Rapid Launch of 20 B-52 Bombers at Minot during Exercise Global Thunder 17

Exercise Global Thunder 18 is either underway or will be shortly. Standby for HFGCS EAMs to light up and ur ADS-B to ramp up as well. Should be fun for the next week or so. I will be following the action over on our tweeter feed @MilcomMP. CU there!

US Preparing to Put Nuclear Bombers Back on 24-Hour Alert

Article on Defense One website by By Marcus Weisgerber      

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. —  The U.S. Air Force is preparing to put nuclear-armed bombers back on 24-hour ready alert, a status not seen since the Cold War ended in 1991.

That means the long-dormant concrete pads at the ends of this base’s 11,000-foot runway — dubbed the “Christmas tree” for their angular markings — could once again find several B-52s parked on them, laden with nuclear weapons and set to take off at a moment’s notice.

This is yet one more step in ensuring that we’re prepared,” Gen. David Goldfein, Air Force chief of staff, said in an interview during his six-day tour of Barksdale and other U.S. Air Force bases that support the nuclear mission. “I look at it more as not planning for any specific event, but more for the reality of the global situation we find ourselves in and how we ensure we’re prepared going forward.”
Goldfein and other senior defense officials stressed that the alert order had not been given, but that preparations were under way in anticipation that it might come. That decision would be made by Gen. John Hyten, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, or Gen. Lori Robinson, the head of U.S. Northern Command. STRATCOM is in charge of the military’s nuclear forces and NORTHCOM is in charge of defending North America.

Putting the B-52s back on alert is just one of many decisions facing the Air Force as the U.S. military responds to a changing geopolitical environment that includes North Korea’s rapidly advancing nuclear arsenal, President Trump’s confrontational approach to Pyongyang, and Russia’s increasingly potent and active armed forces

Read the entire article at.http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2017/10/exclusive-us-preparing-put-nuclear-bombers-back-24-hour-alert/141957/

US Sending B-1 / B-52 Bombers to South Korea

President Donald Trump is sending nuclear bombers to the Korean peninsula as tensions in the region reach breaking point according to The Sun newspaper. US military chiefs are reportedly planning to fly in B-1 and B-52 bombers – built to carry nuclear bombs – to show America has had enough.

Story online at
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3049573/donald-trump-sends-b-52-nuclear-bombers-to-south-korea-after-north-fires-missiles-at-japan-and-us-warns-of-overwhelming-response/

USAF B-52 Arrives at Fairford

USAF B-52 callsign Scalp 99 arrives at RAF Fairford. (Photo courtesy of ApronMedia)

B-52 Bomber Ready to Begin Airstrikes against ISIS, Air Force Says

by Bryant Jordan at Military.com

The Air Force says it's ready to deploy the Cold War-era B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber to the Middle East as part of the military campaign against Islamic State.

"The venerable B-52, with its similar capacity and accuracy and endurance, remains ready and able to meet combatant commander requirements," Air Force Secretary Deborah James told reporters on Monday afternoon during a briefing at the Pentagon.

The Boeing Co.-made aircraft's deployment required carrying out infrastructure improvements in theater that have since been made and awaits final approval, James said. She didn't detail the type of work or where it was done to prepare the area for the iconic bomber, which can carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance.
More information would be released "at the appropriate time," James said.

The B-52 was built to deploy nuclear weapons anywhere in the world and reflects the primary long-range bomber for much of the Cold War. In the early 1960s, it was modified to carry conventional bombs and deployed to Southeast Asia to target enemy forces in North and South Vietnam.

The B-52 will take over strike missions against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, that have been carried out by the B-1 Lancer, which returned to the U.S. in January for much-needed maintenance and upgrades.

B-52s join French forces for close air support exercise

A French Mirage 2000 holds station off the wing of a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress in the skies over northern France March 1, 2016. Several B-52s participated in French-led close air support exercise Serpentex for the first time this year, joining forces from a dozen nations to train and develop better tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

 

By Senior Airman Joseph Raatz, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Public Affairs

MORÓN AIR BASE, Spain (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses joined French aircraft and ground troops from a dozen nations to kick off a close air support exercise in the Mediterranean March 7.

Serpentex, an annual French-led exercise, involves joint terminal attack controllers from 12 partner countries. Operating on the French island of Corsica, the JTACs work together to practice properly identifying targets and using that data to call in air strikes from nearby French and American aircraft.

"Serpentex is a great opportunity to have all the JTACs from coalition nations in one place, training together to increase interoperability and work on communication skills," said Maj. Sarah Fortin, the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron assistant director of operations. "It gives them a chance to train and get smart on what they have to do and what their capabilities are, so later on down the road when it counts, they can perform effectively and efficiently."

Serpentex differs from other joint-military exercises in the region as it concentrates solely on close air support. This critical capability puts the power of precise, concentrated air strikes in the hands of troops on the ground, who can call these strikes in to defend themselves against enemy attacks or to eliminate vital targets with lethal accuracy.

This is the first year B-52s have been invited to participate in the exercise, as the role of close air support has traditionally been filled by various fighter platforms. The Stratofortress is well-suited for this application, however, as it can loiter for extended periods and carries a wider range of munitions than any other aircraft in the U.S. inventory.

During the exercise, the B-52s joined with French fighters to support JTACs from several NATO nations, as well as those from Jordan and Saudi Arabia, who are also participating this year. Training with a wide range of mission partners ensures a more comprehensive learning experience, Fortin explained.

"Working alongside our coalition partners out there will be a great experience for everybody," Fortin said. "Most of them haven't worked with bombers for these types of missions before. We have a longer duration and a lot wider turn radius than some of the fighters, so they're going to have to find a new pacing for calling us in for close air support. But I promise that bomber CAS is worth the wait."

The B-52s involved in Serpentex also participated in the Norwegian-led Cold Response 16, a large-scale NATO military training exercise in the Trøndelag region of Norway involving 16,000 troops and comprising air, ground and maritime operations. The bombers will be participating in both exercises simultaneously for a short time as Cold Response winds down. Temporarily stationing the aircraft in Europe allowed for more sorties, shorter flight times, less fuel burned and more training hours.

"The ability to train bomber aircrews in different geographic combatant commands is essential to maintaining a strong, credible bomber force that enhances the security and stability of our allies and partners," said Lt. Col. Dennis Cummings, the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. "Our ability to smoothly and effectively conduct these multinational missions is heavily indebted to the hospitality of Spain and fantastic support we are receiving from U.S. Air Forces (in) Europe."

Bombers receive warm welcome for Cold Response

A B-52 Stratofortress sits on the ramp at Morón Air Base, Spain, after recently arriving from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 27, 2016. Three B-52s will participate in Cold Response 16, a large-scale NATO military exercise involving maritime, ground and air operations. The exercise’s location in the Trøndelag region of Norway will provide an extreme-cold environment in which a dozen allied and partner nations will jointly develop tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joseph Raatz)

By Senior Airman Joseph Raatz,  2nd Expeditionary Bomb Group Public Affairs

MORÓN AIR BASE, Spain  -- B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana arrived in Europe Saturday, Feb. 27, in preparation for their participation in a large-scale NATO training exercise.

This year's iteration of the biennial Cold Response NATO military training and exercise program will be held in the central Trøndelag region of Norway and feature air, ground and maritime operations. Approximately 16,000 troops from a dozen nations will participate in the exercise, working together to collectively develop tactics, techniques and procedures for combat operations in an extreme cold-weather environment.

"We appreciate the opportunity to take part in such a large multinational exercise at the invitation of our Norwegian allies, and we are especially thankful for the opportunity to test our skills in such unique cold weather conditions," said Lt. Col. Dennis Cummings, 2nd Expeditionary Bomb Group commander.  "The ability to train bomber aircrews in different geographic combatant commands is essential to maintaining a strong, credible bomber force that enhances the security and stability of our allies and partners. Our ability to smoothly and effectively conduct these multinational missions is heavily indebted to the hospitality of Spain and fantastic support we are receiving from U.S. Air Forces in Europe."

The B-52s will conduct multiple sorties over the course of the exercise, engaging in simulated strikes against ground targets inside the training area. As the U.S. Air Force's premier nuclear-capable, strategic heavy bomber, the B-52 is capable of delivering a large payload of precision nuclear or conventional ordnance over long distances while also providing decision makers the ability to rapidly project military power.

"Bomber participation in joint military exercises like this one are an expression of the U.S. commitment to supporting our allies and partners, demonstrating our shared dedication to promoting global security and stability," said Maj. Matt Spinelli, 2nd EBG assistant director of operations.

The B-52s will join with KC-135 Stratotankers and F-16 Fighting Falcons to serve as the American air component for the duration of Cold Response 16. A number of C-130 Hercules will also be on hand to provide support to ground forces.

"This exercise provides a great opportunity for allies to train together and better understand how we each operate and communicate," Cummings said. "The increased understanding and cooperative efforts between our countries enable us to work together effectively, while also addressing any and all security challenges that may arise in the region or other parts of the world."

Cold Response 16 is scheduled to run through March 9.

B-52s to the AOR

From the Air Force Magazine at http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2016/February%202016/February%2026%202016/B-52s-to-the-AOR.aspx

By Brian Everstine

 

​The Air Force will deploy B-52 Stratofortresses to take the fight to ISIS in the spring, placing bombers back in the US Central Command area of responsibility, service officials said. B-52s will deploy in April to take part in Operation Inherent Resolve, taking the spot of B-1B Lancers that returned back to the US in January, said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, at AWS16. Lt. Gen. Charles Brown, the commander of Air Forces Central Command who oversees the air war for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, said they are working to “bring B-52s to town” to assist in the fight. The coalition has two aircraft carriers deployed to assist in the fight to make up the gap after B-1s left in January to receive large-scale upgrades, and the coalition is planning long in advance to address any gaps in assets available to the coalition, Brown said. Those B-1s will return to the fight in the summer after having been recently upgraded.​

 

B-1 Bombers Shifting to Strike Command

According to a recent AP item B-1 bombers from Ellsworth AFB and Dyess AFB are joining their long-range B-2 and B-52 bomber counterparts under a single Air Force command.

The Air Force is grouping its bombers under Air Force Global Strike Command, a nuclear-capable command based at Barksdale AFB, in a transition that will be effective Oct. 1 of this year. This leadership change also puts the Air Force's next-generation bomber program, frequently called the Long Range Strike Bomber, under the same auspices.

More than 60 aircraft and about 7,000 people will shift from Air Combat Command to Global Strike Command, according to the Air Force.

South Dakota U.S. Sen. John Thune said in a statement said that moving all the bomber wings under the control of Global Strike Command will make for a better transition as the Air Force plans for the Long Range Strike Bomber.

The B-1 bombers from Ellsworth and Dyess will join B-52 bombers from Minot AFB, among others, as part of Global Strike Command. The Air Force said the leadership change is expected to be "imperceptible" to most of the airmen on the bases.

"Consolidating all of our Air Force assets in this critical mission area under a single command will help provide a unified voice to maintain the high standards necessary in stewardship of our nation's bomber forces," Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said in a statement.

Minot AFB successfully flies 40 out of 40 sorties during exercise

An Aircrew member walks toward a B-52H Stratofortress while it’s being deiced on Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Battling harsh winds and temperatures 20 degrees and below for several days, operations and maintenance Airmen joined together to successfully fly 40 out of 40 sorties during Prairie Warrior surge week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brittany Y. Bateman)

By Airman 1st Class Sahara L. Fales, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Battling harsh winds and temperatures 20 degrees and below for several days, operations and maintenance Airmen joined together to successfully fly 40 out of 40 sorties during Prairie Warrior surge week here, Nov. 17-20.

The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate conventional capabilities in a realistic training environment to simulate combat.

"Prairie Warrior provided us with some outstanding visibility because we were able to exercise realistic and challenging scenarios that we don't normally encounter," said Col. Kieran Denehan, the 5th Operations Group commander. "This is where we put our training to the biggest possible test outside of a combat environment."

Air crew members were issued weapons, met with a chaplain, received a weather intel brief and a pre-takeoff brief just as if they were preparing for war, said Capt. Michael Devita, the 5th Operations Support Squadron conventional plans flight commander.

With only 16 jets available and 12 scheduled to fly on the first day, the maintainers' skills were put to the test to have 10 jets prepared for takeoff first thing the next day.

"A B-52's normal flying rhythm is every other day," said Senior Master Sgt. Paul Crisostomo, the 69th Aircraft Maintenance Unit lead project supervisor. "Our ability to be able to fly a jet one day and turn around and fly it twelve hours later speaks volumes of the good work that our Airmen are doing out there."

In addition to the 22 sorties in the first two days, they also flew 10 on the third day and eight more on the fourth to conclude the exercise, Crisostomo said.

The demanding mission of Prairie Warrior had Airmen working 12 hour shifts the entire week to provide full-spectrum deterrence and maintenance on the B-52H Stratofortresses. Day shift focused primarily on getting the bombers loaded and up in the air, while night shift was responsible for recovery, refueling, service and pre-flight checks.

"I only had so many load crews and maintainers," Crisostomo said. "They were all hopping from jet to jet just getting the job done!"

Because of their hard work throughout the week, the base was able to fly 40 out of 40 sorties with 33 on-time takeoffs and successfully dropped 119 munitions.

Crisostomo attributes the most successful surge Minot AFB has had in about five years to the outstanding teamwork among all of the squadrons.

"Prairie Warrior was a huge success for us," said Col. Jason Armagost, the 5th Bomb Wing commander. "Just weeks after coming out of succeeding in a large-scale nuclear exercise, we accomplished our base's largest conventional exercise of the year -- and we crushed it."

Vigilant Shield 15 Underway

B-52 makes low-approach over Goose Bay in Canada. The aircraft was participating in Vigilant Shield 15, which is NORAD and USNORTHCOM's Annual Homeland Defense Exercise.

U.S. Directly Challenges China's Air Defense Zone (Pair of American B-52 Bombers Fly Over)

WASHINGTON—A pair of American B-52 bombers flew over a disputed island chain in the East China Sea without informing Beijing, U.S. officials said Tuesday, in a direct challenge to China and its establishment of an expanded air-defense zone.

The planes flew out of Guam and entered the new Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone at about 7 p.m. Washington time Monday, according to a U.S. official.

The official said the flight was a training mission and the bombers were not armed. The flight was first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

The Chinese announced over the weekend they were expanding their air defense identification zone to include the islands, known as Diaoyu in Chinese and Senkaku in Japanese. Japan also claims ownership.

For more on background see my original story at China creates air defense zone over Japan-controlled islands in East China Sea.

Continuous bomber presence exemplifies Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power

Airmen from the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to launch a B-52H Stratofotress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 26, 2013. Aircrew and their crew chiefs deployed to Anderson AFB, Guam, to support the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific. The crew chiefs deployed to provide maintenance support for the B-52. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony)

by Staff Sgt. Katherine Holt,  2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  -- Barksdale aviators, maintainers and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, this week to demonstrate the United States' continued commitment to stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Air Force Global Strike Command's deployment of bombers to Andersen AFB not only showcases the command's ability to conduct its mission, but also exemplifies commitment to providing global vigilance, reach and power.

"Our main mission is to deter and assure," said Capt. Michael Lopez, 20th Bomb Squadron pilot. "We are there to provide support to our allies in the region and to provide combat capability, if needed, for the Pacific Air Forces and Pacific Command."

Movement of U.S. Air Force bombers into the Western Pacific has been ongoing since March 2004, as the U.S. Pacific Command regularly adjusts its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability within the region.

"As we know, the United States has done a strategic pivot toward the Pacific," said Lt. Col. Scott Maytan, 20th BS commander. "Strategic continuous bomber presence is part of that. It is a way for B-52s to augment military forces that we have in the theater."

The continuous bomber presence showcases the 2nd Bomb Wing's ability to operate aircraft within the Pacific and support exercises, operations, and contingencies as required.

"We own 50 percent of the responsibility for this, it is shared across the B-52 community, so that's a big piece for the 2nd BW to support," Maytan said. "It's a full spectrum effort--we've got aircrew, airplanes, maintenance support and other operations support personnel that go out to make sure we are able to do the mission just like we would do it with the resources we have here at home."

The Air Force's nuclear and conventional precision strike forces can credibly threaten and effectively conduct global strike by holding any target at risk and if necessary, disabling or destroying it promptly--the key to Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power.

"What we do day to day with this presence mission is show our ability to fly our airplanes around the Pacific theater and support whatever contingencies we might be asked to do," Maytan said. "The continuous bomber presence maintains long-range strike capability in theater, so our national decision makers have assets that they can use should they ever need to."

CBP also allows bombers the opportunity to integrate into joint and coalition training exercises in the Pacific.

"We are going to go out there and continuously sharpen our skills," Lopez said. "We will have local training missions to continue training on all of our different combat capabilities. In addition, we will also be out there working with our partners training with them in different exercises throughout the region."

Aircrews also plan to take advantage of being in close proximity to other U.S. services, along with the opportunity to work on aviation and combat concepts.

"It is a great opportunity for us when we go out there and work with all different players in the region," Lopez said. "Going out there we get to integrate with them to assure the Pacific."

Though they have been to Guam numerous times, Lopez says every time is a little different than the last, and they never lose the enthusiasm.

"We are excited to go out there to provide this force capability from here...to the Pacific," he said. "We are there to provide the security that is needed; and if called upon, use the firepower we provide to the nation."

A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 26, 2013. Barksdale aviators, maintainers and B-52s deployed to Anderson AFB, Guam, demonstrating continuing U.S. commitment to stability and secuirty in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony)

Stratotanker, Stratofortress tandem continue half a century of Asia-Pacific partnership

by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos,  36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- America's involvement in the Vietnam War continued to escalate in 1965, and on June 18, 27 B-52 Stratofortresses broke the threshold of Guam's airspace toward the open skies of the Pacific to conduct the first Arc Light mission. At the same time, 27 KC-135 Stratotankers departed Japan to rendezvous with the bombers in the Philippines to refuel them for a 4,500 nautical mile round trip.

Ever since its first sortie, the KC-135 has played an important role in extending the reach of the B-52's airpower and lengthening the duration of its hovering capabilities -- capabilities that are crucial to a region surrounded by water.

"The relationship between the KC-135 and B-52 is one that has grown over the years and is now ideally suited to the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility," said Lt. Col. Harry Dyson, 36th Operation Support Squadron commander.

"Andersen is one of the critical bases here in the Pacific because it's close enough to all our allies and our adversaries, while still being outside of immediate threat range," he continued. "The distances involved in the PACAF region are so great, and the ability to employ from Andersen is achievable because of the KC-135s and B-52s that rotate here regularly."

The B-52 started flying in 1952, while the first KC-135 was first delivered to the Air Force in 1957. Though the tanker was a little behind on the delivery, it was built to cater to the in-flight capabilities of the B-52's speed and operational altitude. Prior to the delivery of the KC-135s, The Air Force relied on the KC-97 Stratotanker for in-flight refueling, which was less than ideal for the Stratofortress' speed and operational high operational altitude.

As the U.S. Air Force started using the KC-135 more and more, the B-52 and KC-135 tandem was pivotal in historical combat operations stretching from the War in Vietnam to present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to an article written by U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Col. Walter Boyne, a combat veteran, aviation historian and author, during Arc Light, KC-135s were used to keep the bombers in the air during missions that lasted for 12 hour or longer. Though some tankers stayed in the Philippines to be on stand-by for tactical aircraft during the span of Linebacker and Linebacker II, one tanker was always assigned to one bomber during inbound portions.

"That was pretty much the case for every mission," Meyer said. "Even when they started making the G and the H models for the Stratofortress, which actually fly a little bit further, the KC-135s were still important to accomplishing the bomber missions."

By 1972, there were 195 KC-135s stationed in the Asia-Pacific region to support the 155 B-52s on Andersen's ramp and other combat aircraft spread all throughout the region.

After the Vietnam War, the tandem also conducted missions that forwarded or launched from the Pacific. Meyers said that multiple operations required aerial refueling capabilities in order to get the B-52s to their destination and back.

The duo was always ready on Andersen  when it was a Strategic Air Command base during the Cold War and continued to be used in the Middle East during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

"During Operation Desert Shield in 1991, the bombers utilized Andersen as a forward base to get to an expeditionary location where they launched for attack," he continued. "Two B-52s launched from here in 1996 for Operation Desert Strike and conducted a 33-hour to drop conventional bombs in Iraq as a warning."

Today, the partnership lives on with the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and the expeditionary B-52 bomb squadrons that rotate in and out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence and continue a partnership that has proven itself through history.

 

Reserve units link up during refueling mission

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is positioned to take fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the 18th Air Refueling Squadron, Air Force Reserve Command, McConnell AFB, Kan., Aug. 3, 2013, Arkansas. Air refueling training keep 18 ARS members proficient in all essential aspects of air refueling operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jess Lockoski) 

B-52 CONECT: A reboot for the Digital Age

Munitions on display demonstrate the full capabilities of the B-52 Stratofortress, a bomber in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Horstman)

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz,  Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- One thing is certain: it's not your father's B-52.

The B-52 Stratofortress has been the Air Force's star long-range strategic heavy bomber and premier standoff weapon for more than 50 years. For generations, the B-52 has successfully executed missions all over the globe.

But in the 21st century, the pace of things has accelerated beyond the wildest dreams of the original designers who first put plans for the aircraft on the drawing board more than 60 years ago.

"Things change so quickly now, that you simply can't take 20- to 30-hour-old data into the fight with you any longer," said Alan Williams, the deputy program element monitor at Air Force Global Strike Command.

With digital display screens, computer network servers and real-time communication uplinks, the B-52 of the future will be far removed from the final batch that was delivered to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in 1962.

The Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, program will help thrust the B-52 into the modern era.

"Now the crews will be able to do final mission planning enroute," Williams said. "They will be able to get targeting updates; they will be able to get intelligence updates, all while they are en route so that they can get the most current data."

The beyond line of sight, or BLOS, communications ability introduced in the CONECT upgrades will allow for a central air operations center to pass along updated threat and targeting data to the aircraft for rapid machine-to-machine retargeting, rather than having the crew and mission be dependent solely upon information that was available at take-off.

"The aircraft will be much more effective and safer for the crew because of being able to receive those threat and target updates," Williams said, adding that CONECT will also allow the aircrew to receive last-minute updates so that they are able to strike the most current or necessary targets and do it rapidly because of the new machine-to-machine targeting capability.

CONECT also brings an unprecedented networking ability to the B-52.

"It provides us with a digital backbone so that we can pass data all the way around the aircraft," Williams said, explaining that with the upgrades, any data available to one crew member will now be available to every other member instantaneously via the new digital displays at each workstation.

These new upgrades will provide a foundation that may help guarantee the aircraft's viability through the remainder of its life span, which is currently projected to extend beyond 2040.

"Now when we add additional systems to the aircraft at some future date, we will be going from a digital component, across our new digital backbone, to another digital component elsewhere in the aircraft," Williams said. "In the future, it will make upgrades easier to do because we'll already have that digital infrastructure in the aircraft."

Williams summed up the CONECT upgrades by saying they would help convert the B-52 from an analog aircraft to a digital platform for today's warfighter.

"It is taking the B-52 from a rotary-dial phone to a smartphone," Williams said.

With the CONECT upgrades in place, the B-52 will be well-equipped to enter the Digital Age. In doing so, "the aircraft" will continue to be an adaptable powerhouse for decades to come.

B-52s provide RIMPAC 2012 air capability

by 2nd Lt. Sarah Bergstein, 36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- Members from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in nine sorties in support of this year's Rim of the Pacific exercise July 11 to 31 in and around training areas surrounding the Hawaiian islands.

Six B-52s from the 69th EBS, accompanied by more than 200 Airmen, are currently deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence to maintain security and stability in the Western Pacific.

"RIMPAC reminds us how vital it is to train with our fellow U.S. forces as well as our international partners around the globe, enabling us to work together and respond effectively if needed," said Col. Randy Kaufman, 36th Operations Group commander. "The 69th EBS' participation in RIMPAC, not only shows their ability to support PACOM's CBP, but also the global readiness they bring to the fight."

RIMPAC is a biennial multinational maritime exercise held by commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Beginning in 1971 and now in its 23rd year, RIMPAC boasts 22 participating nations, 42 surface ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.

Scheduled from June 27 to Aug. 9, the theme of RIMPAC 2012 is, "Capable, Adaptive, Partners."

"Our participation in a multi-national exercise like RIMPAC affords us the opportunity to improve interoperability and strengthen relationship with our regional partners," said Lt. Col. Doug Gosney, 69th EBS commander. "Additionally, our aircrews get first-rate training and gain invaluable experience by operating in this dynamic, joint coalition environment. RIMPAC provided an unmatched training opportunity for my aviators."

The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The primary objective of bomber participation in this year's RIMPAC exercise was to enhance crew proficiency and promote international military cooperation.

"These long-duration sorties helped simulate our real-world taskings," said Gosney. "Employing with other Air Force assets, our sister services and the nations of the Pacific theater afforded us a unique training opportunity."

Averaging 20 to 22-hour sorties, each with two air refuelings, the 69th EBS flew over 180 hours from Guam to the Hawaiian airspace and back.

"We started with a crawl, walk, run mentality," said Maj. Christopher Morris, 69th EBS mission planning cell team chief. "At first, our participation focused at the unit level and then moved into force-integration training where we worked with other players. In the final phase of RIMPAC, we integrated B-52s into a robust regional combat scenario."

In the first phase of unit level training, targets are generally pre-planned and aircrews know exactly what to look for. In the force-integration phase and the final combat scenario, targets are unknown, meaning aircrews not only have to locate their targets, but also determine how to strike and with what weapons to strike.

"This demonstrates the flexibility of the B-52 and our aircrews," said Morris. "Our joint-service commanders know they can count on the B-52 to deliver bombs on target 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year--worldwide--and in this case, from more than 3,000 miles away."

The 69th EBS' first two sorties for this year's RIMPAC, July 11 and 13, supported a high-priority MINEX, a low-level mine-laying exercise designed to train the Navy's counter-mine specialists.

"We're working with Navy fleet to train in aerial interdiction of maritime targets," said Morris. "This includes gathering intelligence, honing our skills in low-level flying, providing close air support and simulating strikes when targets are found."

Exercises in the region are ideal forums to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment, work hand-in-hand with regional partners and contribute toward interoperability with other countries.

Movement of U.S. Air Force bombers into the Western Pacific has been ongoing since March 2004, as the U.S. Pacific Command adjusts its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability.

Rotational bomber deployments to Guam help maintain stability and security in the Western Pacific, while allowing units to become familiar with operating in the Pacific Theater.

"As a Navy-centric exercise, we're thrilled about the air capabilities that our B-52s were able to provide in support of RIMPAC," said Kaufman. "There's something to be said about U.S. Air Force B-52s flying with Marine Corps F-18s alongside Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s and P-3s as well as Japanese F-2s and F-15Js."

As the world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC is a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Other U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in RIMPAC 2012 include: KC-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-135 Stratofortresses, E-3 Sentries, A-10 Thunderbolt IIIs, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and HH-60G Pave Hawks.

"RIMPAC is a testament to the mutual understanding and respect we gain from exercising with regional partners, all working together on a number of different and potential operations and missions," said Kaufman. "We look forward to participating again in 2014 and bringing an enhanced portfolio of new capabilities."

Record long-range bomber flight turns 50

by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Fifty years ago on Jan. 11, 1962, a crew of eight Airmen embarked on a historic feat that would take them half way across the globe and reaffirm to the world America's dominance in long-range aircraft strike capabilities.

Piloting the newest model of long-range bombers, the B-52H Stratofortress, crewmembers broke 11 non-stop distance and course-speed records, for its aircraft class and time, when they successfully completed a more than 21 hour non-refueled flight-- flying approximately 12,500 miles across the globe. Operation Persian Rug was the name given to the pivotal flight.

The record-breaking journey began at Kadena Air Base, Japan, with the plane and crew were on assignment from Minot AFB's 4136th Strategic Wing, at the time.

The B-52's course took the crew across key landmarks around the globe including Tokyo, Japan; Fort Worth, Texas; and Washington, D.C., among others, with a final destination of Torrejon Air Base, Spain.

The previous record for the longest non-refueled flight (class C - Powered Aeroplanes) had been formerly held by an air refueling plane, the KC-135 Stratotanker.

Having been unveiled as the new and improved edition of B-52s, the H model proved its worth by executing the historic mission no later than one year after the first of its kind took to the air.

According to reports at the time, commanding officials at Strategic Air Command, the B-52H's commanding authority, were eager to demonstrate its new found capabilities.

The H model had been revamped in several different ways from its predecessor the G model.

First off, there was a complete renovation of the aircraft's engine which provided better fuel efficiency. In combination with newly designed turbofans, it allowed for an increase in flying distance of approximately 2,500 miles, unrefueled. Its defensive armament was also changed to a single rapid fire Gatling gun system which had an adjustable rate of fire between 3,000 and 6,000 rounds per minute.

The aircraft had also been modified to be a missile carrier in anticipation of the Skybolt program, but was later reconfigured subsequent to the cancellation of the program.

General Thomas S. Power, then SAC commander, praised the completion of the flight, stating the more than 12,000-mile flight without refueling demonstrated the intercontinental capabilities of the B-52H Stratofortress.

"The flight proved that SAC aircraft have the capability of reaching target destinations in any area of the globe," said Power.

President John F. Kennedy also commended the crew for their work in successfully completing the mission. He later invited the crew to Washington, D.C., to personally congratulate them on their accomplishments.

The execution of Operation Persian Rug has been one of several powerful exhibitions the B-52 family has demonstrated to the world. To this day, the B-52H continues to exert its power standing at the forefront of the nuclear deterrence mission under the leadership of Air Force Global Strike Command. Of the original 102 B-52Hs manufactured, approximately 80 are still in active use today.

With this year marking 50 years since the last delivery of the B-52H Stratofortress to Minot AFB and its halt in production, AFGSC has paid homage to the buff by proclaiming 2012 the Year of the B-52.

Continuous bomber presence restructuring saves DOD $12 million

by Megan Meyer, Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command and Pacific Air Forces officials teamed up recently to restructure logistics support and aircraft rotations for the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific.

The restructuring is estimated to save the Defense Department more than $12 million annually.

"The continuous bomber presence in the Pacific is vital in assuring our regional allies," said Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. "It is important we support U.S. Pacific Command in this critical mission."

The first of these logistics changes involved the B-52 Stratofortress mobility readiness spares package kits -- eight semi-trucks worth of critical parts for day-to-day flying. These kits will now be left in place in Guam between deployments, rather than sending each kit home with its owning squadron, officials said.

One independent MRSP kit is assigned to each AFGSC combat B-52 squadron here and at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Buxton, the weapons system team superintendent for AFGSC Logistics, Installations and Mission Support. Kits previously remained with their assigned squadron, whether that squadron was deployed or stateside in the continental U.S., he said.

By avoiding sea or air transport for the MRSP package to Guam and funding the ride for the kit from Barksdale AFB to Minot AFB and back by land instead, a $12 million cost is avoided per year, officials said. Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB squadrons rotate in and out of Guam every six months on average.

In addition to the cost avoidance associated with transportation, PACAF funded additional standardization of the MRSP kits between the two CONUS bases. Minot AFB's MRSP kits have traditionally been housed in internal aircraft slingable container units, while Barksdale AFB kits were not. PACAF's funding of these containers avoided an additional cost of $90,000 to AFGSC and further standardized MRSP kits between stateside squadrons, officials said.

Barksdale Airmen practice operational capability

Two B-52H Stratofortresses make their way to the runway during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise here Feb 25. The exercise tested the wing’s operations planning and ability to generate a large number of B-52s to support the global strike mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman La’Shanette V. Garrett)

by Senior Airman Alexandra M. Longfellow, 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La -- Barksdale Airman participated in a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise Feb. 22.

The exercise tested the wing's operations planning and ability to generate a large number of B-52 Stratofortresses to support the global strike mission.

"This NORE allows our Airmen deployed to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to continue improving our nuclear operations and technical procedures with our 5th Bomb Wing brethren," said Lt. Col. Paul Griffith, 2d Bomb Wing, director of plans, programs and evaluations.

The 2d Maintenance Group generated the required aircraft during the exercise and the 2d Operations Group prepared and tested the required crew members. The 2d Mission Support Group secured the generated area and arranged travel for maintenance and cargo headed for Minot. All sections were tested by evaluators and graded on how they react to special situations.

The exercise provides an opportunity to evaluate Barksdale's ability to execute mission requirements and hone the necessary skills to perform the mission. It takes an enormous amount of planning and coordination between the 2d and 5th BWs and 8th Air Force to properly execute the complex exercises.

"This exercise was the first robust test of these different contingencies," said Colonel Griffith. "It allowed our leaders and Airmen to learn, experience and devise the best methods for these operations now and in the future."

This exercise had two distinct objectives -- to provide and deploy all tasked support to the NORE at Minot as quickly as possible to meet or exceed mission's timelines and to exercise additional contingencies for operational missions ranging from global strike to expeditionary combat support.

"Every day our Airmen maintain the highest standards of compliance and accountability while we continue to improve our operational capability," said Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander. "This NORE was an opportunity for the 2d BW to demonstrate its continuous preparedness for conducting nuclear operation in a safe, secure and credible manner."

The 2d BW has two NOREs scheduled for April and May to prepare for the upcoming June NORI.