th, our wing’s sole air operations mis- sion is once again, air refueling,” said Col. Stephen Snelson, the 6th ARW commander, speaking to the attending crowd. “Our name may be new, but our mission is still delivering unmatched air refueling, and installation and mission support.” Snelson spoke of the history of MacDill and the wings that have come and gone over the years, but assured the crowd that the presiding focus remained the same. “We will remain the Air Force’s best air refueling wing,” said Snelson. “But more importantly our exceptional Airmen also remain the same. They are what matters and what defines this wing, not a sign at the front gate or what planes are on our ramp.” Honored guests in attendance included Florida’s 14th Congressional Representative, Kathy Castor, as well as the City of Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor, who both delivered speeches thanking all those who came to recog- nize the wing’s transition. “I give my word in my position as mayor that I will do everything in my power to ensure that this base has everything that it needs and we con- Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag tinue to have the best relationship that a base and community can have U.S. Air Force Col. Travis Edwards, the 6th Operations command- anywhere in the world,” said Castor. er, and Lt. Col. Daniel Lindley, the (AS), salute dur- The ceremony concluded with Castor proclaiming Monday, Sept. 30, ing the retiring of the 310th AS at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 30. MacDill 2019 as “6th Air Refueling Wing Day” in Tampa, expressing gratitude for was the home of the 310th AS since 2001 but its history dates back to the service of the men and women of Team MacDill. 1943 when it constituted as the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron.

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 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, October 3, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES Leaders Inspiring for tomorrow at LIFTx 2019 by Senior Airman Scott Warner 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright described resiliency as “the ability to recover from, or adjust easily, to misfortune or change.” MacDill based its second annual Leaders In- spiring for Tomorrow (LIFTx) seminar, held Sept. 23, around resiliency to continue growing this skill in its Airmen. “This summit is not a conference, but a con- versation sparked by five storytellers whose ideas and actions have transformed their lives, their organizations, their industries and even the world,” said Capt. Courtney A. Cronin, MacDill’s LIFTx lead project officer.“These people who combine passion, creativity, intelligence and dis-

cipline to get things done in new and meaningful Photo by Senior Airman Scott Warner ways can inspire our base personnel to deepen U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Susan Smith speaks about overcoming bone cancer at the Leaders Inspiring their own commitment to personal, spiritual and for Tomorrow seminar at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 23. David Villa, Lt. Col. Susan Smith, Kristen professional leadership while enhancing their Cristy and a retired U.S. Air Force security police K-9 handler, Morgan Watt, with his service dog, own resiliency.” Foley, spoke about real challenges military personnel face from overcoming adversity on the front- See SEMINAR, Page 14 lines of a battlefield, to living with post-traumatic stress disorder and to conquering cancer. OCTs train, assess mobility Airmen throughout MG19 by Senior Airman Kristine M. Gruwell Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.— has dedicated the ma- jority of September 2019 bringing together Air- men from across the globe for Exercise Mobility Guardian, the command’s largest mobility exer- cise. Nearly 30 Airmen from the 34th Combat Training Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, augmented a team of about 100 ob- servers, coaches and trainers from different units to share their knowledge during the exercise deliberately developing Airmen to become joint- minded mobility leaders for the future Air Force. “Exercises like this are going to provide a re- alistic environment for the service to get a true look at their capabilities,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Thomas Joyner, 34th CTS commander.“If we are going to invest in exercises like this, we

have to make sure we prioritize where we need Photo by Senior Airman Kristine M. Gruwell to improve and revamp for future training with A staff sergeant from , Texas, onloads a piece of aerospace ground equip- our joint and international partners in order to ment onto a C-130J at Mobility Guardian 2019 at , Washington, Sept. 23. execute tomorrows fight.” Mobility Airmen had the opportunity to operate and train in a simulated, contested environment See MG19, Page 13 where Airmen could train and develop as joint-minded mobility leaders.

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

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr. A C-130J Super Hercules aircrew member, boards the aircraft during exercise Mobility Guardian 2019 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Sept. 18. Through robust and relevant training, Mobility Guardian improves the readiness and capabilities of mobility Airmen to deliver rapid global mobility and builds a more lethal and ready Air Force.

Photo by Senior Airman Christian Conrad Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn A KC-10 Extender from , Calif., parks on the base’s A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, , flightline Sept. 13. The KC-10 participated in the 2019 iteration of exercise South Dakota, conducts air refueling operations with a KC-135R assigned Mobility Guardian, Air Mobility Command’s largest exercise designed to to the Utah ’s 151st Air Refueling Wing, Sept. 30, over build and test the Mobility Air Force’s readiness to compete and win in central Utah. The Utah Air National Guard’s KC-135R fleet is capable of contested operations against near-peer adversaries as outlined by the refueling a variety of fighters, bombers and heavy in the Air National Defense Strategy. Force, Navy and Marine Corp inventory.

4 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5 NEWS/FEATURES Mobility Guardian enhances partnerships, interoperability with Allies

Photo by Staff Sgt. Dustin Mullen U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Kevin Parsons, center, 93rd Air Refueling Squadron commander assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, briefs international partners before a flight Sept. 16, at Fairchild AFB during Exercise Mobility Guardian 2019.

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, WASHINGTON—Air Mobility Command’s premier, large scale exercise designed to validate readiness would not be nearly as robust without participation of partners from the international community. More importantly, providing Rapid Global Mobility would not be possible without the support of the U.S.’s international partners. At Mobility Guardian from Sept. 8-28, U.S. forces integrated with more than 1,500 per- sonnel from 26 international Allies and partners at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washing- ton, to train on mobility operations. This robust team flew 388 missions, transported 987 passengers, cared for more than 1,600 patients, delivered 3,921 short tons of cargo and offloaded 644,000 pounds of fuel. Furthermore, the team airdropped 472 paratroopers, 306 container delivery systems and 37 heavy equipment platforms.

See ALLIES, Page 10

6 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES MG ‘19 Airmen fill fuel bladder in U.S. for the first time by Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.—A handful of 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen employed a Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment sys- tem during Mobility Guardian 2019, marking the first time the mobile fuel bladders have been used stateside in an uncontested environment, Sept. 11. “We use the FORCE to help sustain bare bases and allow for fuel distribution any- where around the world at a moment’s notice,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Rey, 92nd LRS fuels information service center section chief. “The bladder can hold up to 50,000 gallons of fuel, which can help service a wide range of friendly aircraft.” Filling the 50,000 gallon FORCE system gave an opportunity for LRS Airmen to pro- vide agile support and employ in future contingency operations. It can refuel an aircraft or be used as a refueling station for mobile fuel trucks. In comparison, the F-16 Fighting Falcon can hold anywhere from 900 to 1,100 gallons of fuel fully-loaded and the KC-135 Stratotanker’s maximum transfer fuel load is just under 30,000 gallons. Team Fairchild LRS Airmen employed five 8,000-gallon fuel trucks to fill the bladder, taking only 20 minutes to deposit each load.

See BLADDER, Page 11

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by Airman First Class Cameron Otte Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. bility Guardian 2019, which kicked off Sept. through Sept. 28. Aircraft, equipment and personnel from multiple installations were positioned at prior to deploying to Washington for MG19. event with more than 4,000 joint and international service members integrated to hone their skills and improve partnerships. Among the organizations supported by Photo by Heide Couch 820th Base Defense Group from Moody Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Alan Brown, 621st Contingency Response Wing and members of the Royal No. 383 Contingency Response Squadron, talks with mem- “Here at Travis AFB we are serving as an aerial port of embarkation for multiple elements bers of the RAAF Task Element 640.10.5 after a Mobility who are processing through,” said Capt. Guardian mission brief Sept. 11, at Travis Air Force Base, ron aerial port flight commander.“Training for real world situations in exercises like these . serves to sharpen all mobility Airmen in the tions as we recreate the contingency response structure within our elements global mobility and adaptive basing. Kibellus said there are several benefits to training with international partners “Over time, we have noticed, in global terms

Photo by Airman 1st Class Cameron Otte U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Botts, 60th Aerial Port Squad- ron ramp services supervisor, pushes cargo onto a C-5M Super Galaxy Sept. 13, at Travis Air Force Base, California.

Photo by Louis Briscese U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cicily Amonett, left, 321st Con- tingency Response Squadron assistant flight chief, assists as Staff Sgt. Jarrod Perry, 321st CRS crew chief, clears his weapon during deployment processing Sept. 14, at Travis Air Force Base, California.

8 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Mobility Airmen enhance readiness, build partnerships in multi-national exercise on Otte operations,” said Kibellus. “Therefore, we share operating areas with our partners, which is essential to the mobility construct of the Air Force’s capability to communicate with other na- tions. Calif. – Travis AFB is serving as a staging base for the Mo- “Knowing how to interact with partner nations and how they do business in terms of trans- ked off Sept. 8 at Fairchild AFB,Washington, and continues porting personnel and equipment is crucial in getting the mission done successfully,” Kibellus said. “During combat support or humanitarian missions, we share equipment, airfields and equipment and personnel from multiple installations were positioned at Travis potentially each other’s aircraft depending on what the mission requires.” ashington for MG19. MG19 is Air Mobility Command’s largest training Communication in such an environment is crucial and was a key part of the exercise; some- event with more than 4,000 joint and international service members integrated to hone their thing that was displayed when U.S. Airmen and RAAF aircraftmen shared equipment. “We loaded pallets of medical and fire relief supplies, Humvees and Razor off-road vehicles, Among the organizations supported by Team Travis were security teams assigned to the into a C-5M Super Galaxy,” said Airman 1st Class Anthony Sauma, 60th Aerial Port Squadron 820th Base Defense Group from Moody AFB, Georgia, airfield assessment teams from the air transportation journeyman. “This exercise was a great opportunity to experience how our ing and members of the Royal Australian air force. allies perform in similar situations to prepare themselves. We shared ideas and methods of AFB we are serving as an aerial port of embarkation for multiple elements how we would usually complete missions, which helps everyone improve. said Capt. Andrew Kibellus, 821st Contingency Response Squad- “It’s essential for everyone to be on top of their game, so we are ready to take action when the “Training for real world situations in exercises like these time comes,” Sauma added. “If we aren’t on top of our game when it really counts, then cargo Airmen in the along with partner na- could get delayed, which could cause people to get hurt or even die.” tions as we recreate the contingency response structure within our elements, enabling rapid Being ready to project American power anytime, anywhere is a constant focus for Travis .” AFB, home to the largest air mobility wing in the U.S. Air Force, added Kibellus. Kibellus said there are several benefits to training with international partners. “At Travis AFB, we train like we fight to ensure we’re always prepared for any and all crises in global terms, more of our deployments are becoming joint that may arise,” he said.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Cameron Otte U.S. Airmen from the 60th Aerial Port Squad- ron and line up a cargo transporter to load cargo inside a C-5M Super Galaxy Sept. 13, at Travis Air Force Base, California. Mobility Guardian 2019 is Air Mobility Command’s largest enterprise- wide training event with more than 4,000 joint and international personnel integrated to hone teamwork and improve longstand- ing partnerships. MG19 also validates the Air Force’s readiness to conduct mobility operations in contested, degraded and op- erationally-limited environments.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9 ALLIES From Page 6 NATO Allies plus seven additional European Partners for Peace were Working together alongside the 82nd Airborne Division throughout the represented through participation of the Strategic Airlift Capability – exercise, 25 participants from 6 partner nations rigged 305 container de- Heavy Airlift Wing’s C-17, aircrew and support personnel. livery system bundles and 35 heavy equipment platforms under common “Mobility Airmen train like we fight; as a Joint force alongside our Co- standards. alition partners,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Monaco, Mobility Guardian exercise One example of internationally-integrated training was Mobility Guard- director. “Our goals for Mobility Guardian included building partnership ian’s joint forcible entry scenario involving the U.S., four partners and the capacity with our Allies and partners, and ensuring the interoperability of U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. our weapons systems and tactics, techniques and procedures through the Airmen from the U.S., Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zea- Five Eyes Air Force Interoperability Council.” land integrated to airdrop more than 470 paratroopers into an austere air- To test and evaluate interoperability, representatives from AFIC, a field held by a simulated enemy. Pentagon-based organization comprised of Airmen from the U.S., Austra- Shortly thereafter, a U.S., Australian and Canadian contingency re- lia, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand, participated in Mobility sponse element took control of the airfield and rapidly assessed the air- Guardian planning and execution. field’s suitability for landing mobility aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III Air Force air mobility liaison officers from the 621st Contingency Re- and C-130 Hercules. sponse Wing served as the Mobility Guardian International Coordination Within 12 hours of seizing the airfield, the international team paved the Cell, which helped facilitate integration of international partners in exer- way for more than 25 international C-17 and C-130 missions landing at the cise design, planning and execution. airfield within 24 hours to open and sustain the for the remainder “Our Allies and partners participated in every core competency of air of the exercise. mobility in Mobility Guardian including airland, airdrop, air refueling and Such interoperability, where U.S. and partner forces integrate and use ,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Magill, International Co- each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures, was one of the primary fo- ordination Cell director. “Overall, our partners flew more than 90 missions, cus areas for Mobility Guardian. and we were able to ramp up international sorties during the final phase “As partners, we want to be an integrated force operating together seam- of the exercise to maximize training for our partners who have traveled lessly in order to maximize efficiencies and capacities for effects in combat,” across the world to train with us.” said Wing Commander Brady Cummins, Royal Australian Air Force and Of those 90 missions, most involved some form of international integra- AFIC representative at Mobility Guardian. “The ultimate in interoperabil- tion, including mixed aircrews, international aircraft formations or mixed ity is integration, when we use the same procedures and best practices, and aeromedical evacuation crews. Mobility Guardian is vital to identifying and implementing those.” Exercise integration leads to partner interoperability See ALLIES, Page 12

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“It can be dropped any- where we need it,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Garrett, 92nd LRS FORCE technician, who is deployed to Fairchild from Hollo- man AFB, New Mexico. “We can meet up wherever it’s dropped, start assembling and have it ready as soon as gas arrives.” Although the FORCE system at Fairchild AFB won’t be used to fuel assets during MG ‘19, Rey said it’s important to practice fuel- ing the bladders so they can be used during real-world contingency operations or in contested environments. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards First deployed in 2007 to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Garrett, 92nd Logistics Southwest Asia, and now Readiness Squadron Fuels Operational Readiness Capa- during MG19 at Fairchild, bility Equipment technician closes a valve to the FORCE the FORCE continues to en- mobile fuel bladder after it received 8,000 gallons of fuel able Airmen to execute the during Air Mobility Command’s premier large-scale mobil- mission day-in and day-out, ity exercise, Mobility Guardian 2019 at Fairchild Air Force ensuring the readiness of Base, Washington, Sept. 11. It was the first time the FORCE Mobility Airmen anywhere, system has been used in an uncontested environment.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11 ALLIES From Page 10 Mobility Guardian 2019 built upon achievements and lessons realized at In May 2019, the U.S. and Australian Air Forces implemented a main- the first iteration of the biannual exercise in 2017. tenance cross-servicing agreement for C-17 Globemasters that allows Air- “Our focus at Mobility Guardian 2019 is sustaining our air mobility in- men from either country to conduct and certify maintenance on both the teroperability gains realized in 2017,” said Cummins, who chairs two of the nations’ C-17s. eight AFIC interoperability working groups; Air Mobility and Agile Combat The arrangement increases the C-17’s strategic readiness, vital to ex- Support. “For example, 2017 saw advances in interoperability of aerial de- ecuting the global mobility mission and absolutely critical in the vast Indo- livery of container delivery systems on the Five Eyes nations’ C-17s, C-130s Asia-Pacific region. Strategic airlift assets like the C-17 are vital to ensur- and A400 aircraft, testing of aeromedical evacuation equipment, tactics, ing the U.S. can operate rapidly in and overcome the challenges associated techniques and procedures, as well as improved loading and unloading of with operating in a region known for its “tyranny of distance.” cargo aircraft.” “Our C-17A workforce regularly shares a tarmac with American C-17As, AFIC Mobility Guardian representatives confirmed interoperability of whether we are on exercise together at home, or deployed across the globe,” multiple procedures or systems including partner nations’ aeromedical Air Vice-Marshal Steve Roberton, Air Commander Australia, said in a June evacuation procedures, standards for rigging and inspection of airborne 2019 AMC news article.“Whilst a USAF C-17A is no different from a RAAF container delivery systems and helped develop a new AFIC air standard for C-17A, our air forces have different maintenance workforce structures, rigging and inspection of heavy equipment airdrop loads. which is what makes an arrangement like this essential. By making it Additionally, the Royal Canadian Air Force tested operability of an air- easier to help one another, this arrangement provides flexibility and mis- field ground lighting system at austere training locations, made possible by sion assuredness for USAF and RAAF C-17A missions.” a temporary loan from the Royal Australian Air Force. The C-17 maintenance agreement between the U.S. and Australia is pro- “These partnerships are vital to achieving Rapid Global Mobility and jected to be the first of its kind between the nations, and could serve as a this exercise focuses on honing the skills and interoperability needed to template for agreements between the U.S. and other countries. defend the homeland and face near-peer threats,” said Lt. Gen. Jon Thom- as, deputy commander of Air Mobility Command. “The training Mobility Guardian offers prepares our coalition Airmen for operating in contested, degraded and operationally-limited environments testing our common pro- Settlement of estate notice cedures to accelerate the speed of operations.” Real-world interoperability already occurring If anyone has any claims for or against the estate of Senior Master While Mobility Guardian helps validate interoperability and test new Sergeant Jackson, contact 2nd Lt. Chiellini, the summary courts offi- concepts, it’s already playing out in real-world operations between the U.S. cer, at 827-9440, or by email at [email protected]. and Australia.

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Photo by Senior Airman Kristine M. Gruwell Two loadmasters from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, re- ceive training on loading a C-130J during Exercise Mobil- ity Guardian 2019 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washing- ton, Sept. 23.

As part of the Advanced Operational Node Team, OCTs brought cargo commonly found downrange such as Hum- vees to prepare the exercise play area for loads not typical- ly done at home station. Along with those provisions, they brought knowledge and experience needed to train Ready Warriors. “The whole idea of this exercise is to bring people to- gether, learn something new, make each Airmen stronger, find their weaknesses, capitalize on those while using your strengths, and pass them on to others,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Learly, 34th CTS mission support planner. “It’s very important for Airmen to participate and create a ready force to compete, deter and ultimately win.” MG19 was designed for Airmen to fight as a Total Force alongside joint and international partners. While exercis- ing, the Airmen are being assessed by the OCTs so senior leadership can continue to better the simulated, contested environment to keep their competitive edge. “We provide our feedback directly to the players in the form of end-of-phase briefs, and we provide it to AMC head- quarters leadership,” Joyner said. “There needs to be a for- mal mechanism that provides performance assessments back to senior leaders so they can then make decisions on training, investments, and skill priority for what we want to get after as a force.” When the exercise began phase III, about 281 assess- ments had been completed with many more to come. The 34th CTS along with OCTs from other units evaluate mem- bers during flights, aerial port procedures, air medical evac- uations, contingency responses and maintenance operations. As the moving parts of Mobility Guardian wind down, the OCTs step back to look at the importance of the exercise be- yond the assessments and focus more on the opportunities and knowledge each Airman can take back to home station. “MG19 highlights a lot of what Airmen need to know, es- pecially when some of them are right out of tech school,” O’Leary said. “That’s going to set them up to broaden their knowledge and prepare them to think on their own, act on their own and make good decisions. If Airmen are going to learn the hard way, it’s best they learn it here to better the future of the Air Force.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13 SEMINAR From Page 3 The speakers for this year’s event were retired U.S. Navy river boat “Hope is the last line of defense against suicide,” said Roever. “It does gunner, Dave Roever, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Susan Smith, David Villa, matter, (have the conversation), get involved.” Kristen Cristy and retired U.S. Air Force security police first responder Roever was permanently scarred and burned beyond recognition, yet and K-9 handler, Morgan Watt, with his service dog, Foley. he spoke about how hope and people caring made him more resilient to Watt spoke specifically about his life-long struggle with post-traumatic depression and suicide. stress disorder (PTSD) and battling the thoughts of suicide. While each speaker offered insight into their personal struggles, the “The power of vulnerability is important because being willing to ad- combined mental health issues of depression, PTSD and suicide make up mit that you have a problem and to ask for help is the first step [in over- a lethal force that active duty service members and veterans battle with coming PTSD or suicide],” said Watt. “Our warriors are not home, nor is every day. the battle won, until the symptoms of the greatest epidemic of invisible During LIFTx closing remarks, Col. Stephen Snelson, 6th Air Mobility wounds ceases to haunt our daily lives.” Wing commander, spoke about the ongoing battle against mental health Watt spoke about how having three principles: planning your next ob- issues to his Airmen and the need to help one another. jective, developing a network of people you can trust and having someone “This is a war,” Snelson emphasized. “Just like with any adversary we you can confide in at any time, can help anyone who is struggling with are fighting out there, we don’t go to war alone; we go to war as a team, so mental health issues. what will you do for those teammates?” A favorite from last year’s LIFTx seminar was David Roever, a Purple The seminar was held in the base theater with approximately 600 base Heart recipient and veteran, who spoke about his personal personnel in attendance. The event was live-streamed online for many story of perseverance despite suffering multiple injuries after a white phos- more across Facebook. To experience LIFTx, please follow MacDill’s Face- phorous grenade detonated inches from his face during the Vietnam War. book and YouTube pages.

Cybersecurity Medical guidance on vaping Awareness Background Information: Bulletin • Electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes) are also called vapes, Monday, Sep30, 2019 e-hookahs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems Wing CybersecurityOfficeDSN: 828-1029 E-Mail: [email protected] (ENDS). • Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping. Online Privacy Simple Tips to Own It • E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that The Internet touches almost all aspects • Double your login protection. Enable users inhale into their lungs. of our daily lives. We are able to shop, multi-factor authentication (MFA) to • The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) bank, connect with family and friends, ensure that the only person who has and handle our medical records all access to your account is you. Use it for and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. online. These activities require you to email, banking, social media, and any provide personally identifiable other service that requires logging in.5 As of September 19, 2019: information (PII) such as your name, • Shake up your password protocol. date of birth, account numbers, According to cyber security experts, you • There have been 530 cases of lung injury reported from 38 passwords, and location information. should consider using the longest states and 1 U.S. territory. Seven deaths have been confirmed in 6 #BeCyberSmart when sharing personal password or passphrase permissible. Get information online to reduce the risk of creative and customize your standard states. becoming a cybercrimes victim.5 password for different sites, which can prevent cyber criminals from gaining Image courtesy of securitygladiators.com • CDC has received complete sex and age data on 373 of 530 Cyber criminals use phishing tactics, access to these accounts and protect hoping to fool their victims. If you’re you in the event of a breach.5 cases. unsure who an email is from—even if • Be up to date. • Nearly three fourths (72%) of cases are male the details appear accurate— or if the Keep your software updated to the latest email looks “phishy,” do not respond version available. Maintain your security • Two thirds (67%) of cases are 18 to 34 years old and do not click on any links or settings to keeping your information safe attachments found in that email.5 by turning on automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it, and set your • 16% of cases are under 18 years and 17% are 35 years or older Image courtesy of niccs.us-cert.gov • All reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or Limit what information you post on security software to run regular scans.5 social media—from personal addresses • If you connect, you must protect. Image courtesy of niccs.us-cert.gov vaping. to where you like to grab coffee. What Whether it’s your computer, smartphone, many people don’t realize is that these game device, or other network devices, • Based on initial data from certain states we know: Most pa- seemingly random details are all that the best defense against viruses and criminals need to know to target you, malware is to update to the latest tients have reported a history of using e-cigarette products contain- your loved ones, and your physical security software, web browser, and belongings—online and in the real operating systems. Sign up for automatic ing THC. Many patients have reported using THC and nicotine. world. Remember, there is no 'Delete' updates, if you can, and protect your Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only button on the Internet. Share with care, devices with anti-virus software.5 because even if you delete a post or nicotine. picture from your profile seconds after Image courtesy of kickstarter.com posting it, chances are someone still Bottom line: saw it.5 Although vaping may seem like a healthier alternative to smok- Did You Know? ing cigarettes, there is a great deal of information that remains • 64% of U.S. adults have noticed or been notified of a major data breach affecting their sensitive accounts or personal data.1 • Roughly half of Americans (49%) feel that their personal information is less secure than it was five years ago.2 unknown. “Federal and state authorities recommend avoiding all • 58% of Americans age 50 and older are more likely to feel that their personal information has become less safe in recent years3 vaping until more is known.” It has become increasingly evident • 69% of consumers believe companies are vulnerable to hacks and cyberattacks.4

that our lungs were meant for inhalation of clean air, and any other 1 Smith, Aaron. “Americans and Cybersecurity.” Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. April 27, 2017. https:// www.pewinternet.org/2017/01/26/americans-and-cybersecurity/. substance could cause lung damage at varying degrees of intensity. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 P ricewaterhouseCoopers. “Consumer Intelligence Series: Protect.me.” PwC. 2017. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/library/consumer-intelligence-series/ cybersecurity-protect-me.html. 5 NICCS. "Online Privacy." 09 September 2019. niccs.us-cert.gov/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2019

14 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Surf’s Edge Club The Fighting Sixth: a century of excellence Membership Breakfast from 6:30-9 a.m. All American breakfast by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman featuring an omelet station. It’s a 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs great place for a staff meeting. For more info call 840-2020. Sept. 30 marks 100 years of service for the unit presently designated the 6th Air Mobility Wing (AMW). Though the Saturday unit’s missions, locations and designations have changed MacDill Lanes & Family Fun over the last century, its commitment to the nation re- Center mained unwavering. UFC #243 Fight Night Whittak- According to Stephen Ove, 6th AMW historian, the er vs Adesanya. Free entry. Doors Sixth’s ability to adapt to the constant change of the Air open at 9 p.m. Fights begin 10 p.m. Force has allowed the unit to cement its position as one of “Smack down chow down” food specials. Club member exclusive history’s most renowned wings. deals. Call 828-4005. “Air Force operations are established and modified based upon the needs of the United States,” said Ove. “The Sixth Tuesday has continuously evolved for over 100 years and has helped Heartlink the Air Force continue to meet its objectives.” MFRC Building 18, training Originally established as the 3rd Observation Group by room from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Orienta- the U.S. Army Air Service Sept. 30, 1919, the unit was re- tion for spouses with less than 5 designated as the 6th Observation Group in 1921 and has held its lineage with the Sixth, ever since. The years of any military branch and Sixth was among the first units activated when the Air Service expanded from squadrons into group level new arriving spouses to MacDill command. Then again when the newly independent Air Force expanded into wing level command, again AFB. Base resources and provid- the Sixth was among the first wings activated. This allowed the Sixth to share the heritage and bestowed ers will be giving presentations. To register or for more information, honors of its predecessors. call 828 0145. As one of the Air Force’s original combat groups, and through its history, the Sixth has distinguished itself for dynamically delivering airpower, whenever and wherever it was needed, explained Ove. ITT “From defending the Panama Canal, to becoming one of the nation’s premier bombardment groups, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream to providing strategic reconnaissance and deterrence, to supporting airlift and refueling, the Sixth has and Universal Halloween Horror served in dozens of different capacities all over the planet,” said Ove. “The name the “Fighting Sixth” has Nights select tickets on sale now truly been earned through the unit’s readiness to step up to the fight, and by doing whatever it takes to at ITT. For more information call support the Air Force.” 828-2478. The sixth has been active through every major U.S. conflict since and has stood ready to do Marina October Special what’s necessary to ensure mission success for the Air Force and the security of the nation. Receive a 20 percent discount on “The Sixth has built a legacy of excellence over the course of 100 years,” said Col. Steve Snelson, the Boat Rentals on Wednesdays. For 6th AMW commander. “No matter the mission, no matter the designation, we will continue to carry on the more information call 828 4983. Fighting Sixth’s legacy to win any fight, at any time.”

Mark your calendar • Oct. 11 - 4th Annual Fire Fight- CHAPEL SCHEDULE er’s Challenge Protestant service Catholic Mass • Oct. 16 - Bingo is back at Boom- Sunday - 11 a.m. - combined worship ers Bar & Grill Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass 6 p.m. Thrive (contemporary worship) • Oct. 17 - Club Membership Lun- Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass cheon Islamic service Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. • Oct. 18 - Dawn of the Dead, Not (Blessed Sacrament Room) So Fun Run Friday - 1:30 p.m. Prayer • Oct. 18 - MacThrillville • Oct. 25 - Youth Center Glow Run For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting • Oct. 31 - Career Fair http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621

www.macdillfss.com Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Mobility Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15 16 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 3, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT