teammacdillfuelingthefight -page8macdillthunderbolt.com/053019/mcnews053019.pdf · 4u...

Vol. 47, No. 22 Thursday, May 30, 2019

News/Features: page 3SIM prepares jumpers

Top shots: page 4Images from the week

News/Features: page 36thMXG idea put towork

Community: page 15Events, Chapel, more...

Photo by Senior Airman Keifer Bowes

An Airman piloting an F-35A Lightning II completes aerial refueling courtesy of Airmen from the 28th Expeditionary AirRefueling Squadron aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker, April 26, over an undisclosed location. The F-35 is on its first deploy-ment to the Middle East as part of the inaugural demonstration of the fighter’s next-generation combat capabilities.

TeamMacDill fueling the fight - page 8

News/Features: page 76thCONSsweepsawards

2 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, May 30, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Joe DeLuca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publish-ing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S.Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an autho-rized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. mili-tary services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderboltare not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the

U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Departmentof the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement bythe Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force,6th Air Mobility Wing or the TImes Publishing Company of theproducts or service advertised.

For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318.Everything advertised in this publication shall be made

available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit

factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted

to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 HangarLoop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderboltat 828-2215. Email: [email protected].

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays toappear in the next week’s publication. Articles received afterdeadline may be considered for future use. All submissions areconsidered for publication based on news value and timeliness.

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar-ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebookand Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per-sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email [email protected] or Facebook @6thAirMobilityWing-CommandTeam

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

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MacDill on theweb

COMMENTARY

by Gen. Maryanne MillerAir Mobility Command

I have had the privilege of working for the men and women of Air Mobil-ity Command for 7 months now. I quickly came to appreciate the incrediblecapacity of this exceptionally talented force – the force necessary to ensurewe continue achieving mobility objectives in any environment.

Before I took command of AMC, I reflected on the heritage of the manyincredible mobility leaders who came before me. I researched their focusareas, their visions, and their many accomplishments. The foundation oftheir legacy was built on readiness, mission emphasis, modernization and,most importantly, taking care of people. These priorities make up the coreof what we do in AMC, and I’m honored to lead our mobility enterprise –enabling a ready, capable, lethal force – now and into the future.

Although our mission doesn’t change, the ways and means of executingit will. We can anticipate change in our varying areas of operation, enemycapabilities and the nature of warfare across domains. We must adapt toovercome these challenges – and quickly. We must innovate.

As a Mobility Airman for 30 years, I first flew Military Airlift Command(MAC) missions writing clearances on the aircraft windshield with a greasepencil. Now, I marvel at our electronic flight bags, advanced avionics sys-tems, and the unstoppable team of Airmen who embrace new processesand technology with gusto. When I visit with our Airmen, I meet the mostextraordinary young warfighters who embody innovation both at work andin their homes. Their ability to solve problems while taking calculated risksis truly inspirational.

A few concrete innovation examples across the command include:u Tech. Sgt. Alex Aguayo from Joint Base Charleston completed a C-17

Wheel Paint Stand project aiming to save maintenance man-hours. Hisproject is being shared with other major commands.

u Tech. Sgt. Eric Holton from MacDill AFB designed a time-saving KC-135 Engine-specific Maintenance Stand that just completed initial fit test-ing before fielding.

u Tech Sgt. Shawn Roberge from Fairchild AFB turned his idea of aKC-135 Nose Landing Gear Door Lock that reduces damage during towingoperations into a reality and it is already on its way toward inclusion intechnical orders.

u Staff Sgt. Travis Alton from Little Rock AFB presented a Phoenix

Spark Tank winning M-1 Cargo Parachute Release Timing Block Fail-Safeas a potential low-cost solution, preventing early release of cargo chutesduring airdrop operations which could save millions of dollars in damageand is going into phase II testing.

Additionally, Airmen are 3-D printing, writing code and creating theirown brilliant solutions to the problems they know best. They have tremen-dous capability and an unrivaled passion for turning their creativity intosomething tangible. Airmen want to make our Air Force better. They wantto be unleashed. As leaders, it is our responsibility to develop the next gen-eration to be ready and able to compete against our adversaries. Innovationis a critical driving force vital to ensuring we fly, fight and win now and farinto the future. Embrace it!

We have the privilege of shaping our people, our assets and our mission.This is a tough job and the most rewarding. It is our duty, an honor and anecessity. Innovation should not be the buzzword of the moment … it pow-ers our mission. Study the challenges you know better than anyone else,take prudent risks and let’s get after it.

AMC commander: unleash Airman innovation

Gen. Maryanne Miller, Air Mobility Command commander

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, May 30, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3

NEWS/FEATURES

by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

During MacDill’s inaugural Fuel Tank competition last June, 6thAir Mobility Wing Airmen presented innovative ideas to wingleadership for the chance to receive squadron innovation funds

that would turn ideas to reality.Senior Airman John Cuttito, a 6th Maintenance Squadron hydraulics

systems journeyman, was deployed overseas during the event, but thatdidn’t stop him from sharing his idea.

“As a car mechanic, we used thermal imaging cameras to immediate-ly identify faulty parts on any motor vehicle; I thought this technologywould benefit KC-135 maintenance too,” said Cuttito, who spent 10 yearsas a car mechanic. “In the past, we relied on trial and error to locatewhich aircraft part wasn’t working and that’s how I knew there was abetter way.”

Cuttito explained the versatility of thermal imaging cameras and howthey can detect electrical and mechanical equipment, even in the dark.The cameras translate heat into visible light and can pinpoint variationin any of the aircraft parts.

“Thermal imaging helps us locate faults in wiring and pneumaticducts or valves,” said Staff Sgt. James Morin, a 6th Aircraft MaintenanceSquadron electrical and environmental systems craftsman. “Thermal im-aging allows us to quickly identify faulty components using thermal vari-

6thMXG implements idea, improveswarfighting effectiveness

Courtesy photo

A thermal image of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft’s hydraulic spoiler by-pass valve in the energized position at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 27.

See IDEA, Page 14

Virtual jump simulator improves paratrooper readinessby Staff Sgt. Steven ColvinSpecial Operations Forces Command Central Public Affairs

The new Parachute Simulator 7 is one more reason why Special Opera-tions Forces Command Central remains at the “Tip of the Spear.”

The Systems Technology, Inc. team came to MacDill Air Force Base toinstall the new PARASIM 7 system at the Joint Parachute Rigger facility,Feb. 19, and incorporated military personnel training on the system.

The PARASIM 7 recreates the experience of a real parachute jump fromthe head-mounted 3D virtual reality display to the suspension harnessthat detects jumper inputs. The physics-based parachute simulation tech-nology recreates the conditions of a live jump using real-world scenes, mal-functions, wind profiles, various weather conditions and a full library ofterrain types.

“The simulator will allow us to train the MacDill paratroopers in a re-alistic virtual environment that accurately reflects the areas and terrainthey will jump in,” said Sgt. 1st Class Shane Walthers, a SOCCENT para-chute rigger noncommissioned officer in charge. “When used in conjunctionwith the mandatory refresher training, the simulator is extremely usefulin giving jumpers a realistic view of where they will be jumping and whatthey will see while under canopy.”

Simulator training gives jumpers the opportunity to practice and refinetheir canopy control techniques in a safe virtual environment. Mistakescan be made and corrections can be learned before an actual jump wherethose same mistakes could have catastrophic consequences.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin

A paratrooper prepares for virtual reality jump training on the newParachute Simulator (PARASIM) 7 at the Joint Riggers Facility, MacDillAir Force Base Feb. 21. The PARASIM 7 recreates the experience of areal parachute jump from the head-mounted 3D virtual reality displayto the suspension harness that detects jumper inputs. The physics-based parachute simulation technology recreates the conditions of alive jump using real-world scenes, malfunctions, wind profiles, variousweather conditions and a full library of terrain types.See JUMP, Page 14


Photo by Senior Airman Frank Rohrig

A KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Mobility Wing,MacDill Air Force Base, delivers fuel to a KC-46A Pegasus aircraft duringa night-time refueling over Louisiana May 16. This is the first time the 6thAMW refueled the KC-46A. The KC-46A, a next-generation aerial refuelingplatform, alongside the KC-135, enables global reach for the joint force.

TOP SHOTS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner

A U.S. Navy Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) team member awaits extractionfrom a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during an Emerald Warrior 2019search and rescue training exercise, Jan. 22. Special Tactical Opera-tion SEALs worked alongside joint terminal attack controllers to extractinjured and embattled joint force team members in an austere environ-ment.

Photo by Staff Sgt. James Cason

A 28th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in support of Operation InherentResolve, Nov. 29. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack.


by Airman 1st Class Caleb Nunez6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

“We just did what were trained for,” one of themarine patrolmen said as the others nodded inagreement.

The morning of Jan. 26 began like any otherSaturday for Staff Sgt. Alex Badillo, Senior Air-man Bryan Scott and Airman 1st Class LoganRoberts – they found themselves working on aweekend, a sight not uncommon to security forc-es squadrons across the Air Force.

Except, there was one difference: Gasparilla.A parade that brings in over 400,000 people

to the city of Tampa means a higher securityrisk to the base.

“We have boats on the water at all times, butthat day we increased our patrol,” said Badillo,a 6th Security Forces Squadron marine patrol-

NEWS/FEATURESMarine patrolsave lives duringGasparilla

See RESCUE, Page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Adam R. Shanks

Four Marine Patrol Airmen assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron patrol the 7.2-milecoastline of MacDill Air Force Base May 4, 2018. On Jan. 26 a sinking boat with seven passen-gers on board were saved by marine patrol Airmen duringt Gasparilla festivities.


by Senior Airman Ashley Perdue6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MacDill Air Force Base opened its hangar doors for more than 2,300 6ththrough 12th grade students for the second annual Science, Technology,Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Day, March 8.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us, especially the students whoI go to school with who are already familiar with this industry, to be heretoday to see the different aspects we can get out of not just the military,but from other industries who have exhibits here,” said Courtney Brown,a journalism student at Howard W. Blake High School.

STEAM Day, originally known as STEM, began in 2016 and has sinceattracted admirable attention nationwide. At the event students inter-act with technology used by military units throughout MacDill AFB,joint force experts and industry partners. Students learn first-hand howSTEAM skills are used to innovate and modernize America’s military andindustry partners, encouraging them to pursue STEAM-related educa-tional and career opportunities.

“Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics remain atthe forefront of our ever expanding world,” stated 6th Air Mobility WingCommander Col. Stephen P. Snelson. “Forty percent of our STEAM re-lated career field experts are nearing retirement age; meaning the futureof the Air Force rests in the hands of today’s youth.”

STEAMDay fuels, inspires thousands of studentsNEWS/FEATURES


U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather Dixon, a 6th Security Forces Squad-ron entry controller, shows a student a ballistic shield during MacDill AirForce Base’s annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math(STEAM) Day, at MacDill AFB March 8.See STEAM, Page 11


by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The 6th Contracting Squadron handled busi-ness this year for MacDill Air Force Base, obli-gating government funds and ensuring compli-ance with contracted work in support of morethan 19,000 base personnel. As a result of theirefforts, the 6th CONS team received five indi-vidual 2018 Air Mobility Command contractingawards, and topped it off with the coveted AMCunit award.

This past year, 6th CONS spent $159 milliontoward modernization, innovation and readi-ness efforts for the 6th Air Mobility Wing, U.S.Special Operations Command, U.S. CentralCommand, Avon Park and 31 other missionpartners on MacDill AFB, a total that surpassedall other AMC contracting squadrons.

“I’m always amazed how well the team workstogether and how much they are able to accom-plish,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kurtis Schatzer,


The 6th Contracting Squadron Airmen and civilian employees pause for a photo at MacDill AirForce Base Dec. 11. Air Mobility Command awarded 6th CONS all five annual enlisted Airmenawards and the outstanding unit award.

TeamMacDill CONS sweeps AMC annual awards

See AWARD, Page 12

NEWS/FEATURES


Service members from MacDill Air Force Base participate in a joint-service Tactical Combat Casualty Care course Nov 14-16. TCCC is designed to reduce prteaching life-saving trauma care techniques used on the battlefield.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb Nunez

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Ryan Boorman, 290th Joint Communication Support Squad-ron radio frequency transmissions specialist, works to restore communication outsidethe Bay County Government Center in Panama City, Fla., Oct. 13. JCSS, a Florida AirNational Guard unit, and the Joint Communications Support Element, are part of U.S.Transportation Command, and train together at MacDill, driving their success as a To-tal Force team rapidly restoring communications after the Hurricane Michael disaster.

Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks

An AC-130 gunship closes in to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned tothe 6th Air Mobility Wing during Exercise Emerald Warrior, Jan. 17. Emerald Wprovides annual realistic and relevant pre-deployment training encompassing multiple joint operating areas to prepare special operations forces, conventional forenablers, partner nations and interagency elements to integrate with and executefull spectrum special operations.

Mission / Community / Partners / Service


Photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb Nunez

educe preventable combat deaths by

Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks

om a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to, Jan. 17. Emerald Warrior

e-deployment training encompassing mul-ces, conventional force

enablers, partner nations and interagency elements to integrate with and execute


U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Akila Mohabir, a 6th Logistics Readiness Squad-ron fuels laboratory technician, pours excess fuel in a fuel storage tank atMacDill Air Force Base March 14. In 2019, the 6th LRS petroleum, oil andlubricant flight has moved 7.1 million gallons of fuel over 2,291 aircraft ser-vicing runs.


U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Porter Thornton, a 6th CivilEngineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician,puts a bomb suit on a student during MacDill Air Force Base’sannual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math(STEAM) Day, at MacDill AFB March 8.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Perdue

A U.S. Air Force Airman watches aircraft flying by with his son during Tampa Bay AirFest 2018 at MacDill Air Force Base May11, 2018. Over a three-day span, approximately 150,000 attendees experienced aerial demonstrations and interactive staticdisplays. The success of the event culminated in MacDill winning the International Conference of Airshows’ Dick SchramCommunity Relations Award for 2018.


Hurricane presentationThe 2019 Base Hurricane Preparedness Briefing dates

are June 12 and July 10 in building 12, Emergency Opera-tions Center at 9 a.m.

All Team MacDill personnel & family members are wel-come to attend.

Installation office of Emergency Management will assistmembers to develop their Hurricane Preparedness Plans,Base Finance will provide information on

Hurricane Evacuation Travel Entitlements, and Militaryand Family Readiness providing information on AFPAAS,Emergency financial assistance, and Tricare benefits.

Please encourage your unit personnel to attend one ofthese briefings.

The presentation will assist MacDill personnel and fami-lies in developing their family hurricane preparednessplan. Preparing for a storm is the best way to ensure fami-lies limit potential negative impacts that can occur. Topicswill include:u Hurricane hazardsu Preparedness and evacuation informationu What to do after the stormu Available resources for familiesu Entitlementsu Emergency Management, Finance, and Military & FamilyReadiness will be on hand to answer questions.Protestant children’s church coordinatorposition open

The MacDill AFB Chapel is accepting bids for a part-time Protestant children’s church coordinator to be paid bythe Chapel Tithes and Offerings Fund.

Requirements: The Protestant children’s church coordi-nator will be responsible for running a dynamic children’schurch program for the Protestant Worship Services at theMacDill Air Force Base Chapel. Applicants must be able tosecure permission to enter a military installation (no felonyconvictions/arrests, be drug free, etc.). Contract award iscontingent upon receiving favorable results from a criminalhistory background check for positions involving contactwith children below 18 years of age as directed by DODI1402.5.

Resources: A copy of the statement of work and bid sched-ule are available at the MacDill AFB Chapel, building 355,weekdays from 9 a.m., to 3 p.m. Resumes and sealed bidsshould be submitted no later than May 24 at 1 p.m. Latesubmissions will not be accepted.

Interviews: Interviews will be scheduled May 29-30, from9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the chapel.

Bid Opening: Bids from qualified applicants will beopened at 2 p.m. on May 30, in the Chapel conference room.Anyone with interest may attend the bid opening. The basisfor the contract award is best value to the government.

Time Frame: The Protestant children’s church coordina-tor is expected to start work June 2.

NEWS BRIEFS

See NEWS BRIEFS, Page 13


According to Terry Montrose, 6th Air Mobility Wing chief of community relations, thereis a shortage of experts in STEAM-related career fields throughout the United States.

“We know we need to reach to out to young students and start training these kids nowand inspiring them to enter into the STEAM world,” Montrose added.

MacDill’s STEAM Day is one of 150 STEAM and STEM events conducted annually AirForce-wide and this year, it is the largest event to date with more than 65 exhibitors.

“We had over 2,000 students from all across the region that were exposed to not justAir Force and military technologies, but STEAM technologies from industries like Boeingand NASA as well as some of our civil engineers,” said Snelson.

The event started with a performance by the Progress Village Middle Magnet Schoolof the Arts band ensemble, skydivers from SOCOM’S Para-Commandos, a military work-ing dog demonstration and opening remarks from Snelson and Jeff Eakins, HillsboroughCounty schools superintendent.

As the day progressed, students visited and participated in exhibits, working hands-onand utilizing problem solving skills in simulated real-world scenarios. They also had thechance to try on military gear such as helmets, flak vests and bomb suits.

Other exhibits included aircraft displays, the one-of-a-kind U.S. Air Force PerformanceLab, an F-16 Fighting Falcon augmented reality system, video games by Microsoft Corps,U.S. Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) Paracommandos and theatrical charac-ters presented by the base library. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Mascot, Thunder Bug, theTampa Bay Rays’ mascot, Raymond, and the Buccaneers’ mascot, Captain Fear, were inattendance.

“What I want from the students as they walk around is to have fun, ask lots of ques-tions, and never forget: keep trying, keep failing, keep learning and coming back becausethat’s how we stay the best nation in the world,” said Snelson.

STEAMFrom Page 6


Cadets with the Civil Air Patrol present the colors during MacDill Air Force Base’s annualScience, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Day, at MacDill AFB March 8.More than 2,300 students from local schools interacted with military units, joint force ex-perts and industry partners to learn how STEAM skills are used to innovate and modern-ize America’s military and industry partners encouraging them to pursue STEAM-relatededucational and career opportunities.


the 6th CONS superintendent and 2018 Outstanding Contracting Super-intendent of the Year. “It is always exciting to see our team and the indi-viduals get recognized for the hard work they put in every day.”

The 6th CONS was awarded the following for this year:n Senior Airman Alexander Rust named 2018 Outstanding Contract-

ing Airman of the Yearn Staff Sgt. Blake Martin named 2018 Outstanding Contracting NCO

of the Yearn Master Sgt. Joshua Malyemezian named 2018 Outstanding Contract-

ing SNCO of the Yearn Senior Master Sgt. Kurtis Schatzer named 2018 Outstanding Con-

tracting Superintendentn Senior Airman Derek Botelho named 2018 Outstanding Contingency

Contracting Officern 6th Contracting Squadron named 2018 Outstanding Contracting

Unit of the YearThe values of hard work, selflessness and teamwork were echoed and

repeated by all the 6th CONS team members when asked what led totheir success.

“Teamwork is what makes this unit unique and everyone does theirpart to make this a cohesive workplace,” said Master Sgt. Joshua Maly-emezian, the 6th CONS performance management flight superintendentand 2018 Outstanding Contracting SNCO of the Year. “I am immenselyproud to be a part of such an exemplary group of Airmen.”

Though exemplary in their own right, when asked about the individualawards, each and every 6th CONS Airman was quick to share their suc-cess with the team.

“I could have not accomplished this without the mentorship and sup-port of my team members,” said Senior Airman Alexander Rust, a 6thCONS contracting specialist and 2018 Outstanding Contracting Airmanof the Year. “Everyone here stands on the shoulders of giants.”

Awards are the by-products of when dedication to the mission meetshard work and execution. Congratulations to the 6th CONS team on theircontinued commitment to excellence.

Got News?If you have an announcement or story idea for the Thunderbolt, just let us know at 6amw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@

us.af.mil

man. “There is always the increased possibility of threats on days likethese.”

While patrolling, they heard a concerning call over their radio.“At around 19:30 we got a call from the base defense operations center

notifying us they were made aware by the Coast Guard that there was aboat taking on water close to the Bayshore Gate,” Airman 1st Class LoganRoberts, a 6th SFS marine patrolman. “With it being in our area of re-sponsibility, we checked it out.”

Rushing to the scene, the three Airmen quickly made contact with thesinking boat and its seven passengers.

“As we got closer, they started yelling and screaming,” Badillo said. “Itwas a stressful situation because we had to talk to our people while com-municating with the Coast Guard and the Hillsborough County Sheriff

Department who were there as well.”Once the boat was identified, the three marine patrol Airmen quickly

acted to save them from their sinking boat.“We got the individuals onto our boat so their boat would level out and

not sink as quickly,” Roberts said. “Airman Scott and I helped get thepeople onboard, while Sgt. Badillo drove the boat.”

After safely returning the individuals and their boat to shore, theywere escorted off base along with their boat.

The MacDill Marine Patrol is made up of around 30 security forces Air-men who provide waterborne deterrence, detection and response to anythreat against MacDill AFB along its 7.2 miles of coastline.

“We train year-round for situations like this one,” Badillo said. “Therewill always be a boat on the water protecting MacDill and its people.”

RESCUEFrom Page 5

AWARDFrom Page 7


Submit resume and sealed bid to the Chapel administrative office locat-ed at 2204 Administration Ave. Tampa FL, 33621, in Bldg. 355 Room 25A.

For additional information, contact Staff Sgt. Eric Nulf at 828-3621, op-tion 3.Chapel Tithes and Offerings account manager position open

Position: The MacDill Chapel is accepting bids for a part-time accountmanager to be paid by the Chapel Tithes and Offerings Fund.

Requirements: The account manager must administer the Chapel Tithes& Offerings Fund in accordance with applicable Air Force instructions andcoordinate funding requirements with the CTOF Accounting Section. Twoyears of experience as an account manager and a degree in accounting orbusiness are preferred. Applicants must be able to secure permission to en-ter a military installation (no felony convictions/arrests, be drug free, etc.).Contract award is contingent upon receiving favorable results from a crimi-nal history background check for positions involving contact with childrenbelow 18 years of age as directed by DoDI 1402.5.

Resources: A copy of the statement of work and bid schedule are avail-able at the MacDill AFB Chapel, building 355, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. Resumes and sealed bids should be submitted no later than May 24 at1 p.m.. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Interviews: Interviews will be scheduled May 28, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the chapel.

Bid Opening: Bids from qualified applicants will be opened at 3:30 p.m.May 28 in the Chapel conference room. Anyone with interest may attendthe bid opening. The basis for the contract award is best value to the gov-ernment.

Time Frame: The account manager is expected to start work May 31.Submit resume and sealed bid (unsealed bids will not be accepted) to the

Chapel administrative office located at 2204 Administration Ave. TampaFL, 33621, in Bldg. 355 Room 25A.

For additional information, contact Staff Sgt. Eric Nulf at [email protected] or 828-3621, option 3.

NEWS BRIEFSFrom Page 10


ation without tearing the system apart.”Infrared technology has a wide range of appli-

cation and in several maintenance career fields,it can be used to expedite inspections, impactingcost-effectiveness, efficiency and combat readi-ness.

“These type of cameras are invaluable whentroubleshooting issues that correlate with pres-sure and heat,” said Cuttito. “Understandingwhich line or system should be cool, warm, orhot is key and if checks are made when the sys-tem is operating normally, a reference can be es-tablished to indicate if a part varying from itsnormal heat signature, which would be a clearproblem.”

According to Cuttito, a thermal imaging cam-era is unequivocally resourceful as a tool whenconducting reliability tests on a hydraulic sys-tem and during the Fuel Tank presentation, 6thAMW leadership authorized its implementationwith a $42,000 budget to purchase and providetraining for the thermal imaging camera.

“We expect this to transform the way we trou-

bleshoot problems on our aircraft,” said Capt.Felix Carrillo, the 6th Aircraft MaintenanceSquadron’s red aircraft maintenance unit of-ficer in charge. “We have only had the camerasince December 2018, but the feedback so farhas been promising.”

To effectively operate the thermal imagingcamera, five 6th Maintenance Group Airmenreceived thermographic certification from thecamera’s manufacturer.

“MacDill is the first base that I know of to usethis technology in this way,” said Carrillo.

Now that the thermal imaging camera is be-ing used operationally, it proves that innovationdoes not have to remain in the idea status, itcan become reality at MacDill.

“Our Airmen continually impress me,” saidCarrillo. “Whether it’s through raising the ideaof a thermal imaging camera or pointing outthat our engine stands could be better, theseare just some of the many innovative ways ourAirmen continue to improve our efficiency andwarfighting capabilities.”

IDEAFrom Page 3


U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Morin, a 6th Air-craft Maintenance Squadron electrical and envi-ronmental systems craftsman, takes a thermalimage of a bleed air duct at MacDill Air ForceBase March 1. As part of the wing’s ‘Fuel Tank’innovation program, thermal imaging cameraswere approved and implemented recently.

STI continues to develop and enhance the PARASIM in response to theneeds of the airborne community. Over 330 systems have been sold world-wide since the first PARASIM system was created 28 years ago, but thereis only one PARASIM 7.

“The new PARASIM 7 network system that was just installed for SOC-CENT is the first of its kind in the world!” said Cecy Pelz, a senior con-tracts administrator with STI. “It comes as no surprise that SOCCENT,who is often positioned at the tip of the spear, is the first to adopt the mostadvanced parachute training system.”

The overall purpose of the PARASIM is to train canopy control, flightpattern optimization, emergency procedure, equipment familiarization andgroup operations in a classroom setting under controlled, repeatable condi-tions.

Highly trained SOCCENT instructors, encompassed with extensive mili-tary jump skills, use PARASIM as a tool to translate their wealth of expe-rience and skills. This allows paratroopers to encounter a variety of situa-tions first-hand and learn how to respond appropriately.

Upgrading to PARASIM 7 will prepare paratroopers for future airborneoperations by combining the core foundation of its dynamics and trainingfeatures with the graphics power of Virtual Battlespace 3.

VBS3 is a flagship of the U.S. Army’s Games for Training program, mak-ing it key to scenario training, airborne operations, mission rehearsal andmore.

With PARASIM 7, U.S. Special Operations Forces can plan and con-duct mission rehearsals globally, under any weather conditions – day ornight. With multiple canopies and training malfunctions included, it makesequipment transition and emergency procedures training accessible, safeand effective.

“Naval Special Warfare Command already had a blanket purchaseagreement with PARASIM, and I was able to convince Special Operations

Command, Joint Communications Support Element and SOCCENT to in-vest in the latest and greatest technology available,” said Maj. Juan Salas,SOCCENT headquarters commandant.

“PARASIM 7 will help paratroopers jump virtually in Drop Zone Zarqa, Jor-dan as we prepare for future training exercises that will be conducted there.”

PARASIM 7 has improved drop zone graphics giving jumpers a view thatlooks less video game-like. Paratroopers have the ability to manipulate in-puts like wind data, aircraft track of flight and in-air release points.

Paratroopers can now use known historical weather data to simulatewhat they could realistically expect. The older version included a pre-pack-aged scenario that may or may not accurately reflect normal conditions onthat particular drop zone.

“Upgrading our simulators is important because the MacDill simulatorswere some of the older ones within the Department of Defense,” said Sgt.Cassandre Casseus, a USSOCOM paratrooper. “While the older versionsstill provided useful training to jumpers, there were limitations that keptthe training from being as realistic as possible. The upgrades provide alot of variables to work with to make the training accurately reflect whatjumpers should expect to see.”

PARASIM 7 features a new military free fall virtual platform that tracksjumper movement during the free fall portion of the scenario. This allowsinstructors to work with jumpers on their body positioning.

This feature harnesses the power of VBS3 making it compatible withSpecial Operations Forces planning, rehearsal and execution preparationscene databases. It provides jumpers the opportunity to correct movementpatterns and body positioning that could cause issues during jumps.

This will play a significant role as the commands prepare to transitionto the bottom of container deployment method for the RA-1 parachutes asjumpers will have to learn new body positions necessary to deploy theirparachutes.

JUMPFrom Page 3

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


COMMUNITY

Protestant serviceSunday - 11 a.m. - combined worship

6 p.m. Thrive (contemporary worship)

Islamic serviceFriday - 1:30 p.m. Prayer

Catholic MassSaturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass

Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass

Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m.

(Blessed Sacrament Room)

For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visitinghttp://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

EVENTSSaturday-SundayBase Pool open

10 a.m.-6 p.m. for recreationalswim

SundayBase Theater

Free movie: “The Replicas” (PG-13). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Moviestarts at 2 p.m. Overflow parkingavailable in the SOCOM parkinggarage.

Tuesday-FridayBase Pool open

6-8 a.m. and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. forlap fitness swim. 2-4 p.m. for rec-reational swim

WednesdayFree golf lessons for activeduty, spouses

12-1 p.m. At Bay Palms GolfCourse driving range. Instruction,golf balls and golf clubs will beprovided if needed. No reservationrequired. For more informationcall 840-6904

ThursdayBase Theater

Free movie: “The Prodigy” (R).Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Moviestarts at 7 p.m.

Now – Aug. 31Kids Bowl Free program

1-6 p.m. Bowl two free gamesevery day. Register at www.kids-bowlfree.com. Subject to laneavailability. For more informationcall 828-4005.

Mark your calendar• June 7– Membership Breakfast• June 7 – Glowarama Family FunNight• June 8 – UFC 238 Fight Night• June 14 – Dash-n-Splash• June 16 – Father’s Day BowlingSpecial

www.macdillfss.com

Photo by Kory McLellan

An alligator rests on the runway at MacDill Air Force Base May 9. The alligator was escorted off of theflightline by members of the 6th Air Mobility Wing Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program.

Be sure to visit the official 6th AirMobilityWingwebsite atwww.macdill.af.mil

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