Travis Tailwind: June 26, 2026

TRAVIS TAILWIND

AERIAL TRIBUTE

outside the 55th Medical Group’s

Four-legged therapist is on duty

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — Behind a big goofy smile, wet pink nose, and wagging tail, the soft patter of furry white paws gently treads through the halls of the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic in search of the next belly rub or head pat. A medical facility may be the last place to expect such an encounter, but for a female, nine-and-a-half-year-old therapy dog such as Izy, it’s just another day to make new friends.

“Our purpose is just to brighten [everyone’s] day,” said Sharon Hall, American Red Cross volunteer, therapy dog handler and Izy’s owner. “I think there’s a noticeable differ-

receives pets during a visit at the

ence when you have an animal with you. And so, when you have somebody who’s stressed out at work or is just having a bad day, it’s a little added brightness to that day.”

What started as a love for dogs – golden retrievers in particular – became a mission to provide comfort, support, and reprieve from the stress of being a patient needing medical attention. Hall and Izy visit numerous medical facilities to help those who could use some levity at often difficult times.

“I love dogs – I see the reaction that you get when you come in with a dog,” Hall said. “There’s a lot of benefit to animal therapy, including reducing blood pressure, some hormonal effects in the human as well as on the dog … a little relief from some of the stress that [patients] might be feeling, and it seems like it’s working

See Dog, Page 6

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — In celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence, the Air Force Band of the Pacific completed a musical tour across the Philippines from March 4-14.

Combining patriotism with purpose, the six airman musicians performed side-by-side with Filipino servicemembers, students, and civic organizations throughout Manila, Tuguegarao, Cebu and Puerto Princesa.

The performances also came as the United States and the Philippines approach the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, a milestone that reflects decades of shared commitment to regional security and cooperation.

In Cagayan, the band performed for Gov. Edgar Aglipay and other regional officials. The event was featured by local influencers reaching an audience of more than 1.5 million Filipinos.

“Through performances like these, the bonds between nations are strengthened, not only through

A time to reflect: What does country’s 250th mean to you?

Hello, beautiful people, it’s your Travis AFB hype-man here. Let’s hit the pause button.

This is a BIG ONE! 250 years! That is not just a birthday cake with a whole lot of candles. That is a moment. That is a national deep breath. It is an invitation for every one of us to ask a simple but powerful question: What does this celebration mean to you?

For me, that question does not land lightly. As a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, I cannot think about America without thinking about the men and women who have raised their right hand and said, “Send me.” I think about young airmen stepping off buses at basic training, not fully understanding yet how much their lives are about to change.

I think about maintainers turning wrenches in the cold, defenders standing post through the night, medics caring for families, aerial porters moving mountains of cargo, and aircrews lifting hope, strength, and freedom across the globe.

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win with airpower anytime, anywhere. But behind those words are people. Good people. Dedicated people. People who choose service before self because they believe this country is worth serving. That is what America’s 250th means to me. It means remembering that freedom has never been free, and greatness has never been accidental. It has always required sacrifice, courage, leadership, and a steady belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

From the founding fathers who placed their names on a Declaration of Independence, to the generations who defended those ideals on distant battlefields, to the military families holding it all together at home, America has been carried forward by people willing to do hard things for something greater than themselves.

First AMC Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 certification awarded

U.S. A ir Force expeditionAry center

pUblic A FFAirS

JOINT BASE

MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. — The 34th Combat Training Squadron (CTS) led the certification event for Air Mobility Command’s first combat-ready Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 – a deployable unit organized for specific overseas missions – during exercise Storm Flag 26-07 held at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, May 9-16.

Earlier this year, the 34th and 49th Combat Training Squadrons realigned under the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations School, bringing individual and unit training under one orga nization solely focused on training warfighters to win. Working with the U.S. Air Force Expedition ary Center, this training system synchronizes how the Air Force designs large-scale exercises to meet modern challenges in support of the National Security Strategy.

diplomacy and security cooperation, but also through cultural exchange and people-to-people connections,” said Aglipay.

In Cebu, the band also performed at a rescue center for survivors of human trafficking and abuse.

“As members of the Air Force Band, we often talk about the power of music to connect – but in that moment I truly felt it. When we sang the Visayan song ‘Usahay,’ everyone in the room joined in.”

It was a reminder that even in the hardest circumstances, music can offer comfort and hope,” said Staff Sgt. Courtney Woods, PACAF Band vocalist “That perfor-

mance will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

In the West Philippine Sea, the band interacted with Philippine airmen from Tactical Operations Wing West and students from Palawan State University.

The American musicians learned from their hosts as well, watching performances of traditional Filipino instruments and music at the University of the Philippines-Diliman

The band held joint performances with St. Paul University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and the Quezon City Symphonic Band. These engagements across the country ultimately serve to affirm enduring American support and friendship for an ally of 80 years.

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and the 49th Combat Training Squadrons into the EOS enterprise we have taken an important step forward, said Col. Sarah Kaiser, EOS com mandant. “We have united training and exercises into a single, cohesive system –a network of training to prepare airmen and wings to deploy anywhere, in any operating environment. Training as a team…that is how you train to win.” Storm Flag, AMC’s only exercise series accredited for realistic joint military training, serves as the premier venue for certifying air expeditionary wings and preparing local leaders to make independent, front-line decisions. The exercise also provides combat representative training, exposing personnel to the intense stress and demands of forward-deployed locations. This controlled, handson environment helps airmen analyze their performance and prepare for contingencies.

To facilitate certification, the 34th CTS spent more than six months designing the exercise to systematically test fundamental airlift and mobility skills, includ-

A maintainer from the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron checks the props on a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport, Miss., May 13. Maintainers conducted around-the-clock operations to ensure aircraft were ready to meet the requirement outlined in the simulated air tasking order.

ing projecting power and delivering lethality at speed in a mock hostile territory. The training audience, mostly from the 19th Air Expeditionary Wing from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., included airmen from 58 career fields, multiple federal agencies and international allies. International partners helped design training objectives and worked directly with U.S. forces, strengthening global partnerships and improving hands-

on readiness.

To ensure peak readiness, the 34th CTS customizes the training

it provides to meet participating unit’s specific

“What greater honor is there than being the metal file or bench grinder that sharpens the spear that defends our nation,” said Lt. Col. Leonard Trujillo, 34th CTS commander.

“The squadron’s experts design realistic, highpressure scenarios – such as operating in austere landing zones, contested resupply, and intensive combat survival training – tailored directly to the participants. By aligning these grueling scenarios with a wing’s specific mission, the 34th CTS transforms baseline readiness into the decisive advantage needed to win.” Navigating these tailored changes, the 19th AEW had to integrate core mission requirements with specific training objectives, challenging airmen to perform mission tasks under combat-like friction and fatigue. Following the week-long exercise, Trujillo and AEW leadership confirmed the unit met mission essential training tasks and officially declared the wing ready for combat operations.

Travis shoppers generate $868K for Quality-of-Life programs in 2025

a Rmy & a iR foRce exchange seRvice public a ffaiRs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — Shopping the Army & Air Force Exchange Service makes a difference: In 2025, Travis shoppers generated $868,000 for the military community. These dividends support critical Quality-of-Life programs that make life better for airmen and their families.

The Exchange is a selfsustaining benefit – 100% of Exchange earnings are reinvested in the military community. Every time service members, retirees, military families, veterans, Department of War civilians and other authorized shoppers pick something up at the BX, grab a meal at a Travis restaurant or place an order through ShopMyExchange.com, they make a tangible contribution to our nation’s military readiness and resiliency.

“While other retail-

ers are tasked with maximizing returns for their shareholders, the Exchange maximizes support to the military community, including here at Travis,” said Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “Those who serve and have served receive value through tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing at the Exchange while also strengthening essential Air Force Quality-of-Life services.”

Last year, Exchange shoppers worldwide generated $307 million in dividends. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has provided $2.3 billion in dividends for Qualityof-Life programs.

The Exchange’s 2025 Mission Report details the Department of War’s largest retailer’s direct impact on military readiness. It can be read on the Exchange’s Community Hub at ShopMyExchange. com/community under “Mission and Impact.”

325th SFS shows readiness with close-quarters battle training

senioR

South entrance to David Grant to be closed over weekend

Daily Republic staff

DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The south entrance for David Grant Medical Center will be closed temporarily starting Saturday and running through Monday evening.

The entrance also will have limited or no pedestrian foot traffic.

“This is due to major crane lift operations as part of the DGMC Medical Repair & Renewal project to replace air handling units,” Travis Air Force Base announced. “The

operation involves heavy equipment mobilization, and the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff are our highest priorities.”

The work begins at 6 a.m. Saturday and continues to 7 p.m. Monday. For life-threatening conditions, emergency room operations will continue as normal with parking in lots B and D for overflow.

A Nurse Advice Line is available at all times for health-related questions. Call 1-800-874-2273.

“The purpose was to ensure every defender possesses the core skills to dominate in direct-action engagements,” said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Rhoades, 325th SFS training and standardization section chief. “This training forges a more lethal and resilient fighting force.”

The training began with foundational classroom instruction and drills, focusing on room entry, clearing procedures and coordinating team-level maneuvers. Once fundamentals were validated, the mission shifted to a force-on-force field training exercise.

Confronted by a simulated opposing force utilizing the training village’s structures for cover and concealment, the scenario escalated rapidly. Equipped with close combat mission capability kits, tactical teams executed coordinated room entries to secure structures and neutralize

simulated threats under battlefield stress.

Following the initial engagements, airmen were required to transition immediately into providing tactical combat casualty care. Teams demonstrated their proficiency in care under fire and tactical field care, responding to simulated injuries with mock blood and high-stress stimuli like loud music.

“When you face a live opposing force, the class-

room instruction gets put to the test,” said Senior Airman Peter Tuccio, 325th SFS unit trainer.

“Our airmen have to make split-second decisions to secure a room under fire, and then immediately shift to save a wingman’s life while the chaos is still unfolding around them.”

The exercise concluded with a formal after-action review to address desired learning objectives.

“The hard work of our

certified training instructors ensured we were able to properly address and improve on deficiencies we identified in our previous active shooter exercise,” said Senior Master Sgt. Reginald Walters, 325th SFS superintendent of future operations. “By incorporating an active opposing force and providing marking cartridges, our airmen had an aggressively demanding scenario to work through.”

This training opportunity reinforced the Air Force’s focus on base defense and expeditionary readiness by testing the 325th SFS’s ability to clear terrain, integrate unit communications and operate decisively in contested environments.

“Everything we do out here comes down to survivability and lethality,” said Tuccio. “This training ensures our defenders have the muscle memory and the tactical discipline to neutralize the threat and own the fight when lives are on the line.”

4TH OF JULY

New deployable air base system strengthens US-Poland alliance

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, EUROPE DISTRICT

POWIDZ, Poland —

U.S. and Polish officials gathered in Powidz Air Base on May 27, to celebrate the completion of the U.S. Air Force’s second-largest War Reserve Materiel site in Europe, a major step forward in military cooperation between the two countries.

The DABS storage complex project was completed through the Poland Provided Infrastructure (PPI) program, which is led and funded by the Polish government in close coordination with U.S. European Command.

“The Poland Provided Infrastructure program is probably… the largest program when it comes to the delivery of military infrastructure in the history of the Polish Armed Forces,” said Polish Chief of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate Maj. Gen. Dariusz Mendrala. He described the DABS project and the larger PPI program investing in Poland’s defensive infrastructure as part of the much broader modernization and transformation of Poland’s armed forces that is underway. “The effort in question consumes almost five percent of the Polish gross domestic product. But peace, the prosperity of our nation and the security of our citizens – they do not have a price that we will not pay.”

The new Deploy -

I had the privilege of serving alongside some incredible leaders. Not just people with rank on their sleeves or titles on their doors, but real leaders. Leaders who made people feel valued, appreciated, cared about, and connected to a mission that mattered.

Leaders who understood that patriotism is not just waving a flag on the Fourth of July, although I love a good flag wave and fireworks show as much as anybody. Patriotism is how we as a nation treat one another. It is how we serve our communities. It is how we mentor the next generation. It is how we choose gratitude over grumbling and responsibility over excuses. When I look at Travis AFB, I see America at work. I see teamwork, diversity, innovation, resilience and purpose. I see families from different backgrounds building friendships, airmen solving problems and communities rallying

Anyone can purchase Exchange gift cards for Travis service members

A rmy &A ir Force exchAnge Service Public A FFAirS

TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — This Independence Day, all Americans can show appreciation for service members by sending an Army & Air Force Exchange Service gift card to those who serve.

Travis shoppers, including civilians, can purchase and send an Exchange gift card from $10 to $500 by visiting ShopMyExchange. com/scs. Shoppers can choose either a physical card or an e-gift card, making it easy to

able Air Base System (DABS) storage complex in Powidz will store essential facilities, equipment and vehicles, making it faster for the U.S. Air Force and NATO Allies to quickly set up and operate from air bases in and around Poland.

“This ribbon cutting is for much more than concrete, steel, and critical infrastructure.” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Chad Ellsworth, U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa, Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection. “It is about a physical manifestation of the U.S.-Polish strategic partnership. It is about building an operational platform that projects combat readiness

behind those who serve. I see the best parts of our nation reflected in everyday acts of commitment. Sometimes greatness looks like a C-17 lifting into the sky. Sometimes it looks like a volunteer coaching kids, a neighbor checking on someone, a spouse keeping the family steady during deployment, or an airman quietly doing the right thing when nobody is watching.

So, as America celebrates 250 years, I hope we do more than attend ceremonies, enjoy parades, and eat hot dogs. Don’t get me wrong, I am absolutely pro-hot dog! But I hope we also pause. Really pause and ask yourself: What does this celebration mean to me? What part of America am I grateful for? Who helped build the life I get to live? What responsibility do I have to help carry this nation forward?

Maybe your answer is service. Maybe it is family. Maybe it is opportunity, faith, sacrifice, education, innovation or simply the freedom to dream a bigger dream. Whatever your answer is, own it.

and serves as a cornerstone of NATO’s Eastern Flank security.”

The U.S. Air Force and Polish allies will store and maintain everything necessary to deploy a fully operational air base at a moment’s notice.

“When an aircraft and its warfighters arrive at a bare base runway anywhere in the region,” Ellsworth said, “everything they need including fuel systems, vehicles, shelters, and equipment is already staged - ready to deploy forward in hours, not weeks or months.”

The Powidz site will hold four complete kits, capable of supporting over 2,200 personnel and multiple aircraft fleets should the need arise.

Share it. Live it. Because America’s next 250 years will not be shaped only by presidents, generals, CEOs or famous names in history books. It will be shaped by everyday people choosing to be good citizens, good neighbors, good teammates, and good leaders. Beautiful people, this birthday is bigger than red, white and blue decorations. It is a reminder that we inherited something precious. Not perfect, but precious. A nation built on big ideas, defended by brave souls, strengthened by families, and renewed by each generation willing to make it better.

So until next time my friends, celebrate America. Celebrate our airmen. Celebrate as families. Celebrate the leaders who inspired goodness, courage and service along the way.

God bless you and the United States of America!

John Evalle is a retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, who works in the Military Affairs Office, Travis Credit Union. jevalle@ traviscu.org.

The facility is currently jointly operated by U.S. and Polish personnel and will transition to be fully Polish-led in the future.

The DABS storage complex project is the first Air Force project completed through the PPI program. Under the PPI program, Poland takes the lead in designing and building modern military infrastructure to meet U.S. and allied requirements.

See Poland, Page 7

support service members across the world. “As Americans mark Independence Day with celebrations, thousands of service members remain far from home,” said Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “A gift card reminds service members they’re appreciated this Fourth of July.” Exchange gift cards and e-gift cards never expire and can be used at any PX, BX, Navy Exchange or Marine Corps Exchange worldwide. Only physical gift cards may be used at Coast Guard Exchanges.

AATTC maintainers expand capabilities through dual qualification initiative

BASE, Mo. — Aircraft maintenance professionals assigned to the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center have reached a significant milestone by becoming dual qualified on both the C-130H and C-130J Hercules, enhancing their ability to support the school’s evolving mission.

When the Airlift Tactics Aircrew Course was established in the 1980s, the training mission was centered primarily on the C-130H airframe. As a result, maintaining a C-130H-qualified maintenance force adequately supported the program. Over the past four decades, however, the AATTC has expanded its scope and now hosts a diverse range of mobility aircraft, with more than half of being the C-130J.

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attending ATAC,” said Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Breyfogle, AATTC maintenance superintendent. Breyfogle developed the dual-qualification program in 2023, establishing eligibility requirements, training documentation procedures and annual recertification standards.

Air Force maintainers with the 123th Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, train maintainers with the 139th Airlift Wing on a C-130J Hercules aircraft at Louisville Air National Guard Base, Ky., March 9. The 139th airmen

Recognizing the need for broader maintenance expertise, the National Guard Bureau’s Logis-

tics Directorate endorsed the AATTC maintenance department in 2026 to become only the second

are instructors at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center and became dual qualified on both the C-130H and C-130J Hercules to enhance their ability to support the school’s evolving mission.

unit in the Air National Guard authorized to maintain dual qualifications on both C-130 variants.

“This initiative helps close capability gaps and better supports the wide range of aircraft and crews

The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing has played a critical role in the effort by dedicating aircraft availability, maintenance expertise and instructor support to train AATTC maintainers. The partnership provides hands-on experience with the C-130J platform and establishes a long-term relationship that will help sustain proficiency for future maintainers. The expanded qualification program strengthens AATTC’s ability to support airlift training and ensures maintainers are prepared to meet the demands of today’s operational airlift fleet.

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The unseen mission: 388th

OSS is the ultimate wingman

HILL AIR FORCE

BASE, Utah — F-35A Lightning II Fighter jets from the 388th Fighter Wing are a powerful, visible symbol of America’s airpower. Behind every sortie, every exercise, every deployment, and every successful mission is a sprawling, multi-faceted team of airmen working tirelessly. For the 388th Operations Support Squadron “support” is in the name.

The OSS is the Operations Group’s largest squadron with the most diverse mission, composed of more than 220 airmen and 19 different Air Force Specialty Codes, or career fields. The OSS functions are so critical that the Fighter Wing’s mission of “Delivering F-35 Dominance… Anytime, Anywhere” simply cannot happen without their efforts.

“So much of what the OSS does, happens behind the scenes, and the mission doesn’t move without our airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. Magda DeLaRosa, 388th OSS senior enlisted leader. “They’re solving problems and laying the groundwork long before the pilot ever steps in the jet. The impact of our airmen is everywhere, even when they’re not in the spotlight.”

The OSS is the operational nexus for the wing. Its airmen function as touchpoints for pilots and maintainers alike. Their mission encompasses a variety of functions, from intelligence analysis and cyber operations, aircrew flight equipment to pilot training as well as airspace and aircraft scheduling.

“The flying mission is frequently perceived as pilot-centric,” said Lt. Col. Sarah Kercher, commander of the 388th OSS. “But it’s our enlisted airmen and support officers who ensure the mission starts on time and stays on track. Our team is turning on the lights, sustaining the mission and keeping the machine running. The impact is invisible, only until the moment it isn’t.”

A significant and unique part of their mission is the massive cyber footprint required by the F-35. The squadron’s cyber flight provides indispensable IT support for the fifth-generation fighter.

“The F-35 has massive cyber backbone, and

brief,” DeLaRosa said.

“Our intel professionals spend hours researching, analyzing, and refining information so pilots have the clearest picture possible before a mission. That preparation also helps keep maintainers and other support personnel safe on the ground. Their effort is a critical part of how this wing stays ready and effective.”

From Page 1

because everybody looks forward to her visits.”

Izy’s tenure as a therapy dog began eight years ago, but her path toward achieving that status was full of challenges. Canine candidates are thoroughly evaluated on their personality, obedience, and demeanor.

During the evaluation process the dog must consistently walk by their owner’s side, must stay put when told, and be able to go with someone other than the owner who will step out of the room. This determines the dog’s reaction and whether it stays calm or becomes anxious. The dog also must remain patient with the noises they may hear and the people they could meet. Some of those people could be in wheelchairs or have medical equipment on them or could have a disability that may cause them to pet the dog harder than other people. While those scenarios and tasks might test any dog’s patience, Hall said there are a couple of particular things that prove the most difficult.

“One of the more difficult ones is getting the dog to not pick up anything. You walk your dog past either food or a toy, and they can look at it, but they’re not supposed to grab it or take it,” she said. “The other more difficult one is if you meet somebody with another dog. So, the idea is that you greet the other person and not have your dog go greet the other dog.”

Hall, an avid volunteer for more than 15 years, uses and trains her own dogs to provide these services, which she does in the spirit of helping others. Volunteering is not the only service she’s provided. She has also worked in the medical field with a background in clinical nursing, risk management, and education. Izy isn’t the first therapy dog Hall has volunteered either. When her first therapy dog got older and less mobile, she retired her and started Izy on the same path. While Izy has become a fixture at the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic, Hall has also visited the Veteran’s Affairs hospital, in addition to other medical facilities – not just in the Omaha area –but in other parts of the country where she previously resided.

Hall credits her ability to share Izy’s love through the support she receives from the Red Cross. The organization sets up visits and special events where her and Izy attend. She didn’t realize the in-depth support the Red Cross provides to veterans and military personnel and said the interactions are remarkable and the experience is very valuable.

On Offutt, many airmen cross paths with Izy and seem happy to nuzzle her fluffy white coat.

“Therapy dogs are great. It’s awesome to see an animal that’s happy to see you and pet her,” said Staff Sgt. Lucas Park, 97th Intelligence Squadron airborne linguist. “She reminds me of our dog who passed away.”

Although she lacks direct military experience, Hall finds her family’s military service influences her support of Offutt personnel. Her dad served in the National Guard, and her husband, who was drafted during the Vietnam War, served in the Army. Offutt became one of the first bases she’s experienced. Hall is now looking toward the future on other ways to get involved and volunteer.

“They do have programs for therapy animals for disaster recovery. Large fires, like in California – they’ve provided therapy dogs for that,” Hall explained. “I think there’s a need for that.”

One example of her working in disaster relief was when she provided support after a fire burned through an apartment complex in a small town north of Omaha.

“I drove up an evening where the Red Cross had set up for residents who had lost their home in a fire, an apartment fire,” she said. “That’s another aspect of therapy work support.” She’s seen firsthand the positive impact animals have on people when they could use a little boost in their day. Hall remembers walking into a hospital with her previous therapy dog, Sydney. One situation at that hospital demonstrated the kind of instinct Hall’s therapy animal had when Sydney approached someone who was waiting to have a worrying medical procedure.

our airmen are the ones keeping those systems mission-ready,” DeLaRosa said. “Other aircraft don’t operate with this level of digital complexity. Most people will never see the hours of work behind the networks, systems, and data that make the F-35 lethal. But our team shows up every day and makes it look effortless.”

“When new F-35 units stand up, they come to the OSS because our airmen have built a reputation of excellence,” DeLaRosa said. “We share our best practices and our lessons learned because we want the entire enterprise to succeed. That’s the kind of professionalism our team brings to the fight.”

In addition to the web of networks and code, the OSS ensures every pilot is equipped and ready. The Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) flight manages all life support equipment, including the pilots’ gear, helmet, mask and as well

as their survival components. This is a critical task, as the pilot’s gear is specifically designed and programmed for each pilot and configurations change depending on the operation.

“Local flying configuration for our pilot gear looks different from that in CENTCOM, and, again, different for INDOPACOM,” Kercher said. “Each region has tailored requirements, and our squadron ensures the pilots are prepared for the mission, wherever they’re needed.”

The OSS’s Intelligence Flight works to provide commanders, weapons officers, and pilots with critical intelligence briefs, again, tailored to the mission as well as the location. The effort involved is immense.

“The work that goes into an intel briefing is far more involved than what anyone sees during the presentation or mission planning

The squadron’s broad scope also includes smaller flights, composed of deployment managers, Executive Communications and knowledge Operations, Airspace Scheduling, and Wing Training – which handles everything from the F-35 training simulators, the Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape program and Aerospace Physiology Training –there is even have a team that exists to augment the aircrew’s physical fitness and well-being.

With so many different functions, some geographically separated across the base, the squadron leadership’s priority is creating a unified identity.

“My goal is to ensure our airmen feel their direct connection and vital impact to this wing’s mission,” Kercher said.

“The OSS airmen don’t always get to witness the volume of sorties they support or the results those missions achieved, but every OSS airmen is a part of every mission… from tasking to execution. The mission here in the 388th Fighter Wing simply cannot happen without OSS efforts, which puts us at nexus of Hill AFB airpower.”

“I moved here about four years ago from the Seattle area, and there I was affiliated with a group called Pet Partners,” Hall said. “Now I’m going through Healing Heart, a non-profit, that provides me with training and testing to make sure she is qualified and a good dog personality wise, temperament wise as well as listening wise to be a therapy dog. We get recertified every two years.”

“I was at a hospital and my therapy dog stopped by this person who was on the phone. She stopped talking and said I’ve got to go, there’s a therapy dog here to see me. We chatted a little bit and Sydney was getting petted and everything and then it was time to go. She looked at Sydney and said, thank you, I needed that,” Hall said. “It was Sydney who initiated the stop at that person, not me. We weren’t yet on duty; we were just walking in.”

Providing therapy animal support enables Hall to make a difference in the military and local community.

p.m. to 3 p.m., June 27. Young artists can enjoy various Play-Doh toys such as the Hulk Smash and Squish, Barbie Designer Pattern packs, Disney Junior Stamp and

Go and more. “At the Exchange, there’s no limit on creativity,” said Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “The Exchange is honored to create spaces military children are free to grow, create and bring their wildest dreams to life.”

Preregistration is not required. For more information, contact the Travis Exchange or visit the Travis Exchange’s social media pages.

Poland

From Page 4

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers represents U.S. European Command as the U.S. execution agent for the PPI program and works closely with Polish partners to support design and construction efforts for PPI projects – including the DABS storage complex. This includes early design development, design review processes and on-site construction oversight to enable seam-

less interoperability. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed to delivering the Poland Provided Infrastructure program in close partnership with our Polish allies,” said Tom Waters, Chief of Special Programs Integration Office, Europe District after the ceremony. “Delivery of projects like this DABS storage complex is a key part of our mission to support the warfighter since projects like this make a big impact on operational readiness, lethality and deterrence along NATO’s Eastern Flank.”

SecretAry oF the A ir Force

Public A FFAirS

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will commence its initial commissioning flights, marking the successful delivery of a secure, modified executive platform. Fresh from receiving its new red, white, and blue livery and the final government modifications, the aircraft has entered service to provide critical, secure continuity for the commander in chief.

The delivery of the Bridge aircraft fulfills an imperative to relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet as heavy maintenance cycles extend, safeguarding the continuity of presidential airlift operations until the longterm Boeing VC-25B enters service.

“The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink.

“From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission. This effort proves that the U.S. Air Force can move fast without sacrificing quality, security, or reliability.”

Commissioning flights

Commissioning flights are the “final exam” for the aircraft modification. They provide both an opportunity for the White

House enterprise to validate mission-capability, while also finalizing protocols required to safely and securely transport the President of the United States and enable his execution of his three constitutional roles; Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, and Head of State.

Once these flights are successfully completed, the aircraft is officially “commissioned” into the active executive airlift fleet and becomes available for presidential missions along with the VC-25A and C-32 fleets.

Safety, security and secure communications at the forefront

The Bridge program represents what is possible when the collective stakeholders across the public and private sector align behind one foundational mission outcome. Any aircraft bestowed the call sign “Air Force One” must meet rigorous security requirements to ensure the President remains safe, protected, and fully

connected. The VC-25B Bridge aircraft was modified under a disciplined engineering approach that prioritized these exact core capabilities above all else.

The aircraft is safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission. Those requirements were carefully crafted to prioritize mission over aesthetics, leaving much of the previous head of state interior layout minimally changed. No risk was taken in security, safety or mission communications, but the collective team made trades on some of the less commonly used mission sets that Boeing must deliver to support the next 40 years.

Balancing acceleration with security and operational readiness, the VC-25B Bridge program represents a fundamental shift in rapid, secure capability delivery. Every facet of the bridge program was oriented towards acceleration and thinking differently.

Operational readiness

depends on three key components: mission capability to perform assigned tasks, highly trained personnel to operate and maintain the aircraft, and adequate logistics support including, spare parts and resources, all of which were rigorously assessed. To ensure mission capability, an elite group of interagency experts developed benchmark protocols to detect and, if necessary, neutralize potential technical hazards on the previously owned aircraft.

The training pipeline started last October with the lease of an Atlas Air 747-8F to begin training pilots and maintainers followed by the purchase of a Lufthansa 747-8i as a full-time training asset for the entire crew complement. Additionally, a full three-dimensional mock-up of the interior of VC-25B Bridge delivered in January provided the White House enterprise the ability to begin familiarization training ahead of the bridge’s first commissioning flight. Underpinning the entire program, is logistics support. Acceleration focused on procuring initial spares and establishing a supply chain, not only for this aircraft, but as a launching point for future 747-8 fleet.

“We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “Many thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline.”