News

Sept. 2, 2025
Prepared through training, defined by action: Heroism beyond the mission

An off-base break-in in a Tampa neighborhood escalated into a life-threatening confrontation when a homeowner faced intruders. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakotah Smith, a 6th Security Forces Squadron evaluator and defender, used his 12 years of security forces training and experience to step in, stop
Aug. 20, 2025
CENTCOM pays tribute to founding commander with building dedication

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) held a dedication ceremony on August 7, to formally name its headquarters building in honor of its first commander, the late U.S. Army Gen. Robert Kingston.
Aug. 20, 2025
Serving excellence: MacDill officer brings home gold at 2025 Armed Forces Volleyball Championship

Fresh out of technical training, U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jacqueline Gonzales-Brown, 6th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight commander, wasted no time making an impact. Within weeks of returning to MacDill Air Force Base, Gonzales-Brown made it onto the Department of the Air Force women’s
Aug. 17, 2025
MacDill SNCOs enhance leadership in Foundations Course 700

Senior noncommissioned officers tackled a tactical relay July 31, 2025, during the Foundations Course 700 here, sharpening leadership skills and team cohesion for joint and operational environments.
Aug. 10, 2025
U.S. Central Command bids farewell to Gen. Kurilla, welcomes new leadership

U.S. Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, the outgoing commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), relinquished command today to U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper during a change of command ceremony held at the Tampa Convention Center. Prior to assuming command, Adm. Cooper served as deputy commander of
Aug. 9, 2025
DHA Acting Director tours MacDill AFB to enhance joint force medical readiness

On August 6, 2025, Dr. David J. Smith, acting director of the Defense Health Agency, visited MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to meet with leadership from the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Special Operations Command.
Aug. 9, 2025
MacDill's MacBack to School: Equipping kids with supplies and fun!

MacBack to School event on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 2, 2025. The event supported military families, provided free school supplies, and offered opportunities for families to connect.
Aug. 7, 2025
JCSE enables DAF’s DLE series

Service members from the Joint Communications Support Element deployed to the Indo-Pacific AOR to provide the backbone of information technology support across all elements of the exercise series.
July 23, 2025
Catching up with the commander: Senior Airman Jeremy Francisco

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander, recognizes Senior Airman Jeremy Francisco, a military working dog handler assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, during a game of catch at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 18, 2025. As a patrol unit, Francisco and
July 23, 2025
Back in the Bay: 6th ARW Airmen return home

Family and friends welcome deployed service members assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 16, 2025. The support of military families is the backbone of the 6th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to deliver hope and project lethality, anytime and anywhere.