United States Air Force Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection

SSgt Jesse Lookingglass, whose roots trace back to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, has found a way to honor his heritage while maintaining aircraft readiness for the Air National Guard.? ? Native American Heritage Month is observed in November to recognize the achievements and contributions of Native Americans. In commemoration, SSgt Lookingglass, a crew chief and mechanic within the D.C. Air National Guard's 213th Maintenance Squadron, reflects on the meaning of service, family legacy, and cultural pride.? ? “Being able to explain my culture, especially during Native American Heritage Month, is important. Many people have limited exposure to Native Americans, and it’s rewarding to answer their questions and share the reality beyond Hollywood stereotypes,” SSgt Lookingglass said, noting that Lakota traditions often align with popular images of Native life.? ? In addition to his heritage, SSgt Lookingglass draws inspiration from his family’s legacy of service. His grandfather, a medic in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, left an indelible mark on the family. “Even though I never met him, continuing that tradition means a lot to me,” he explained.? ? As he balances his roles as crew chief, student, and family man, SSgt Lookingglass embodies the spirit of service that unites the past and present—a fitting tribute during Native American Heritage Month.? ? To learn more about SSgt Jesse Lookingglass, visit the link below:? https://lnkd.in/ecXGrctc ? USAF story by Ayan Sheikh? ? #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #USAF #AirNationalGuard #AFMaintainer #AircraftMaintenance #CrewChief AF-A4L

Last week, USAF Brig Gen(s) Brian Filler, Director of Security Forces, visited MacDill AFB, Florida, to see firsthand the status of the force.? ? “We are facing a pivotal time in the Air Force,” said USAF Lt Col John Clements, 6th Security Forces Squadron commander. “The changes we’re looking at as an organization are more important than ever. That’s why it’s critical that we get the opportunity to hear our senior leaders speak to those changes and their impact on the mission.”? ? Filler was given a tour which included stops at the 6th Air Refueling Wing’s key defense activities and the tour concluded with a Security Forces All Call where Filler outlined his priorities as the Air Force’s newest Director of Security Forces.? ? Brig Gen(s) Filler is focused on taking care of Defenders, sustaining current operations, and preparing for future operations. “We’re embarking on some pretty amazing journeys in the Air Force,” concluded Filler. “That is going to affect how we do business as a security force and what we deliver to the Air Force and the joint force. What I’ve seen here has been truly impressive. You all are pressing the bounds of security and I’m excited for what’s in store for the future.”? ? To learn more about Brig Gen(s) Brian Filler’s visit to MacDill AFB and his priorities as the Air Force’s newest Director of Security Forces, visit the link below:? https://lnkd.in/emPCFd7t ? USAF story and photos by SrA Zachary Foster? ? #USAF #AFDefenders #SecurityForces #AirForceSecurityForces #Defenders

Operation Honey Badger ???? October 20-25, 2024, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, 11 Civil Engineer Air Force specialties came together to test and hone their skills while operating in an austere environment during Operation Honey Badger. Organized by the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron, Operation Honey Badger reflected the shift in focus towards the Pacific in the era of Great Power Competition. Airmen were tasked to confront an enemy in a jungle environment, create and maintain helicopter landing zones, man defensive fighting positions, and operate heavy equipment to level the intended runway. “Our intent is to continue conducting and improving field training exercises such as these on a semi-annual basis; by training how we fight, we can continue sharpening our skills and adjust to anything that comes our way,” said TSgt Moises Gonzalez, 87th EOD, logistics chief. “Members from all Air Force specialty codes and ranks stepped up during this exercise, and we could not be prouder of all they accomplished.” To learn more about Operation Honey Badger, visit the link below: https://lnkd.in/e8cgbwe3 USAF story & photos by SrA Aidan Thompson #MissionReadyAirmen #AirForceCE #AirmenEngineers #EOD #USAF USAF Civil Engineer

Thank you A4 leaders and Maj Gen (Ret) Allan Day for facilitating important conversations surrounding our challenges with logistics and how we can support each other across services to get after these challenges. #AirForce #USAF #ContestedLogistics #AFLogistics #IDGA #DoD

Today, November 11, 2024, we commemorate Veterans Day.?? ? Originally known as “Armistice Day,” Veterans Day was established to honor those who died and to mark the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a National Holiday, but following World War II and the Korean War, Congress renamed it “Veterans Day” to honor American Veterans of all wars, both living and deceased. ?With that, we celebrated the first official “Veterans Day” on November 11, 1954. ? ? For 70 years, while we have participated in other wars and conflicts, Veterans Day remains so we may continue honoring all those who served—and as a reminder that our freedom is not free.? ? I encourage you all to reflect on this year’s Veterans Day theme of, “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service.” The dictionary defines loyalty as giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution and service as the action of helping or doing work for someone. But what does it mean to you?? ? In our?reflection, we should recognize that we are standing on the shoulders of giants. We carry on the legacy of loyalty and service of the men and women who served before us. Although our nation’s security environment has shifted many times throughout our history, one thing remains: the most pivotal factor in our military’s capability is that of Americans who raise their right hand to protect our freedom. ? ? ? To all our veterans and their families—thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Our Nation owes you a great debt. Happy Veterans Day. Lieutenant General Tom D. Miller, USAF? DCS/Logistics, Engineering, & Force Protection?

On October 28, 2024, Lt Gen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection, attended the Air Force Materiel Command Senior Leader Conference at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.? ? There, Gen David W. Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff, highlighted the significance of integrating various airpower assets and functions to create a more cohesive and agile force. With today’s global security environment, we must approach how the force develops capabilities and prescribes the need for enterprise solutions differently than before.?? ? Gen Allvin conveyed the Air Force can no longer rely on the disaggregate requirements that come from multiple commands and must now create an integrated force design that provides clear priorities and direction to the acquirers within AFMC.? ? The Integrated Capabilities Command, a new organization established as part of several Department of the Air Force re-optimization initiatives, aims to accelerate force modernization efforts against evolving global threats. The ICC will bring in the requirements experts from the Air Force Major Commands, paired with the operators who need the equipment, to define and prioritize what the Air Force is going to need to be successful in the future.? ? To learn more about the AFMC Senior Leader Conference and the ICC, visit the link below:?? https://lnkd.in/efBNF9TH ? ? USAF Story by Brian Dietrick? ? #USAF #ICC #CSAF #AirForce #IntegratedCapabilitiesCommand #AFMC Air Force Materiel Command

Today we highlight Maj Christopher Morales, a CE School Instructor at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Nearly a decade after earning his undergraduate degree, Morales decided to pursue a graduate education. Drawing from his field experiences for his thesis, he identified a significant inefficiency in the airfield recovery process, specifically in the clearance of explosive hazards from runways. Determined to find a solution, Morales developed a more accurate model to predict the duration of the process, aiming to optimize airfield recovery and enhance overall operational efficiency. His research involved collaboration with Air Force experts to gather critical information about the equipment and techniques used in EOD operations. Even when balancing the daily demands of their jobs, Morales believes that Airmen can push the boundaries of innovation and improve processes across the force. Opportunities like the Air Force Institute of Technology's Graduate Engineering Management Program, for example, allows civil engineer officers the space to focus on solving complex Air Force challenges. To learn more about Maj Christopher Morales and optimizing airfield recovery with mathematical models, visit the link below: https://lnkd.in/g_HaaQZY USAF article by A4C Strategic Communications #A4Highlight #LeadTheWay #USAF #AirmanEngineer #AirForceCE USAF Civil Engineer

On Tuesday, Lt Gen Tom Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection, spoke on a panel at the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement (IDGA) Defense Logistics & Support Summit in Arlington, Virginia. The panel discussion, moderated by Maj Gen (Ret) Allan Day, was focused on United Logistics, Collaborative Strategies Across the US Military. In addition to Lt Gen Miller, the panelist included VADM Jeffrey Jablon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics, BG Beth Behn, US Army Director of Operations for HQDA G-43/5/7, and Bruce Hollywood, US Space Force Associate Chief Operations Officer. With over 200 attendees including government, industry, and allies and partners, this forum offered the opportunity to discuss how the services and our allies and partners are working together in the era of Great Power Competition. USAF Photos by A4L Strategic Communications #IDGA #ContestedLogistics #USAF #Interoperability #AirForce?HAF-A4L

Better Together ?? Last week, the 51st Maintenance Group at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, hosted a maintenance immersion tour with Republic of Korea Air Force Airmen to showcase their maintenance and logistics capabilities. The 51 MXG provided a tour of aircraft maintenance, procedures, and logistical operations while also fostering personal connection amongst Airmen. The tour also emphasized the importance of building relationships between the two air forces—thereby reinforcing the collaborative spirit that is crucial for joint operations. “I enjoyed seeing the differences between our two cultures in a work environment,” said Capt Yunseok Yang, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Group component maintenance squad leader, Republic of Korea Air Force. “I think it’s important for us to continue to work together and learn from each other.” To learn more, visit the link below: https://lnkd.in/egHECtFV USAF Story & Photos by SrA Kaitlin Frazier #USAF #ROKAF #Osan #AFMaintenance #Interoperability #AirForce #BetterTogether HAF-A4L

Getting it done. Our civil engineers are shaping what was once the largest airfield in the Pacific to support the USAF's mission today!? ? Engineers...Lead The Way! #AirForceCE #REDHORSE #Tinian #USAirForce #USAF