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The Air Force faces an ongoing pilot shortage. This is not the first time the Air Force has been in this position, and as long as there is a market for highly-trained, professional, disciplined Airmen it will not be the last. Air Mobility Command pilots are particularly attractive candidates for employment. Our Airmen fly the same types of aircraft as the major na- tional and regional airlines, making for an easy transition if they elect to leave the service. With 1,600 mobility pilots eligible to separate from the service over the next four years, we need to address this issue and main- tain the right number of Airmen in our Air Force cockpits.As we pursue so- lutions and seek improvements, AMC is planning to quickly put into place initiatives that demonstrate short-term progress. I’m also committed to improving our Airmen’s quality of life in ways not entirely within the Air Force’s or Air Mobility Command’s span of control.I believe we’ve done a good job of getting feedback from within on this matter. More than 700 Air Mobility Command Airmen offered suggestions for improvement. An area that we have not fully accounted for is the family perspective. One thing is increasingly clear: if Airmen stay or elect to depart the service, it is usually a family decision.Regularly moving to different duty stations cre- ates family disruption.When our children change schools like they change 7OV[VI`9HZOLLU+V\NSHZ clothes, it can add stress. Moving from a school district that is meeting (NPYSZTPSLZHZZOLO\NZOLYMH[OLYK\YPUN[OLYL[\YUVM[OL[O(PYSPM[ a family’s needs to one that does not creates discontent and sometimes :X\HKYVUVU:LW[H[1VPU[)HZL*OHYSLZ[VU(PY)HZL:* drives military families to either home school, pay for private school, or settle for what is available. In any case, this impacts the quality of home our wing and installation commanders to continue these efforts locally to life and becomes a burden of service. advocate for their Airmen and families. Service before self is one of the Air Force’s Core Values -- a concept all Additionally, we need to ensure quality employment options for spouses, Airmen hold dear and live by. However, that should not mean sacrificing working to ensure professional licenses transfer between states. Starting quality of education for our children. In some instances, Airmen elect to over is difficult enough, but being asked to put your career on hold by mar- live 50 or more minutes from an installation to ensure education and sta- rying into the Air Force is not acceptable. If we don’t fix this, more talented bility are not compromised. Airmen and families will vote with their feet. Part of enhancing quality of life for our Airmen is ensuring our military This is what we are also doing immediately within Air Mobility Com- children have access to quality education. I think we can do better. I’ve mand. While not all changes will be immediate, we’re moving out on the already communicated with elected officials and local communities about following: the need for further partnering to enhance education in areas surrounding XWe are looking to identify unnecessary deployments and then eliminate military installations. There is genuine concern and interest in making improvement. I expect 6HH COMMENTARY, Page 19

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE 4HJ+PSSVU[OL^LI 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]. Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb

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2 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES [O*:(-WVY[YHP[\U]LPSLK I`;LJO:N[5H[HSPL:[HUSL` 4FDSFUBSZPGUIF"JS'PSDF1VCMJD"GGBJST0GGJDF

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — A painting of retired Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the 20th Air Force chief of staff, was unveiled during a ceremony at the Pentagon Sept. 14. Artist Michele Rushworth was commissioned to paint the portrait and was able to capture the love and devotion of one of Welsh’s greatest ac- complishments, his family. “My entire career was spent with them, for them, because of them,” said Welsh, as he thanked Rushworth for her work. “Capturing them so I share the space with them makes me feel like things are right now.” His portrait encapsulated his devotion to not only his family, but his Air Force family. “Every day I miss you,” said Welsh. “I don’t have much to say about my time in the Air Force, except that I miss you.” The artist has painted portraits of everyone from governors to military +V+WOV[VI`;LJO:N[)YPNP[[L5)YHU[SL` leaders for 25 years. ;OLVMMPJPHSWVY[YHP[VMYL[PYLK.LU4HYR(>LSZO000MVYTLY(PY-VYJLJOPLM “There is no higher art form than the difficult challenge of capturing VMZ[HMMPZ\U]LPSLKK\YPUNHJLYLTVU`H[[OL7LU[HNVU>HZOPUN[VU+* the human spirit, of conveying something of the inner life and depth of :LW[;OLWVY[YHP[^PSSILVUKPZWSH`PU[OL7LU[HNVU»Z(YUVSK*VYYPKVY a person’s character on canvas,” said Rushworth. “I wanted to convey the HSVUNZPKL[OLWVY[YHP[ZVM[OLV[OLYMVYTLY(PY-VYJLJOPLMZVMZ[HMM dignity, strength, warmth and honor of Mark Welsh in this portrait.” During the unveiling Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein reflected on the contributions of Welsh. “Every Airman has a story, that was his motto and it still echoes across “As a captivating public speaker, he traveled the world, engaging with our Air Force today.” hundreds of thousands of Airmen and families, listening to their stories Welsh served as the 20th Air Force chief of staff from 2012 until his and then retelling them across every audience imaginable,” said Goldfein. retirement on June 24, 2016, after 40 years of service.

(-[VPTWSLTLU[:LJVUK(ZZPNUTLU[0U7SHJL7PSV[7YVNYHT I`:LUPVY4HZ[LY:N[(SSPZVU+H` billets may be eligible for SAIP if they are lieutenant colonels or lieutenant colonel selects with 17 or more years of Total Active Federal Military Ser- WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Air Force will allow limited fighter air- vice, or majors not selected for promotion with 14 or more years TAFMS. crew to extend their time at certain assignments in an effort to improve “We asked our aircrews for feedback and learned that late in their ca- quality of life, quality of service and help retain experienced aviators for reers, people want stability for their families. This program gives our Air- longer than 20 years. men an opportunity to create stability in their personal lives while ensur- On Sept. 7 the Air Force implement the Second Assignment In-Place ing we don’t lose the expertise they’ve gained through years of applying Pilot Program for active duty, late-career fighter pilots and weapon system airpower against our nation’s enemies,” said Nowland. officers. Sixteen bases at three major commands; Air Education Training Com- The SAIP pilot program is one of a wide range of initiatives the Air Force mand, Air Combat Command and Air Force Materiel Command, are se- is pursuing to increase retention, particularly among late career aviators lected to participate in SAIP. Each base will be assigned SAIP quotas by whose expertise is needed to train future generations and allow the Air the Air Force Personnel Center. Force to recover from its pilot manning crisis in the face of a surge of airline The following bases are eligible for the SAIP program: hiring. The Air Force also recently expanded its aviation bonus program to AETC: include senior pilots whose contracts either expired or who didn’t sign one. X12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas “We’re in a retention crisis, which means changing the way we do busi- X14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus AFB, Miss. ness such as looking at an expanded bonus window as well as trying some- X81st Fighter Squadron, Moody AFB, Ga. thing new like the Second Assignment In-Place Pilot Program” said Lt. X33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. Gen. Chris Nowland, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations. “Sec- X47th Flying Training Wing, Laughlin AFB, Texas ond Assignment In-Place is another way to incentivize experienced avia- X56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz. tors to stay in uniform and shape future generations of warriors.” X54th Fighter Group, Holloman AFB, N.M. Airmen in career fields 11F and 12F who have less than a three-year X550th Fighter Squadron, Kingsley Field, Ore. active-duty service commitment and fill instructor pilot or evaluator pilot 6HH PROGRAM Page 17

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 3 WEEK IN PHOTOS

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JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) — Members of the 14th and 15th Airlift Squadrons delivered a Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control mobile tower from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Ida- ho, to the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Sept. 12. The mobile ATC tower was sent in response to Hurricane Irma to as- sist St. Thomas officials in conducting 24 hour airfield operations for ci- vilian and military aircraft. “Captain (Patrick) Murphy and I were originally on an airdrop training operation in Eglin Air Force Base, (Florida) when Joint Base Charleston evacuated in response to Hurricane Irma,” said Capt. Kyle Curry, a C-17 pilot from JB Charleston. “The evacuation order caused us to fly to Travis Air Force Base (California) to wait for the hurricane to pass. While there, we were tasked to help deliver an ATC tower to St. Thomas with Captain (Scott) Szalejko, and Lieutenant Colonel. (Jeremy) Jones.” The tower is the only mobile ATC tower in the world and the flight was *V\Y[LZ`WOV[V the first time an ATC tower had been delivered by a military aircraft. 4LTILYZVM[OLHUK[O(PYSPM[:X\HKYVUZ[YHUZWVY[LKH-LKLYHS “I got a call a couple days ago asking me to figure how to get a mo- (]PH[PVU(KTPUPZ[YH[PVUHPY[YHMMPJJVU[YVSTVIPSL[V^LYMYVT4V\U[HPU bile ATC tower from Mountain Home AFB to St. Thomas,” said John Bu- /VTL(PY-VYJL)HZL0KHOV[V[OL*`YPS,2PUN(PYWVY[PU:[;OVTHZ chanan, 60th Aerial Port Squadron, civilian operations manager at Travis =PYNPU0ZSHUKZ:LW[;OL[V^LY^HZZLU[PUYLZWVUZL[V/\YYPJHUL AFB. “We had to work with [U.S. Northern Command], FAA, the Federal 0YTH[VHZZPZ[:[;OVTHZPUJVUK\J[PUNOV\YHPYMPLSKVWLYH[PVUZ 6HH VIRGIN ISLANDS, Page 17 MVYJP]PSPHUHUKTPSP[HY`HPYJYHM[

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 7 8 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT AIR FORCE NEWS “Following the award of the contract to purchase two commercial 747-8 aircraft, this contract award is the next major step forward toward ensuring (-H^HYKZJVU[YHJ[[VILNPU an overall affordable program,” said Maj. Gen. Duke Richardson, Presidential Airlift Recapitalization program executive officer. Under this contract action, Boeing and their suppliers will complete the KLZPNUPUNUL_[(PY-VYJL6UL initial design of the future Air Force One. The Air Force is committed to work- :LJYL[HY`VM[OL(PY-VYJL7\ISPJ(MMHPYZ ing with Boeing to ensure the PAR program meets presidential airlift mission requirements, as well as the president’s affordability expectations. WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Air Force awarded a contract modifica- The Air Force is also working with Boeing on a follow-on contract modifi- tion for just under $600 million to Boeing Sept. 12 for preliminary design ef- cation, referred to as the Engineering and Manufacturing Development con- forts for the next presidential aircraft. tract modification, which will continue the program through detailed design, The contract modification includes the design to incorporate a mission com- aircraft modification, test and delivery of two presidential mission-ready air- munication system, electrical power upgrades, a medical facility, an executive craft. The EMD contract modification is planned to be awarded in the Sum- interior, a self-defense system and autonomous ground operations capabilities mer of 2018. These aircraft will provide the president of the United States into two commercial Boeing 747-8s. with safe, reliable and affordable air transportation equipped with all mission These aircraft will replace the two aging VC-25A (747-200) presidential capabilities necessary to continuously execute the constitutional responsibili- support aircraft. ties of commander-in-chief, head of state, and chief executive.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 9 <:(PY-VYJL:LUPVY(PYTHU+VUHSK*VZPWZ[*VU[PUNLUJ`9LZWVUZL.YV\WHLYPHSWVY[LYZ[H[PVULKH[1VPU[)HZL4J.\PYL+P_3HRLO\YZ[51OLSWZV\[ ^P[OJHYNVSVHKPUNMYVTH*OHYSLZ[VU*.SVILTHZ[LY000H[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL:LW[;OLZ[*VU[PUNLUJ`9LZWVUZL>PUNPZJ\YYLU[S`Z\WWVY[PUN /\YYPJHUL0YTHYLSPLMLMMVY[ZI`YLJLP]PUNHPYJYHM[HUKYHWPKS`KV^USVHKPUNZ\WWSPLZHUKJHYNV

<:(PY-VYJL(PYTLUHZZPNULK[V[OLZ[*VU[PUNLUJ`9LZWVUZL>PUNNH[OLY[OLPYILSVUNPUNZHM[LYHYYP]PUNH[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZLK\YPUN[OL*9>»Z Z\WWVY[ VM [OL /\YYPJHUL 0YTH YLSPLM LMMVY[Z :LW[  ;OL Z[ *9> PZ H NSVIHS YLZWVUZL [LHT [OH[ LUHISLZ HUK I\PSKZ [OL NSVIHS YLZWVUZL UL[^VYR KLSP]LYPUNHU`[OPUN[V[OLWVPU[VMULLK Z[*VU[PUNLUJ`9LZWVUZL>PUNZ\WWVY[Z/\YYPJHUL0YTHYLSPLM Z[VY`HUKWOV[VZI`;LJO:N[.\Z[H]V.VUaHSLa plies will be disseminated to the local community and the other parts of TU$POUJOHFODZ3FTQPOTF8JOH1VCMJD"GGBJST Florida that were impacted by Hurricane Irma.” According to Mazerski, the 621st CRG is part of the AMC’s total force The 621st Contingency Response Wing continues to run on high-gear in that is doing everything it can to provide a magnitude of support and relief support of hurricane relief efforts. needed. Air Mobility Command directed allocation of its airlift, aeromedical evac- “By being here at MacDill, we are able to increase their ability to receive uation and contingency response assets to federal Hurricane Harvey relief aircraft,” Mazerski said. “Hopefully, that translates to food, water, medical efforts, as requested by U.S. Northern Command Aug. 30. Trailing Hurri- supplies and other essential items getting out to the impacted communities cane Harvey was Hurricane Irma, making landfall Sept. 10 at Cudjoe Key faster.” in Florida. The 621st CRW maintains a ready corps of light, lean and agile mobility In response to Hurricane Irma, the 621st CRW’s 621st Contingency Re- support forces able to respond in order to meet wartime and humanitarian sponse Group deployed a contingency response element consisting of nearly requirement. 50 members, which included aerial port, maintenance, and command post “This is my first real world mission,” said Staff Sgt. Robin McClain, 621st specialists to MacDill Air Force Base, where they arrived to support the Contingency Response Support Squadron command, control, communica- (<:(PY-VYJL(PYTHUHZZPNULK[V[OLZ[*VU[PUNLUJ`9LZWVUZL Hurricane Irma relief efforts Sept. 12. tions, and computers mobile supervisor. “I have been on many exercises <: (PY -VYJL (PYTLU HZZPNULK [V [OL Z[ *VU[PUNLUJ` 9LZWVUZL .YV\W H[ >PUNKYPURZ^H[LYHM[LY\USVHKPUNJHYNVK\YPUN[OL*9>»ZZ\WWVY[ “We’re at MacDill to support the 6th Air Mobility Wing and augment their where we carry out the same operations to prepare for moments like this.” 1VPU[)HZL4J.\PYL+P_3HRLO\YZ[51\USVHKJHYNVMYVTH/HS]VYZLUSVHKLYH[ VM[OL/\YYPJHUL0YTHYLSPLMLMMVY[ZH[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL:LW[ capabilities to receive Air Mobility Command aircraft and rapidly download Mazerski agreed that the extensive training that contingency response 4HJ+PSS (PY -VYJL )HZL :LW[  ;OL Z[ *VU[PUNLUJ` 9LZWVUZL >PUN PZ ;OLZ[*9>OHZ\UP[ZJVU[PU\V\ZS`VUHSLY[HUKYLHK`[VKLWSV` J\YYLU[S`Z\WWVY[PUN/\YYPJHUL0YTHYLSPLMLMMVY[ZI`YLJLP]PUNHPYJYHM[HUKYHWPKS` supplies and cargo,” said Capt. Ian Mazerski, 321st Contingency Response Airmen accomplish provides Airmen with the confidence and skills to fulfill HU`^OLYLPU[OL^VYSKPUZ\WWVY[VMLTLYNLUJ`VWLYH[PVUZZ\JOHZ KV^USVHKPUNZ\WWSPLZHUKJHYNV Squadron contingency response element director of operations. “The sup- 6HH 621st Page 15 O\YYPJHULYLSPLM^P[OPUOV\YZVMUV[PMPJH[PVU

10 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 11 <:(PY-VYJL:LUPVY(PYTHU+VUHSK*VZPWZ[*VU[PUNLUJ`9LZWVUZL.YV\WHLYPHSWVY[LYZ[H[PVULKH[1VPU[)HZL4J.\PYL+P_3HRLO\YZ[51OLSWZV\[ ^P[OJHYNVSVHKPUNMYVTH*OHYSLZ[VU*.SVILTHZ[LY000H[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL:LW[;OLZ[*VU[PUNLUJ`9LZWVUZL>PUNPZJ\YYLU[S`Z\WWVY[PUN /\YYPJHUL0YTHYLSPLMLMMVY[ZI`YLJLP]PUNHPYJYHM[HUKYHWPKS`KV^USVHKPUNZ\WWSPLZHUKJHYNV

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 11 12 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 13 AIR FORCE NEWS (PY-VYJLHUUV\UJLZWLYJLU[WYVTV[PVUVWWVY[\UP[`[VTHQVY :LJYL[HY`VM[OL(PY-VYJL7\ISPJ(MMHPYZ

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — In the latest move to restore the Air Force’s readiness and lethality, senior leaders are taking a closer look at officer performance management with a focus on developing leaders and retaining the talented professionals the service needs. Over the last year, Headquarters Air Force has conducted research and developed recommendations on a variety of officer performance manage- ment related tools, to include evaluations and promotions. The goal is to better identify talent, future potential and plan for current and anticipated officer shortages. “There have been no major changes to the Officer Evaluation System in nearly 30 years, but there have been significant changes to our force com- position, mission, requirements and how our performance system reflects what we value in officers,” said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, Air Force deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services. “Although the system hasn’t changed, challenges with agility, efficiency, consistency and transparency have been documented by research and in the field for over 20 years,” said Maj. Mike Lupher, chief of Workforce De- velopment for the Air Force Talent Management Innovation Cell. “We rec- ognized we needed to do something about it and are taking a comprehen- <:(PY-VYJLNYHWOPJI`2H[)HPSL` sive approach to addressing these challenges.” )LNPUUPUN[OPZ+LJLTILYM\SS`X\HSPMPLK3PULVM[OL(PY-VYJLJHW[HPUZ Field Grade Officer Requirements and Promotion Opportunity TLL[PUN[OLTHQVYZIVHYK^PSSOH]LHWLYJLU[WYVTV[PVUVWWVY[\UP[` One of the immediate needs senior leaders focused on was the service’s ;OPZPUP[PH[P]LPZL_WLJ[LK[VOLSWYL[HPUVMMPJLYZ[VTLL[[OLKLTHUKZVM requirement for growing and developing enough field-grade officers to meet V\YNYV^PUNMVYJLHUKOLSWYLZ[VYLTPZZPVUJHWHISLZX\HKYVUZ3PRLHSS mission demands. At 92 percent, the Air Force is currently undermanned in V[OLYWYVTV[PVUIVHYKZVWWVY[\UP[`YH[LZKVUV[N\HYHU[LLWYVTV[PVU Line of the Air Force field-grade officers, with non-rated field-grade officers manned at 74 percent. As such, beginning December 2017, the pool of line officers considered Promote” recommendation. for promotion to major will have a 100 percent promotion opportunity. Pro- “I fully trust raters and senior raters to continue to ensure the Air motion opportunity rates are typically adjusted as required to meet the Force’s high standards of conduct,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David needs of the Air Force. Goldfein. “With this change, captains whose conduct has been exemplary can More information about the initiative is available on myPers. expect to be promoted to major,” said Secretary of the Air Force Heather ‘One more swing of the axe’ Wilson. “We’ve been letting capable people leave the service and we need Goldfein also characterized the move as “one more swing of the axe” for them.” him and Secretary Wilson to increase the lethality and readiness of the Promotion Recommendation Forms will only be required for officers force, while smartly reducing administrative burdens on squadron com- who receive a “Promote” recommendation and have derogatory information manders. such as an Article 15, court-martial, referral report, or letter of reprimand “This change, along with many other initiatives, will help reinforce our filed in their Officer Selection Record, as well as for officers with a “Do Not 6HH MAJOR, Page 19

14 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT :; -YVT7HNL their mission. “We constantly train to support humanitarian relief mis- sions and to have the opportunity to support a real world operation like this is surreal,” Mazerski said. “It’s always incredibly sad when an event like Hurricane Irma hap- pens, but we’re thankful that our training has prepared us to handle situations like this and provide the best support to the relief effort as possible.” McClain grew up in Orlando, Florida, a little more than an hour away from MacDill. For him, this mission hit close to home. “Most of my family is affected by this hurricane and all of them are without power at the moment,” McClain said. “It’s always nice to come, but this time it’s for an important purpose. I get to come back and not just help my family, but my home state in general.” “I’m incredibly proud to be part of the relief effort for Hurricane Irma,” Mazerski added. “I hope that those im- pacted by Hurricane Irma know that there are a lot of Air- men doing everything they can to bring them the aid and support they need.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 15 16 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT 796.9(4 -YVT7HNL X71st Flying Training Wing, Vance AFB, Okla. will be placed on non-permanent change of station status for three years, X 80th Flying Training Wing, Sheppard AFB, Texas explained Brig. Gen. Michael Koscheski, the Air Force Aircrew Crisis Task ACC: Force lead. X53rd Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. Although this program is currently limited in nature, it aims to address X4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB, Fla. the critical shortfall in the fighter community, and could be expanded to X325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall AFB, Fla. other critical career fields if proven effective. X355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. “The limited implementation is a decisive action on the part of the Air AFMC: Force to take immediate steps to improve retention in its most impact- X96th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. ed specialties,” said Koscheski. “Through limited implementation, the Air X412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB, Fla. Force can move faster and apply any lessons learned to the rest of the As part of the pilot program, it will be up to wing commanders to imple- force.” ment the program at approved units. Airmen can remain on SAIP as long Eligible Airmen interested in SAIP should talk with their chain of com- as eligible and approved by the wing commander. Those selected for SAIP mand. =09.050:3(5+: -YVT7HNL Emergency Management Agency and North American Aerospace Defense The tower was needed because Hurricane Irma critically damaged the to get this tower delivered, and we got it all figured out in 24 hours.” Cyril E. King Airport. Air traffic controllers were being brought in from Buchanan and his team had to figure out how to load the tower into the Puerto Rico to assist. Delivering the tower allowed airport operations to aircraft since it had never been done before. Members of the 366th Logis- resume and helped provide an extra level of support to those affected by tics Readiness Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, also did some additional the hurricane. training to ensure the tower was safely loaded. This mission was unique because several squadrons and bases came to- “We had to get Air Transportability Test Loading Activity certified so gether to provide command and control to a location severely battered by we could be qualified to help move and load the ATC tower when the air- Hurricane Irma, said Lt. Col Adam Bingham, 14th AS commander. crew got here,” said Master Sgt. Donald Ray, 366th LRS superintendent. “The mission also shows you how you can mix two squadrons together “The tower is actually from Boise, Idaho’s FAA department and we had to and accomplish great feats,” Bingham added. “Military service members use their specific truck to transfer and load the tower so it could get to its care deeply about the American population, and missions like this rein- final destination.” force our passion for serving them.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 17 COMMUNITY &7&/54

Base6XQGD\ Theater Free movie: “The Mummy” (PG- 13). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m. Overflow parking available in the SOCOM parking garage.

0RQGD\)ULGD\ Box Office Bistro now open Located in the Base Theater. Open 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. serving nachos, tacos, rice bowls, quesadil- las and more.

7XHVGD\ :HGQHVGD\ Alpha Warrior Competition From 8-10 a.m. at the Fitness Center; winners of competition will be eligible for the tryouts for the Alpha Warrior Southeast Region- als at Hulbert Field, Fla. Obstacles include complete Alpha Warrior 12x12 rig, 180 tire flip, and tank pull/push. This event is an indoor, two-part event that uses both dis-

tance and time on obstacles to de- 7OV[VI`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ(SSPZVU7H`UL termine winners. Call 828-4496. +RPHDJDLQ (PYTLUYL[\YU[V1VPU[)HZL*OHYSLZ[VU:*:LW[^P[O[OLMPUHS*.SVILTHZ[LY000[OH[^HZL]HJ\H[LK K\L[V/\YYPJHUL0YTH»ZWV[LU[PHSSHUKMHSS;^LU[`[^V*Z^LYLL]HJ\H[LK[VHS[LYUH[LSVJH[PVUZHUK :HGQHVGD\ Retirement system training LPNO[^LYLKP]LY[LKPUYLZWVUZL[V[OLO\YYPJHUL(PYTLUMYVT[OL[O(PYJYHM[4HPU[LUHUJL:X\HKYVU From 8-9:30 a.m. and 10-11:30 LUZ\YLK[OLYLSVJH[LKHPYJYHM[^LYLTHPU[HPULKHUKWYLWHYLK[VJVUK\J[O\YYPJHULYLJV]LY`VWLYH[PVUZ a.m. at the Base Theater. The Fis- MYVTHS[LYUH[LPUZ[HSSH[PVUZPUJS\KPUN:JV[[(PY-VYJL)HZL0SS cal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act provides our military force with a modernized $)"1&-4$)&%6-& retirement plan built for retire- 3URWHVWDQWVHUYLFH ment savings. Beginning in 2018, 6XQGD\DP)DP&DPS %OGJ5DFFRRQ&UHHN  &DWKROLF0DVV service members can receive auto- matic and matching Thrift Savings 6DWXUGD\  SP0DVV 3URWHVWDQW:RUVKLSDP Plan contributions, as well as, mid- 6XQGD\DP0DVV career compensation incentives in 0RQGD\7KXUVGD\SP addition to monthly annuities for ,VODPLFVHUYLFH %OHVVHG6DFUDPHQW5RRP life. All service members under the )ULGD\SPSP3UD\HU current system are grandfathered For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting into today’s retirement system. http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 Call 828-0145.

7KXUVGD\ Base Theater Free movie: “Baby Driver” (R). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

Mark your calendar Sept. 29 – Oktoberfest

18 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT 4(169 -YVT7HNL trust and confidence in squadron leadership and their management of our Force as part of its broader effort to restore readiness and lethality include talented Airmen,” Goldfein said. continuing to grow the force, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens Air Force officials said they will continue to review the research and on Airmen, alleviating unneeded Air Force instructions, providing com- recommendations on how to improve officer performance management, and manders more say in developmental education opportunities, tackling the will announce new initiatives once they’re approved and ready for deliber- pilot retention crisis and more acutely focusing on the needs of Airmen at ate phased implementation. the squadron level to ensure they are fully prepared to accomplish their Other talent management initiatives recently implemented by the Air missions. *644,5;(9@ -YVT7HNL them. We are working with U.S. Transportation Command, AMC’s combat- impact a small number of AMC pilots initially. There are still a few things ant command, to evaluate all AMC deployments to ensure Airmen are being we need to coordinate with Headquarters Air Force on this front, but this used effectively and only when necessary. is something that we are actively pursuing. XWe will more accurately measure time away from family and tempo- XWe are reducing additional duties to best focus on the core mission. I rary duty/deployment tempos. We know Airmen are working much harder am in the process of fully manning the AMC squadron command support than the Department of Defense or Air Force metrics are taking into ac- sections to enable Airmen to focus on their core missions. I’ve communicat- count. We’re working across the Total Force -- Active Duty, Guard, and Re- ed to wing commanders that AMC will only enforce additional duties that serves -- to develop a model to more accurately capture this data. We are are absolutely required and necessary. also looking at ways to make life more stable for Airmen and families by The mobility machine is always churning hard and I have a dedicated making assignments longer and providing enhanced ability to meet family professional team working across functions to ensure we move out and get needs where the assignment system allows. after what is required to demonstrate to our Airmen that they are valued XWe want to add more mobility Airmen in the assignment manage- and their inputs have been heard. ment system. Adding more mobility Airmen at the Air Force Personnel We are working closely with community partners to ensure our families Center will improve system-wide insight into AMC missions and demands. have the resources and opportunities required to succeed where the Air Having more mobility Airmen in AFPC will help ensure personal circum- Force needs them. Those I’ve met with have expressed genuine concern stances are better understood. This could also help to introduce enhanced and interest in helping us get to where we need to be. flexibility into the assignment system. We will continue to work to earn and maintain the trust of our Airmen XWe are pursuing an Aviator Track. I’m advocating for an aviator and create enhanced quality of service and life for our service members track, where the overwhelming majority of time spent is flying. This would and their families.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 19 20 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 21, 2017 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT