Friday, August 15, 2025 l Vol. 50, Number 33
SERVING TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF SOLANO COUNTY
60TH MAINTENANCE SQUADRON Page 2
349TH MAINTENANCE SQUADRON Page 3
U-2 DRAGON LADY Page 5
TAILWIND
TRAVIS
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ARCTIC REFUELING
Airman 1st Class Eli A. Rose/U.S. Air Force file
An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 3rd Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing during Red Flag Alaska 25-3 at Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 25. The exercise enhances joint and coalition cooperation through large-force employment training in a simulated combat environment.
Team Expedite welcomes new enlisted leader Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar 18TH AIR FORCE
Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire/U.S. Air Force file photos
Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing disembark from a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 20. The unit established
aerial port operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, offloading air defense systems and military cargo, demonstrating their role in maintaining global security.
621st CRW airmen return from CENTCOM region deployment 1st Lt. Jessica McLaughlin
621ST CONTINGENCY RESPONSE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIXLAKEHURST, N.J — Members of the 621st Contingency Response Squadron recently returned home to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst following a deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility where they were tasked to provide rapid, critical support to ongoing operations in the region. During their deployment, the squadron established an aerial port enabling the quick offload and transfer of military cargo and air defense
An airman from the 621st CRW embraces his daughter at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 20. systems to safeguard American interests and restore deterrence in support of national objectives. The enhanced aerial port capabilities enabled the
more efficient generation of combat airpower, bolstering the overall effectiveness of ongoing operations. “Rapidly establishing security, aerial port operations and command and control at airfields in austere environments is our specialty, and it’s vital.” Col. John Foy, 621st Contingency Response Group commander, said. “This deployment proved once again how crucial Contingency Response Forces are to meeting the demands of our national leaders at a time and place of our choosing.” This deployment demonstrates the 621st CRW’s embodiment of “Mission See 621st, Page 3
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — The Eighteenth Air Force held a historic Change of Responsibility ceremony, marking its first ever ceremonial transition of senior enlisted leadership from Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Blount to Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Arce, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 8. The ceremony saw Blount relinquish responsibility for the readiness, training, and professional development of the Eighteenth Air Force’s enlisted airmen to Arce. Presiding over the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Charles Bolton, 18th AF commander, who lauded Chief Blount for his service and introduced Chief Arce to the command and to the more than 100 guests in attendance. “This is a ceremony steeped in Air Force tradition and significance. It’s a day where we formally recognize the transfer of responsibility for a critical leadership position within Eighteenth Air Force – the Command Chief,” said Bolton. During his speech, Bolton welcomed Arce stating, “I have no doubt that Chief Arce is the right leader to build upon the strong foundation laid by Chief Blount. I am confident that Joseph will See Arce, Page 3
Senior Airman Violette Hosack/U.S. Air Force file
Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Arce, 18th Air Force command chief, thanks the command while joining the team during the 18th AF Change of Responsibility ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Aug. 8.