Travis Tailwind: October 31, 2025

TRAVIS TAILWIND

TOUCHAND- GO

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE — Air Force officials want private companies to build artificial intelligence data centers on more than 3,000 acres of land on five of its military bases, raising questions about security, ethics, and land use.

The Air Force bases – Davis-Monthan in Ariz., Edwards, Robins in Ga., Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst in N.J., and Arnold in Tenn. – will make “underutilized” land available “for private commercial data center use,” according to an Oct. 15 and Oct. 21 request for lease proposal from the service published online.

“AI is transforming the modern world, and these data centers are crucial for America to remain at the forefront of innovation,” Robert Moriarty, the Air Force’s deputy assistant secretary of installations, said in an unpublished news release.

The lease proposal follows a late July executive order in which President Donald Trump promised a “golden age for American manufacturing and technological dominance” by offering up federal land for AI data centers. But a national security expert said the unprecedented deal could blur the lines between public and private partnerships – and may make it hard for the military to regain control of that land in the future.

“I have never heard of something like this before, where some of the public land was going to be leased to private companies to use,” said Stacie Pettyjohn, a senior fellow and director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security think tank. “I think it is noteworthy ... because it is potentially ceding land that the U.S. government will actually never get control over again.”

The vast majority of the land, 2,115 acres, is spread across seven sites at Edwards Air Force Base, home to many of the service’s test aircraft projects. Pettyjohn said a private company having access to those bases and nearby training exercises and test facilities is concerning.

“If you’re letting a lot of people on the base, there is a lot of room for potential espionage, let alone sabotage or things like that,” Pettyjohn See Data, Page 3

Thaw your turkey

Hello beautiful people!

It’s your Travis AFB “Hype-man,” still recovering from a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup sugar spike! Younger readers, take note: Once those gray hairs show up, your body stops processing sweets like it used to. While I loved the Halloween season, it’s already time to gear up for the next great holiday feast: Thanksgiving. I know plans are already underway for big family dinners, friendly gettogethers, and well-earned food comas.

But before you finalize the menu, here’s this month’s first piece of leadership (and life) advice: Don’t forget to thaw your turkey.

Yes, really. The safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is one full day in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird. That’s not something you can rush. Miss that detail, and your beautifully planned dinner could turn into a holiday disaster before it ever hits the oven.

The second item, and even more important to focus on while you’re planning your meal, is to take time to reflect on all the blessings in your life: the people, experiences and goodness that make it rich. We often get caught up in our “to-do” lists and forget that gratitude belongs at the very top.

So here’s your friendly challenge:

n Make a short list of the people and things you’re most thankful for.

n Reach out to someone you haven’t connected with in a while to just to say hello and thank you.

n Be intentional about showing appreciation.

This season is about

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TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — In honor of Veterans Day, the Travis BX is saluting the military’s selfless service with exclusive deals and offers.

Beginning on ShopMyExchange.com

midnight Central time

Nov. 7 through Nov. 13, all authorized shoppers can enjoy discounts on electrnics, outdoor equipment, athletic gear and more both online and instores, including:

n Up to $250 off Samsung smart TVs.

n $300 off MacBook Air laptops.

n 10% off RayBan, Oakley and Costa sunglasses.

n 20% off Yeti coolers,

more than food, it’s about fellowship and reflection. Gratitude is the secret ingredient that turns an ordinary gathering into something truly special. And if you really want to be part of something meaningful this season, don’t miss one of Travis AFB’s most heartwarming annual traditions: the 60th Maintenance Group Holiday Tree Festival and Auction supporting the Travis AFB Fisher House. This event plays a vital role in helping the two Fisher Houses on base continue their mission of providing free lodging and support for families traveling from around the world to be with their loved ones receiving long-term care at David Grant Medical Center.

Mark your calendar: Friday, Nov. 21, 60 MXG HQ Atrium (Building 31, 501 Hangar Ave.). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Travis Credit Union is proud to be a long-time sponsor, and we’ll be there along with many other base and community partners to bid on beautifully themed holiday trees and festive gift baskets. If you’d like to donate a tree, contribute a basket or learn more, contact: Lori Caron at 707- 3652128; or 2nd Lt. Mirta Hernandez Carrion at 612-271-8773; or send an email to BEBCTREE Auction@gmail.com.

As always, until next time: Be intentional, be the goodness, and don’t forget to thaw your turkey.

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

US military’s Romania mission to fortify NATO’s

Tribune

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania — The 3rd Infantry Division took command this week of Army operations in the Black Sea region with a task force of soldiers dispatched to Romania on a nine-month deployment.

The unit replaced the 1st Armored Division on Monday during a ceremony at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, which serves as the main hub for U.S. forces in Romania, the Army said in a statement the same day.

The operations involve about 3,000 soldiers taking part in missions across Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria.

During its deployment, the 1st Armored Division’s Task Force Iron “advanced U.S.-NATO command and control integration with detailed planning of crisis response operations, eastern flank defense lines, and forward land forces expansion,” the Army statement said.

drinkware and gear.

n 30% off tactical brands including United States Tactical, Toaks, Red Rock Outdoor Gear and more at Military Clothing stores.

n Up to 50% off bedding items and 40% off haircare and personal hygiene.

Travis shoppers can find all the best deals on weekly sales flyers in the BX and on Shop MyExchange.com.

“The Travis Exchange is honored to deliver special offers – including everyday tax-free savings –to the military community on Veterans Day to recognize service and sacrifice,” said Travis BX General Manager Cathie Byrns. “These exclusive deals highlight the Exchange’s

Bolstering troop levels and command capabilities around the Black Sea became a priority in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The Pentagon boost in force levels in Europe included an increase in

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troop numbers in and around Romania.

In 2023, there was debate in the Pentagon

about whether rotational forces that had been added in Europe should be curtailed, but military leaders

ultimately opted to continue with an increased presence on the continent.

The 3rd Infantry Division’s arrival comes amid an ongoing force posture review at the Pentagon that could have implications for the U.S. European Command mission. It’s unclear what President Donald Trump’s plans are for troop levels in Europe. However, numerous NATO allies are anticipating potential cuts in connection with a Pentagon push to better counter China in the Pacific.

hosts coin giveaway for Veterans Day

BASE — In honor of Veterans Day, the Travis BX is saluting those who served with free commemorative challenge coins.

for their courage, sacrifice and service,” said Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “Presenting this coin is another opportunity for the Exchange to express its gratitude for those who’ve served.”

TRAVIS TAILWIND

| Fax 707-425-5924 Publishers: Foy S. McNaughton and T. Burt McNaughton

This is seventh year the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will distribute coins to Veterans on Nov. 11. The giveaway is part of a joint effort by military resale – including the Navy Exchange Service Command, Marine Corps Exchange and Coast Guard Exchange – to honor those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

“It is an honor for the BX to recognize veterans and thank them

The coins, featuring an eagle and shield on one side and the six emblems of the Armed Forces on the other, are available starting at 11 a.m. on Nov. 8 at the Main Store BX while supplies last. Veterans can visit ShopMyExchange. com/SaluteToService or Installation PX or BX social media pages for more information.

This year’s challenge coin giveaway is part of the Travis BX’s Salute to Service, a monthlong

recognition of all who wear and have worn our nation’s uniform. Giveaways include: n Nov. 15: Vet for Life decals. n Nov. 22: Vet for Life patches. n Nov. 29: Collectible penny POGs, a nod to the cardboard currency used in Southwest Asia in the 2000s.

Disabled veterans can use their hard-earned Exchange benefit instore and online while all honorably discharged veterans can shop taxfree for life at ShopMyEx change.com. Veterans can visit aafes.media/paveter ans for more information on their earned lifelong Exchange benefits.

Military Star makes wishes come true with Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes

a rmy & a ir ForCe

exChaNGe ServiCe

PUbliC a FFairS

TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — The Military Star card is bringing extra joy to the holidays with the 12 th annual Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes.

All Military Star cardmembers will be automatically entered when they use their card from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, anywhere Military Star is accepted. Each purchase made at the BX or online during the sweepstakes period counts as one entry.

Five grand-prize winners will have their card balances paid in full, with a minimum of $2,500. Winners with a balance less than $2,500 will receive a statement credit for the difference. Ten secondprize winners will each receive $1,000 statement credits, and 25 third-prize winners will each receive $500 statement credits.

Since 2014, Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes winners have won nearly $450,000.

“The Exchange is ready to bring extra excitement to the holiday season with one of our biggest sweepstakes,” Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns said. “There is no better time to enjoy all the benefits the Military Star card has to offer and earn unlimited entries for these great prizes.”

The Military Star card can be used at

military exchanges, commissaries, Exchange mall vendors, concessionaires, name-brand restaurants, food delivery services, Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities and more.

Cardmembers enjoy everyday benefits, including:

n 5 cents off per gallon at on-installation fuel stations (Exchange, NEX and MCX).

n 10% off food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants.

n Free standard shipping at ShopMyExchange.com and MyNavyExchange. com.

n 10% discount on all first-day purchases.

n Unlimited reward points earned with every purchase, receiving a $20 digital rewards card every 2,000 points.

n A $1,000 interestfree Military Clothing line of credit and deployment benefits for eligible cardmembers.

n No annual, late, or over-limit fees.

n Industry-low flat APR for all cardmembers, regardless of credit score. Department of War and Coast Guard civilians and honorably discharged veterans who have confirmed their eligibility to shop online may also enter. Veterans can visit https://aafes.media/ paveterans to learn more about their shopping benefit. DoW civilians can visit https://aafes. media/cacbenefitspa.

U.S. CoaSt GUard NewS

ALAMEDA — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche returned to its Base Alameda home port Oct. 10, concluding a 105-day Arctic deployment spanning over 21,000 nautical miles.

Waesche’s deployment underscored the Coast Guard’s commitment to safeguarding U.S. sovereignty, enforcing border control, and ensuring national security in the strategically vital Bering Sea, Arctic Ocean, and along the U.S.-Russia Maritime Boundary Line.

Throughout the three-and-a-half-month deployment, the crew integrated operations with U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and U.S. Alaska Command (ALCOM), conducting national defense operations and enforcing maritime laws to safeguard national sovereignty in an increasingly geostrategic Arctic.

Christian Turner/U.S. Air Force file (2024)

A B-2 Spirit soars over the Mojave Desert, July 17, 2024. The aircraft is assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron, 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base.

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said. “It does seem to be purely commercial and transactional, and a part of the broader administration’s policy towards blurring the lines between private and public which, in some ways, is what you see in authoritarian states like China.” Spaces at the other bases in the proposal include 300 acres in Arizona, 219 acres in Georgia., 193 acres in New Jersey, and 274 in Tennessee. An Air Force spokesperson said the service will “ensure the proper security precautions are taken to protect the installation and its assets.”

The AI boom has driven a need for land as well as for more electrical power to fuel the data centers, underscoring the Pentagon’s rapid search for companies to field nuclear microreactors as a supply source. For the Air Force’s proposal, the chosen developer would be responsible for supplying “sufficient power and water,” with interest given to water-efficient technology, the service

spokesperson said. Additionally, companies must submit a “mitigation and contingency plan to ensure the local communities’ utilities service life, resiliency, and capacity are not impacted,” the spokesperson said. The government can purchase AI data center services and power from the project, but “is under no obligation to do so,” according to the lease proposal. Companies must offer “fair-market value” for the land and a payment of $250,000 to the government. The developer must also have a prior history and show proof they’ve built three AI data centers drawing at least 100 megawatts of new contracted power within the last three years. Responses to the Air Force’s solicitation are due by Nov. 14 and the service will select winning lease proposals by January 2026. “The Department of the Air Force is focused on swiftly, yet effectively, selecting an industry leader as a lease applicant,” said Benjamin Kindt, the Air Force’s chief of real estate development, in the unpublished news release.

The Arctic is a national priority. The U.S. Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting U.S. interests in the Arctic and ensuring the safety and security of Alaska’s maritime borders and approaches.

Five China-affiliated research vessels operated in the Arctic region over the summer, and Waesche was one of several Coast Guard assets deployed to the Arctic to control, secure, and defend U.S. territory and sovereign interests.

In August, Waesche’s crew responded to the People’s Republic of China Research Vessel Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di as it was transiting north in the Chukchi Sea above the Arctic Circle, after passing through the Bering Strait. Waesche and the Coast Guard Cutter Healy patrolled the Arctic Ocean in September supporting Operation Frontier Sentinel, an operation that responds to adversaries operating in and around Alaskan and U.S. Arctic waters, before responding to China’s research vessels in the region. The U.S. Coast Guard’s responses are intended to counter malign activities, defend sovereign interests, and promote maritime conduct consistent with international law and norms.

The Coast Guard is the only U.S. surface presence in the Arctic and works in conjunction with U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command to constantly monitor foreign vessels operating in and near U.S. waters in support of U.S. homeland defense and security operations.

While deployed to the region, Waesche served as a Forward Afloat Staging Base during NORTHCOM’s Exercise Arctic

Edge 2025, executing a complex, multi-agency assault of a mock target of interest. The operation showcased seamless integration between Waesche, Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West, U.S. Navy SEALs, and the Alaska Air National Guard to rapidly respond to domestic threats.

Waesche conducted joint operations with ALCOM and the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Regina, demonstrating interagency coordination and a

shared commitment to regional security during a joint patrol. The exercise included a passenger exchange, a mock boarding, cross-deck hoist operations with Regina’s CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, air support from a U.S. Coast Guard C-130J Hercules fixed wing aircraft from Air Station Kodiak and a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora.

“This deployment was a resounding success, proving the concept of expeditionary logistics in the Northern Frontier and

solidifying our partnerships with the Joint Force and key allies,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Tyson Scofield, commanding officer of Waesche. “The underway replenishment with Asterix and the successful barge fueling in Kotzebue represent a significant leap forward in our ability to sustain operations in the Arctic. Our integration with the Royal Canadian Navy, ALCOM, and NORTHCOM highlights the importance of

Local food banks wrestle with taking California National Guard assistance

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

SAN JOSE — For the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley food bank in Santa Clara County, the California National Guard were “lifesavers” during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, said CEO Leslie Bacho.

Some 200 Guard troops filled in for the nonprofit’s hundreds of volunteers who were under stay-at-home orders. They packed, loaded and distributed meals to people who suddenly found themselves out of work or in desperate need of help to feed themselves and their families.

Nearly six years later, Bacho might be inclined to say “thanks so much but we’ll see” to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s offer to send the state’s National Guard troops to food banks again, this time to help them cope with a possible influx of hundreds of thousands of Bay Area residents facing delays in their federal food assistance payments, due to the federal government shutdown.

Unfortunately, the timing of Newsom’s “humanitarian deployment” of National Guard members presents complica-

tions for food banks, as Bacho explained. In the past four months, the Trump administration has ordered the National Guard to play an increasing role

in its widening crackdowns on immigration and violent crime in cities around the United States. This timing, therefore, raises concerns that the pres-

ence of federal uniformed troops at food-distribution sites could be scary for certain low-income populations. “Just in this moment, there’s

a lot of fear and concern in the community,” Bacho said. “We would be having folks who are associated with law enforcement at sites who might scare people away,” she said with evident regret, given her regard for National Guard efforts in March 2020.

Bacho said she could see National Guard troops helping out in their warehouses, though the food bank currently has enough volunteers at those locations.

Similarly, Caitlin Sly, CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, said they don’t have a need for National Guard help right now and tend to have plenty of volunteers during the holiday season. But the situation could change in the coming weeks if the shutdown continues, Sly said. There are some 98,000 households in their two-county service area that won’t be getting payments from CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “We’re grateful for the offer,” she said.

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dedication to serving those who serve.”

Military Star cardmembers can enjoy more exclusive offers from Nov. 7 through Nov. 11 when using their card, including:

n 15% off any food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants.

n $10 off any Exchange mall purchase of $25 or more. (Coupon required. See the Exchange main store customer service desk.)

n 10 cents off per gallon instead of the regular 5-cent discount (Nov. 11 only).

n An extra 10% off select clothing, coats, shoes, fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, watches, handbags and prestige cosmetics.

n 0% interest and no payments for 90 days days on purchases of $149 or more.

n Double points –four per $1 – earned on every purchase.

Cardmembers enjoy an industry-best 14.24% APR – the lowest of all unsecured retail cards – plus everyday

benefits including: n 10% off all firstday purchases. n 10% off food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants.

n 5 cents off per gallon at on-installation fuel stations (Exchange, NEX and MCX).

n Free shipping on ShopMyExchange. com and MyNavyExchange.com orders.

n Unlimited reward points on every purchase plus a $20 digital rewards card every 2,000 points.

n A $1,000 interestfree Military Clothing line of credit and deployment benefits for eligible cardmembers. In addition to these special Veterans Day deals, the Travis BX invites all active-duty military, retirees and veterans with in-store shopping benefits to their Exchange for exclusive limited-edition giveaways of collectible POGs, challenge coins, decals and patches throughout the month. For more information, visit ShopMyExchange.com/ salutetoservice.

Members

Marines fire HIMARS from range near Mount Fuji for first time

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

GOTEMBA, Japan —

U.S. Marines fired a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, for the first time Monday at a training range near Mount Fuji, the service said.

The live-fire exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji was carried out by members of 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment out of Camp Hansen, Okinawa, according to a statement from the division.

Camp Fuji is near the base of Japan’s tallest mountain, an active volcano about 75 miles southwest of Tokyo.

U.S. Forces Japan declined a request by Stars and Stripes to attend the training because of the ongoing federal government shutdown. Mount Fuji was shrouded by clouds during the live fire, which could be seen from the town of Gotemba in Shizuoka prefecture

“The HIMARS live fire training opportunity at Camp Fuji is essential for the lethality of our battalion,” battalion commander Lt. Col. Frank Mastromauro said in the statement. “This exercise enables our marines to rehearse critical tasks, refine our procedures, and demonstrate deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to the stability of our allies.”

HIMARS is a mobile, long-range rocket artillery

platform capable of rapid emplacement, engagement and displacement. The system is central to the Marine Corps’ Force Design modernization effort, which emphasizes stand-in forces able to counter adversaries seeking to deny the U.S. access to key terrain and waterways in the region.

“Training at CATC Fuji is critical for the Marine Corps’ only forwarddeployed artillery unit to rehearse and project longrange precision fires,” division commander Maj. Gen. Kyle Ellison said in the statement. “This

training is foundational to enhancing 3/12’s agility and flexibility, ensuring they can safely and rapidly generate combat power in support of the Joint force.”

The Marines last fired HIMARS in Japan last month at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area on Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost island, according to a Japanese Ministry of Defense document posted on Betsukai town’s website. That training was part of Resolute Dragon, an exercise held Sept. 11-25 across Japan that included the country’s Multiple Launch

Rocket System. The

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joint exercise in 2017 at Yausubetsu, according to U.S. IndoPacific Command. Australia’s army fired a Precision Strike Missile with a range of more than 310 miles from its new HIMARS during Talisman Sabre, a three-week exercise held in July and August in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The training involved 40,000 troops from the U.S., Australia and 17 other nations.

a statement Friday.

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peace through strength to maintain an Arctic free of adversarial coercion.”

Waesche successfully conducted the Coast Guard’s first-ever fueling at sea in the Alaskan theater with the Royal Canadian Navy replenishment oiler MV Asterix – accomplished in 6-8 foot seas with sustained 30-knot winds. Additionally, Waesche fueled north of the Arctic Circle, extending Coast Guard operations into the remote Arctic environment.

Waesche’s crew conducted professional exchanges with Canadian counterparts, including HMCS Max Bernays in Dutch Harbor, and hosted personnel from

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration law enforcement division, and Russian and Mandarin interpreters, further enhancing the cutter’s operational capabilities and regional understanding. Coast Guard Cutter Healy joined Waesche for a joint MBL patrol as well. Commissioned in 2010, Waesche is one of four Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Alameda. National security cutters are 418-feet long, 54-feet wide, have a top speed of over 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, endurance of up to 90 days, and can hold a crew of up to 170. The advanced technologies of the national security cutter class ships are designed to support the operations and missions throughout the Pacific.

“If we end up needing it, we will call upon it.”

But, like Bacho, Sly said her food bank would be wary about having federal troops in any public-facing role at the present time and would instead have them work at their two warehouses in Concord and Fairfield.

“There is so much chaos and confusion going on for low-income individuals and people experiencing hunger, especially among our immigrant populations,” Sly said. Their clients also could confuse National Guard members with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, she said. “We wouldn’t want to unnecessarily scare or deter people from feeling safe to come get food from us.”

Thus far, both the San Francisco-Marin Food

Bank and the Alameda County Food Bank have declined offers of California National Guard help, according to NBC BayArea. It’s not clear if these food banks have enough staff and volunteers to distribute food, or if they have concerns about the presence of uniformed troops at their work sites. Executives at these food banks were not available to comment.

As the federal government shutdown drags into its fourth week, Newsom’s office announced that it was deploying National Guard troops to food banks and fast-tracking up to $80 million in state funding for these organizations.

Some 5.5 million CalFresh recipients have begun to experience delays in their November food benefits, his office said.

“As SNAP delays hit dinner tables right before the holiday season, the state is working hard to keep families from going hungry,” Newsom said in

The first deployment of California National Guard troops began Friday at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, where they helped civilian volunteers sort and package 25,000 pounds of fresh produce. As a local TV news station reported, these troops helped “give back to the community,” just months after some 4,000 of their colleagues were dispatched to Los Angeles to hold back crowds protesting immigration raids.

“Today, the California Military Department is on the ground supporting food bank operations in Los Angeles,” Major General Matthew P. Beevers, the department’s adjutant general, said in a statement. “We are grateful to play a crucial role in this effort and honored to serve our communities once again.”

But as if anticipating the concerns of food bank executives like Bacho and Sly, Newsom’s office said

that Guard members would work behind the scenes at warehouses, where they could be put to work packing boxes, managing deliveries and otherwise moving supplies to keep food flowing to people in need. Under the governor’s command and at the direction of the state’s Department of Social Services, troops won’t interact directly with the public, and they will “not conduct any immigration questions or enforcement.”

Even with the troops having orders not to conduct enforcement operations, Bacho expects that some of their clients will still want to avoid going anywhere near them. And as Second Harvest remains open to welcoming National Guard help in the future, “we want to reassure folks that we won’t have a National Guard presence at our distribution sites because we don’t want people to be afraid to reach out for help.”