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.

Lancers, Falcons share South Dakota skies

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 175th Fighter Squadron thunders skyward at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 18, 2012. The 114th Fighter Wing’s F-16s shared the flightline with Ellsworth’s resident B-1 bombers Sept. 17 to 21. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan/Released)

by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- The skies above Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., are routinely filled with B-1 bombers, but during Sept. 17 to 21, base bombers shared the airspace and ramp area with several South Dakota Air National Guard F-16s during a Guard training exercise.

The 114th Fighter Wing Fighting Lobos headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., came to Ellsworth for their 2012 Live Drop exercise.

"We're not allowed to use live ammunition for training purposes around Sioux Falls because we share airspace with a civilian airport," said Master Sgt. Shawn Greer, 114th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant. "Ellsworth was instrumental in allowing us to utilize their resources for our fighters to complete their annual requirements."

Prior to touching down at Ellsworth with more than 90 Airmen and six F-16 Fighting Falcons, Capt. Steve Schultz, 175th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, said he visited Ellsworth in July to complete a site survey and ensure the base was capable of accommodating the group during the exercise.

"Luckily for us, the 37th Bomb Squadron is deployed to Southwest Asia," Schultz said, who previously participated in the Air National Guard's 2007 Live Drop exercise at Ellsworth. "We were able to land on Monday and immediately set up our operations for the week."

Schultz said he flew with four other F-16s to the Utah Test and Training Range Sept. 18, and successfully conducted long-range strike missions. He noted that at the completion of the exercise, aircrews were able to validate F-16 tactics, techniques and procedures used during long-range strike missions.

"It was great training for our new pilots," Schultz said. "We met our goal in hitting times over targets as precisely as possible. Things get a lot more serious when you fly with live ammunition, but because we practiced how we play, we were able to persevere."

With the culmination of the exercise, South Dakota Airmen from both sides of the state united to accomplish a true feat of total force.

Greer added that he appreciates how Ellsworth Airmen stepped up to ensure F-16 aircrews and support personnel had everything they needed to accomplish their mission.

"We came together as an Air Force team, not individual units or squadrons," Greer said. "I'm thankful for all the professionalism Ellsworth Airmen demonstrated."

B-1 aircrews make history by employing laser JDAMS

by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- B-1 Lancer aircrews from here employed laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions against moving targets during a weapon system evaluation program exercise May 14 through 16.

Aircrews from the 37th Bomb Squadron and 34th BS employed six GBU-54 laser JDAMs against targets on the Utah Test and Training Range near Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as part of the Air Force's air to ground WSEP, known as Combat Hammer.

"Combat Hammer provided us with the unique opportunity to employ weapons in real-world scenarios and evaluate the weapon and aircraft-to-weapon interface in great detail due to the telemetry kits on the weapons," said Lt. Col. Stuart Newberry, the 37th BS commander. "This data, when coupled with scenarios usually unavailable to us except in combat scenarios, provides us with an opportunity to validate and refine our tactics, techniques and procedures ... as well as adjust training plans and combat standards."

The goal of the exercise was to evaluate the effectiveness, maintainability, suitability and accuracy of precision guided munitions and other advanced air to ground weapons. The entire process of weapons handling was evaluated from start to finish during Combat Hammer.

Maj. Michael Ballard, the lead bomber evaluator for Combat Hammer, said this time around, WSEP focused on the cradle-to-grave evaluation for the LJDAM.

The LJDAM is a 500-pound, dual-mode guided weapon. It's equipped with a laser seeker, which aids in its ability to demonstrate outstanding accuracy and can be employed to engage both stationary and moving targets on the ground.

"We didn't do anything different because of WSEP - our main focus is always on safe and reliable loading first time, every time," said Master Sgt. Joshua Klotz, the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron NCO in charge of loading. "We qualify monthly on all B-1 bomber assigned munitions and are required to complete proficiency loading every month."

Leadership was mindful in the selection process of aircrews for Combat Hammer, ensuring that Airmen who had less experience would be teamed up with seasoned aviators.

"We try to provide a mix of experience during Combat Hammer sorties," Newberry said. "All crewmembers were fully qualified, but it's important to allow younger aviators -- those without a lot of experience -- the opportunity to build confidence in their skills and weapon system while they are supervised by more experienced aircrew."

Newberry noted that aircrews have been limited in training opportunities with the LJDAM unless they are participating in a Combat Hammer scenario.

"It was gratifying to be part of the first operational release," said Capt. Charles Armstrong, a 37th BS B-1 weapon systems operator and a mission leader for Combat Hammer. "We're learning a lot from these missions, and it's vital to uncover the peculiarities of this weapon now in a training environment so we can employ it with no issues in combat."

Since LJDAMs had never been employed by an operational B-1 squadron before, Ellsworth AFB was the first to be evaluated on tactics and procedures while employing LJDAMs.

Newberry added that the Combat Hammer team continuously looks for different scenarios that could occur during combat situations, including GPS jamming, slowing down or speeding up moving targets, and then attempts to replicate them during sorties.

"Evaluators will be able to retrieve data from the telemetry kits on the weapons and build a picture of how the weapon was or was not affected in various scenarios," Newberry said. "That data is invaluable in refining and adjusting our training plans."

Ellsworth AFB is home to two of the nation's three B-1 combat squadrons and carries the lion's share of the deployment taskings involving the B-1. Since 2007, Ellsworth AFB B-1s have deployed 12 of every 18 months in support of missions in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Additionally, aircrews from here conduct missions to rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against adversaries.

Armstrong said that adding LJDAMs to the B-1's already diverse arsenal will only increase the already remarkable mission effectiveness rate Ellsworth AFB has had in current operations around the globe.

Eye in the sky

A B-1B Lancer with a Sniper advanced targeting pod is parked on the flightline Oct. 22, 2010, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. The pod is a long-range precision targeting system that supports the B-1's mission by providing positive target identification, autonomous tracking, coordinate generation and precise weapons guidance from extended standoff ranges supporting air to ground operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kasey Close)

by Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- The last 28th Bomb Wing B-1B Lancer received the necessary modifications to operate the Sniper advanced targeting pod Oct. 18.

The advanced targeting pod acts as a long-range camera, which can pinpoint targets for precision strikes and close-air-support missions.

"It's hard to imagine doing close-air support without it," said Capt. William Louie, the 34th Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer. "The sniper pod and the B-1 go together very well, especially with the expanded mission of the bomber."

Since its combat debut in 2008, the Sniper pod has become an invaluable tool in assisting coalition servicemembers on the ground in hostile areas, Captain Louie said. Its ability to provide a live video feed to ground forces has saved their lives on numerous occasions.

"It's changed the way we fight the war," Captain Louie said. "The Sniper pod is an after-market add-on that allows us to improve our CAS training and operations."

First requested in July 2006, the Sniper pod expanded the B-1's role downrange by enabling weapons systems officers to positively identify targets, self-generate coordinates, provide coalition forces with remote video feeds and employ laser-guided weapons. These capabilities, coupled with the long loiter time of the B-1 and the intense training of its aircrew members, make for an invaluable asset in the current theater of operations.

"The training we go through lessens the pain of the actual first mission," Captain Louie said. "We develop a muscle memory through training that enables us to function perfectly when things heat up and lives are on the line."

With the last B-1 receiving the Sniper pod system, aircrew members are now able to fully incorporate their expanded training plans into all the aircraft of the 28th BW. These plans focus on the diverse role of the B-1 downrange, which may include following ground forces during a mission to provide vital intelligence and support when necessary.

"The more jets we have available to train, the better we are able to hone our deployment skills," the captain said.

Col. William Eldridge, the 28th Operations Group commander, said the addition of the Sniper pod has revitalized and expanded the role of the B-1 to saving lives downrange.

"The B-1's Sniper pod has revolutionized bomber operations," Colonel Eldridge said. "For an aircraft that was developed to deliver nuclear weapons from low altitude to now perform close-air support as a primary mission is mind blowing. The Sniper pod and B-1 combination are saving lives right now in Afghanistan."

37th Bomb Squadron Airmen, Canadian forces train

by Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- Airmen from the 37th Bomb Squadron hosted five joint terminal attack controllers from the 1st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in a training exercise Oct. 28 in Alzada, Mont.

The four-day joint exercise was designed to prepare the 37th BS Airmen for their upcoming deployment in January.

"The training we do here most closely mimics what we do downrange," said Capt. Robb Fiechtner, a 37th BS co-pilot. "We get some of the best training when we work with the Canadian JTACs."

In theater, JTACs are responsible for directing the actions of military aircraft engaged in combat operations.

"The more they know now, the smoother the process goes," said Lt. Col. Steven Biggs, 37th BS commander. "We flew more than 20 training missions from (Oct. 25) to (Oct. 28), with the JTACs directing us from the ground. It is invaluable to have them train out here with us, after working so closely with them in theater."

The JTACs assisted B-1B Lancers crews in the exercise by providing real-time data on simulated targets via a link between the aircraft's Sniper advanced targeting pod and a laptop on the ground. The pod's video feed gives JTACs a bird's eye view of the target area, including any hostile forces which may present a threat to the B-1 or nearby ground forces."

"It's really awesome to have this downlink," said 1st RCHA Sgt. Aaron Cutler, a JTAC. "The sniper pod has so much more fidelity than ground imaging."

With the amount of time B-1 aircrews spend working with the Canadian JTACs downrange, Lt. Col. Biggs said he considered this chance to provide realistic training to be a golden opportunity.

"It was a phenomenal experience for both parties," Colonel Biggs said. "The level of realism the JTACs brought to the scenarios is exactly what we need to excel downrange."

The spontaneity and adaptability of both the B-1 aircrews and the JTACs enhanced the realism of the exercise, said Maj. Jan-Peter Linch, the 28th Bomb Wing weapons officer.
The close-air support, and high-altitude bombing missions they practiced brought new insights into potential communication problems that could arise during a deployment.

"This training improves communication," he said. "The more realistically we train and the more we incorporate other services, the easier it will be to find that harmonious communication during combat."

That harmonious communication comes from the intense training both the JTACs and aircrews experience together. Major Linch said during a combat operation, everyone is checking and double checking information to ensure mistakes aren't made.

"The aircrew needs to trust the JTACS, and the JTACs have to trust the aircrew," Major Linch said. "In combat, there are literally minutes, sometimes seconds, to establish that confidence. This is why realistic training is so essential."

Ellsworth officials launch digital ASR

Staff Sgt. Jacob Martin views a radar scope Oct. 14, 2009, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. The base recently switched from airport surveillance radar to digital airport surveillance radar. Sergeant Martin is a 28th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Corey Hook)

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) -- Ellsworth Air Force Base officials recently completed the installation of a digital airport surveillance radar system to be used with the Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility here.

This modern, digital radar replaces traditional airport-surveillance radar used by air traffic controllers, eliminates ground distractions and displays multiple levels of precipitation.

The new system also helps address maintenance and parts challenges, while increasing Ellsworth AFB capabilities to control more airspace in Rapid City and other locations in South Dakota, said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lavoie, the 28th Operations Support Squadron radar approach control facilities chief controller.

"This is the first Air Force DASR to be located outside of the military installation," Chief Lavoie said. "This location provides us with line of sight to the runways at both airports and provides us with a clearer digital presentation which reduces our maintenance team's workload on a daily basis."

The system does this by automatically transmitting digital radar to the standard terminal automation replacement system. This process eliminates the electronic conversion that was necessary when using traditional airport surveillance radar signals, and decreases the amount of time used to convert an electronic signal into a digital signal.

Along with these advantages, the new system allows Ellsworth AFB air traffic controllers to work more efficiently with Rapid City Regional Airport.

"The old radar wouldn't be able to see aircraft landing at Rapid City Regional Airport," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Anger, a 28th OSS air traffic controller. "The DASR provides a larger range of scope and can actually see airplanes landing at Rapid City Regional and picks-up echoes from aircraft farther away."

This two year project involved members from 28th OSS, 28th Communications Squadron, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron and contractors.

"The implementation of the DASR is landmark for us as controllers," Chief Lavoie said. "We have lived with 1960s technology until today and our controller force now has state-of-the-art equipment to provide the safest air traffic control service possible to our military and civilian flying communities."