Luke AFB Thunderbolt – November 2024
P. 1
“We train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen”
Strength through unity: 13th CABS
INSIDE
StorIES
56th MDG gives flu shots, 3
Luke AFB honors retirees, 4
Singapore Armed Forces chief visits, 5
Gun Lock S.A.V.E.S giveaway, 11
FEAtUrE
Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson
309th FS graduateS Final F-16 claSS
See Pages 6 and 7
By Airman
BeLinDA GuAChun-ChiChAY
56th Fighter Wing
As the terrain of warfare evolves and global tensions rise, the U.S. Air Force rec- ognizes the pressing need for innovation and adaptation to maintain combat readi- ness among Airmen.
With the activation of the 13th Combat Air Base Squadron at the 56th Fighter Wing, Airmen will prepare for deployment and train together in high-pressure envi- ronments, fostering the strong bonds crucial for when they are called to action.
In a world where rapid response can mean the difference between life and death, the 13th CABS is dedicated to ensuring its Airmen deploy as a cohesive team.
Activated Aug. 5, 2024, at Luke AFB, Arizona, the 13th CABS held its inaugural training event from Oct. 1-3, showcasing the Air Force’s commitment to its person- nel as its most valuable asset. By uniting as a cohesive team, Airmen can maximize their performance in high-pressure situ- ations.
Guest speaker Clinton Boyd, 56th RMO intergovernmental liaison and retired U.S. Air Force senior master sergeant, shared a personal experience that highlighted the critical importance of training, particularly in preparation for deployments, which is the primary focus of the CABS.
On Nov. 7, 2001, Boyd found himself sta- tioned at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where the air was thick with tension following the recent 9/11 attacks. As an airman first class, he held the naïve belief that the base’s role as a data hub provided a bubble of safety amidst the chaos going on in the world.
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing participate in simu- lated enemy engagement exercises,
Oct. 3, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. These exercises provide oppor- tunities for assessment and feedback, enabling Airmen to identify areas for improvement and enhance their overall readiness for deployment. Through com- prehensive training with M16 rifles and strategies for navigating hostile environ- ments, Airmen are equipped to handle the challenges they may face during ac- tual deployments.
U.S Air Force photos by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sean Berry, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems specialist, teaches Airmen how to operate a portable generator Oct. 1, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Berry’s responsibilities include the installation, repair, and maintenance of the electrical network, ensuring that the primary energy source is always available.
As he stood at a traffic control point, directing vehicles in the sweltering desert heat, a blue car with tinted windows ap- proached.
“Everybody is nice in this country, right?” said Boyd, his voice dripping with irony. “So, I waved at him, he waved back, and then he took off down the road. Didn’t think anything of it.”
Al Udeid Air Base is surrounded by des- ert, with vast emptiness interrupted only by the occasional traffic. At that time, Boyd’s host nation counterpart was unarmed, and their post was a makeshift wooden shack that resembled an outhouse from a Western film.
When the same blue car reappeared, turning back toward the gate, Boyd’s curi- osity was piqued. However, before he could process the situation, he was confronted with a shocking reality: the driver had an AK-47 protruding from the window, un- leashing a hail of bullets in his direction.
Boyd said that his training instinctively kicked in at that moment.
“I dropped to a knee and broke my holster getting my gun out,” his voice heavy with disbelief. “I fired a couple of rounds, then realized I had no cover between the gun- man and me.”
In the ensuing exchange of fire, Boyd managed to hit the driver, who quickly succumbed to his injuries. This harrowing experience deepened his understanding of the unpredictability of combat and the significant value of training.
Boyd emphasized to his fellow Airmen
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jren Jor- dan, 56th Security Forces Squadron in- stallation entry controller, wraps a medi- cal dummy’s head with a bandage, Oct. 2, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Deployments often occur in remote or austere environments where access to medical facilities and personnel may be limited. By receiving training in first aid and controlling bleeding, Airmen are prepared to tackle medical emergencies independently.
the critical need for constant preparedness, stating that rigorous training and drills are essential for saving lives and ensuring mission success.
The 13th CABS organized the compre- hensive three-day training event to foster teamwork and enhance essential skills.
Nov. 2024 Vol. 23, No. 11
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Date of publication
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See CABS, Page 11
