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.

"Spirit of Washington" rises from the ashes

The “Spirit of Washington” lands at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Dec. 16, 2013. The B-2 Spirit participated in its first training mission here after an engine fire in 2010 badly damaged the aircraft. The “Spirit of Washington” was preparing to fly a mission at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, when one of its four engines caught fire. After nearly four years, the aircraft was restored to full mission-ready status. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte/Released)

Blog Editor Note: This is a story about B-2A Serial 88-0332 attached to the 509BW/393BS .

by Candy Knight,  509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Like the mythical Phoenix, the "Spirit of Washington" has risen from the ashes, ready to strike anywhere, anytime.

The "Spirit of Washington" participated in its first training mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Dec. 16, after an engine fire in 2010 nearly destroyed the aircraft.

After three years and nine months in maintenance, the aircraft was restored to full mission-ready status.

The behind-the-scenes story is an extraordinary tale of cooperation and teamwork between different Air Force organizations, as well as collaboration between the Air Force and Northrop Grumman, the Air Force's B-2 prime contractor.

"We recognize how much this means to the warfighter, to have this aircraft back in your hands," said David G. Mazur, vice president of long-range strike operations for Northrop Grumman.

The "Spirit of Washington" was preparing to fly a mission Feb. 26, 2010 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, when one of its four engines caught fire, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft and the engine bay.

With only 20 B-2s in the Air Force inventory, the need to save and restore the aircraft was paramount; the challenge was finding a way to accomplish the task.

The B-2's technology, combined with the limited number of aircraft, made obtaining replacement parts challenging. A percentage of the parts could be remanufactured, but other parts could only be obtained from Air Force spare parts depots.

"One of the things that was most important to both the Air Force and Northrop was that the jet be returned to us without any flying or weapons delivery limitations. So far, it has been taking care of business perfectly," said Col. Chase McCown, 509th Bomb Wing Maintenance Group commander.

Perhaps the greatest challenge was making the necessary repairs to fly the aircraft from Guam to the

Palmdale facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
"The goal was to get [aircraft] 0332 to the Palmdale facility before the beginning of FY12, a goal which was accomplished two months ahead of schedule," Mazur said.

Getting the aircraft to Palmdale ahead of schedule saved money, and more importantly, it allowed the Air Force and other organizations to conduct initial tests on not only the engine itself, but also the other components of the aircraft.

Ultimately, the extra time to conduct these additional tests helped investigators determine the root cause of the engine fire, which is rare in accident investigations, as incidents like this one are typically caused by a number of factors, Mazur said.

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, the situation presented an opportunity for Airmen to develop best practices and come up with innovative ways for approaching maintenance issues.

One example of a best practice was using dry ice pellets to remove charcoal from the aircraft's skin. The team would spray pelletized dry ice on the aircraft, after which the ice would melt, leaving no additional residue or material for the maintainers to clean up.

"To my knowledge, this was the first time this technique had been used," Mazur said.

The hard work of both the Air Force and her partners enabled Team Whiteman to bring another B-2 back into the fold, further buttressing the United States' ability to deliver conventional and nuclear munitions, penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation.

"Because of the B-2's importance to national security, we wanted to do everything we could to save it," Mazur said. "Everyone recognized this importance and everyone brought their 'A' team. It took longer than expected, but the aircraft is back and better than before. Hoo-Rah."

"It was absolutely a whole team effort," said McCown. "Anything that happens on this weapon system is a partnership between Northrop and the Air Force. The complex repairs required for this aircraft would not have happened without that healthy relationship."
For the Airmen in charge of maintaining the "Spirit of Washington," there is nothing more gratifying than watching their aircraft take to the skies once again.

"It gives me a strong sense of pride to know that an aircraft that I am personally responsible for has returned to home station and is ready to answer our nation's call," Senior Airman Patrick Holter, dedicated crew chief for the "Spirit of Washington." "This is my first jet as a dedicated crew chief and knowing that the maintenance my team and I performed on our aircraft directly contributed to safe, effective, on-time sorties is what I love most about my job."

"It was a very cool experience to see the excitement in the maintainers when an aircraft many of them thought would never fly again returned to service as part of the 509th Bomb Wing," McCown said.

B-2 Spirits take to Whiteman skies

 A B-2 Spirit taxis down the ramp at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 3, 2013. During Operation Allied Force in 1999, the B-2s flew less than 1 percent of the combat sorties but dropped 11 percent of the total bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keenan Berry/Released)

131st BW makes history as first ANG bomb wing certified for nuclear operations

During early morning operations, 131st Bomb Wing Missouri Air National Guard mantainers service a B-2 Stealth at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Robert Trubia/RELEASED)

by Capt. Rachel Savage,  131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN Air Force Base, Mo -- The Air National Guard celebrated a historic milestone this week as the 131st Bomb Wing, the nation's only Guard unit to fly and maintain the B-2 Spirit, was certified to conduct the nuclear mission upon completion of their Initial Nuclear Surety Inspection.

With this certification, the 131st BW reached full operational capability with the B-2, bringing to conclusion a six-year journey that began with the unit's transition from the F-15 Eagle mission in 2007, said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, Adjutant General of Missouri.

"The Airmen of the 131st Bomb Wing have proven they are up to the task in carrying out this critical national security mission," Danner said. "This confirmation is the result of years of hard work and the commencement of a new chapter in Air National Guard history. The 131st Bomb Wing is officially open for business - Col. Michael Francis and his team should be proud."

This momentous event marks the first time in the history of the Guard that a bomb wing has been certified in the delivery of nuclear weapons.

"The 131st Citizen-Airmen have proven they can exceed every stringent challenge posed in the nuclear realm," said Francis, the 131st Bomb Wing commander. "Their countless hours have deservingly evolved in to this success and I couldn't be more proud."

The four-day inspection consisted of assessments in key areas, and graded the wing's ability to be caretakers of an unrivaled combat power.

"The result of the inspection validates the wing's ability to carry out the nuclear mission, which requires adherence to the strictest standards" said Henry Jenkins, Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General Team chief.

As part of the Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative to combine active duty with Guard Airmen, the two wings were integrated in 2007 when the 131st received its new operational mission. The unit became a classic associate with the active duty's 509th Bomb Wing, enabling the 131st to become the first-ever Guard unit to fly the B-2.

The integration efforts began seven years ago on Feb. 27, 2006, when the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force approved Total Force Initiative Phase II, which directed the creation of a Classic Association with the 509th and the 131st.

In 2008, the wing had fewer than 60 members stationed at Whiteman when they conducted the first all guard B-2 sortie, which included both the launch and operation of the aircraft. Today, nearly all 800 members are based at Whiteman, with completely integrated maintenance crews and almost three times the number of qualified pilots.

"The Airmen of the 509th Bomb Wing and the 131st Bomb Wing are physically and functionally integrated at every level," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "When you walk on the flight line at Whiteman, you can't tell the difference between an active-duty or Guard pilot, maintainer, or load crew team. This certification was the last remaining event to align our mission capabilities and we are honored to be defending this great nation with the warriors of the Missouri Air National Guard!"

The first combat total force integration mission the wings conducted came in March 2011 when three B-2s flew over Libya, dropping 45 Joint Direct Attack Munitions to destroy hardened aircraft shelters, crippling Muammar Gaddafi's air forces and helping enforce the United Nations' no-fly zone.

The six aircrew members who flew that mission included both active duty and Guard pilots, demonstrating success in the first real-world combat mission the B-2 conducted since Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

"Our certification is a culmination of years of long hours and concentrated effort coupled with each Airman's determination to go above and beyond every day," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Carney, 131st Bomb Wing command chief. "It was no easy feat logistically to move the wing and take on a new mission, especially one as demanding as the no-fail nuclear mission...but we did it."

In 2008, the 131st Bomb Wing achieved another major milestone by completing the first B-2 sortie flown and launched by Missouri Air National Guard personnel from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo, June 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Snow/RELEASED)

Taking off!

A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing lifts off of the runway as part of a training mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 9, 2013. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)

An A-10 Thunderbolt from the 442nd Fighter Wing takes off of the runway during a training sortie at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 9, 2013. The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)

Missouri Guard's attack battalion transitions to Longbow Apache

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard's 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion held a roll-out ceremony that officially transitioned the battalion to a AH-64D Apache Longbow unit.

The battalion, overseen by the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade in Sedalia, has a rich history as an Army Aviation Battalion within the Missouri National Guard. The battalion has flown the UH-1 Huey, OH-58A/C Kiowa Warrior and the AH-1 Cobra.

In 1999, the battalion was designated as one of eight National Guard battalions to receive the AH-64A Apache. In 2002, the first AH-64A helicopter arrived at Whiteman Air Force Base. In August 2009, the National Guard Bureau designated the battalion as the sixth Army National Guard Longbow battalion and began fielding it with aircraft in October 2011.

"What a great day for the Attack Battalion and for the CAB as a whole," said Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. He continued that he looks forward to a great long history with the Longbow aircraft in a great new building on a premiere Active Duty base.

Col. Shane Openshaw, U.S. Army Apache Program manager, said it was hard to believe that three years ago, this battalion had no plan, no money and no direction where it was going from the A Model Apaches.

"Team Apache is strong today, but it's getting stronger tomorrow," Openshaw said.

Mike Burke, director of business development for Boeing's Attack Helicopter Program, echoed Danner and Openshaw on how important the day was for both Boeing in Mesa, Ariz., and for the Missouri National Guard.

During the ceremony, the tradition of exchanging the AH-64D logbook signifies the transfer of the aircraft. David Koopersmith, vice president of Boeing's Attack Helicopter Program, presented Openshaw with the logbook. Openshaw passed it onto Danner. Danner passed it onto the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade's Commander Col. Mark McLemore with the logbook ending in the hands of Lt. Col. James Schreffler, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion commander. Schreffler then tossed the key to Lt. Col. Thomas Burson, Army Aviation Support Facility commander, as the manager of the flying hour program and maintenance of the aircraft.

"We have kicked off this year by breaking in our new aircraft, and beginning the progression program for our aircrews," Schreffler said. Schreffler told Brig. Gen. Scott Vanderhamm, Whiteman Air Force Base commander, "I'm sure you have appreciated the sound of helicopter rotors over Whiteman again after somewhat of a lull in activity as we turned in our dated Alpha model aircraft.

The last A Model Apache aircraft left Whiteman Air Force Base on Jan. 10. The battalion is on schedule to receive the remainder of the new D Model aircraft by this spring.

Boeing presented Danner with an Apache model and Schreffler with a framed photo of the first three Apache Longbows delivered to Boeing in Mesa, Ariz., prior to coming to Whiteman Air Force Base.

Concluding the ceremony, the spouses of current and former 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance commanders christened the first Longbow, a tradition continued by the aviation community to protect their aviators as they bravely meet the challenges faced daily in the unforgiving sky.

Air Force Global Strike Command gains three bomber bases

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command assumed responsibility for all long-range, nuclear-capable bombers Feb. 1 as its commander commemorated the occasion by visiting the Air Force's three bomber units, in three different states, on the same day.

"We're a new command, a command for the 21st Century," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of a force that now numbers nearly 23,000 people responsible for 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 96 nuclear-capable bombers.

Completing what he called a "very methodical, step-by-step" transition, the general told Airmen at each location that bringing the nuclear-capable bombers over from Air Combat Command into the new command that already controls ICBMs is a step that continues to strengthen the Air Force's 'nuclear enterprise.' Joining the command were the 20 stealth B-2 Spirits in Missouri, and the 76 remaining B-52 Stratofortresses stationed at bomber wings in Louisiana and North Dakota. Air Force Global Strike Command gained the ICBMs on Dec. 1.

"Global strike and nuclear deterrence are the heart-and-soul of what the Air Force does," the general said, emphasizing the importance of the command's mission of deterring potential enemies while assuring allies.

After addressing hundreds of Airmen in a 7:30 a.m. gathering Feb. 1 at Barksdale, one of the two B-52 units in the Air Force, General Klotz took off for Minot AFB, N.D., along with the 8th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, and Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Jr., the AFGSC command chief. Eighth Air Force runs daily operations and planning for the B-2 and B-52 units.

At Minot General Klotz met hundreds more Airmen who support B-52 operations there. He also had lunch with local civic leaders, met with reporters and talked with the unit's senior leaders.

A few hours later, General Klotz headed to Whiteman AFB, Mo., home of the B-2, for similar activities, interacting with Airmen and community leaders, as well as the base's senior leaders.

"Last April, President Obama said in a speech in Prague in the Czech Republic that as long as nuclear weapons exist in the world, we will have a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter attacks against the United States and to guarantee that same defense to our allies," the general said. "Those are our marching orders."

The general said it's been 27 years since Air Force officials created a brand-new major command, giving Air Force Global Strike Command a "golden opportunity."

"We have a great opportunity, ladies and gentlemen ... to get it absolutely right and to be a model command, a model for the rest of the Air Force."

Air Force Global Strike Command gains three bomber bases

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command assumed responsibility for all long-range, nuclear-capable bombers Feb. 1 as its commander commemorated the occasion by visiting the Air Force's three bomber units, in three different states, on the same day.

"We're a new command, a command for the 21st Century," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of a force that now numbers nearly 23,000 people responsible for 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 96 nuclear-capable bombers.

Completing what he called a "very methodical, step-by-step" transition, the general told Airmen at each location that bringing the nuclear-capable bombers over from Air Combat Command into the new command that already controls ICBMs is a step that continues to strengthen the Air Force's 'nuclear enterprise.' Joining the command were the 20 stealth B-2 Spirits in Missouri, and the 76 remaining B-52 Stratofortresses stationed at bomber wings in Louisiana and North Dakota. Air Force Global Strike Command gained the ICBMs on Dec. 1.

"Global strike and nuclear deterrence are the heart-and-soul of what the Air Force does," the general said, emphasizing the importance of the command's mission of deterring potential enemies while assuring allies.

After addressing hundreds of Airmen in a 7:30 a.m. gathering Feb. 1 at Barksdale, one of the two B-52 units in the Air Force, General Klotz took off for Minot AFB, N.D., along with the 8th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, and Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Jr., the AFGSC command chief. Eighth Air Force runs daily operations and planning for the B-2 and B-52 units.

At Minot General Klotz met hundreds more Airmen who support B-52 operations there. He also had lunch with local civic leaders, met with reporters and talked with the unit's senior leaders.

A few hours later, General Klotz headed to Whiteman AFB, Mo., home of the B-2, for similar activities, interacting with Airmen and community leaders, as well as the base's senior leaders.

"Last April, President Obama said in a speech in Prague in the Czech Republic that as long as nuclear weapons exist in the world, we will have a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter attacks against the United States and to guarantee that same defense to our allies," the general said. "Those are our marching orders."

The general said it's been 27 years since Air Force officials created a brand-new major command, giving Air Force Global Strike Command a "golden opportunity."

"We have a great opportunity, ladies and gentlemen ... to get it absolutely right and to be a model command, a model for the rest of the Air Force."

Whiteman Airmen make first all-air Guard B-2 flight

by Senior Airman Dilia Ayala, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Col. Gregory Champagne and Maj. David Thompson take off on a B-2 Spirit mission June 18 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. It was the first sortie flown and launched by Air National Guard members. Colonel Champagne is the 131st Fighter Wing vice commander and Major Thompson is assigned to the 131st FW. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jessica Snow)

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- Airmen of the 131st Bomb Wing here completed the first B-2 Spirit sortie flown and launched by Missouri Air National Guard members June 18 at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Col. Gregory Champagne, the 131st Fighter Wing vice commander, and Maj. David Thompson, a 131st FW pilot, were launched by Master Sgt. Bob Francis and Tech Sgt. John Venable, both of the 131st Bomb Wing.

The 131st FW is losing its F-15 Eagle mission due to the recommendation of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The initiative integrates Air National Guard aircrew, maintainers and support staff with their 509th Bomb Wing active-duty counterparts in support of the B-2 mission with the ultimate goal of enhancing warfighting efficiencies.

"We are currently in the process (of transitioning)," Colonel Champagne said. "It is a 2.5 year process, and we are in the first year right now. We are right on time, everything is going well."

Although guardsmen have been flying B-2 missions with 509th BW Airmen over the last year, this is first time during the wing's transition to Whiteman AFB that 131st FW aircrew and maintenance personnel completed a sortie from launch through mission execution.

"We train the same. We are the same, and our goal is the same, which is the success of the mission," Colonel Champagne said.

Presently, the Missouri Air National Guard has seven B-2 qualified pilots and four in training. There are 46 members of the 131st FW currently operating out of Whiteman AFB. The Missouri Air National Guard will have 25 B-2 qualified pilots and approximately 500 maintainers, operations members and support staff at Whiteman AFB.

B-2s return to flight after safety pause

by Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Col. Tom Bussiere and Maj. Rich Collins take off in a B-2 Spirit named the Spirit of Florida April 15 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The flight was the first since a B-2 crashed Feb. 23 at Andersen AFB, Guam. Colonel Bussiere is the 509th Operations Group commander, and Major Collins is the 394th Combat Training Squadron operations officer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr.)

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- A B-2 Spirit made a successful return to flight April 15 here after a 53-day safety pause for the aircraft following the first-ever crash of a stealth bomber Feb. 23 in Guam.

While an accident investigation board is still ongoing, Air Force and Air Combat Command maintenance and safety experts gave 509th Bomb Wing officials the green light to fly.

Col. Tom Bussiere, the 509th Operations Group commander, and Maj. Rich Collins, the 394th Combat Training Squadron operations officer, took a B-2 into the Missouri sky April 15 in the first flight since a B-2 crashed on takeoff Feb. 23 at Andersen AFB, Guam.

"We definitely wanted our return to flying to be deliberate and safe," said Brig. Gen. Gary Harencak, the 509th Bomb Wing commander.

B-2s have been flying almost 20 years and are renowned in the Air Force for their unprecedented safety record, General Harencak said.

"In the history of aviation, there's never been an aircraft with a safety record like the B-2," he said. "These bombers combined have a logged more than 14,000 sorties, 100 combat sorties and 75,000 flying hours without a single Class A mishap until now."

A Class A mishap is when there is loss of life or damage in excess of $1 million. But General Harencak said only one flight Class A mishap in 20 years beats the odds of almost any aircraft.

The B-2 that crashed, named the Spirit of Kansas, had logged more than 5,000 flight hours and 1,036 sorties before Feb. 23, and it was "renowned in the maintenance community for being a great jet," said Col. Bob Dulong, the 509th Maintenance Group commander.

"The B-2 is airpower at its purest, most elegant and deadliest form," the general said. "(It is) an aircraft that cannot be denied access with its range, payload and stealthiness. It has everything that is required to hold at risk any of America's enemies anywhere, anytime, and we can do it from here."

Whiteman AFB (Knob Noster, MO) Frequency List
ICAO: KSZL

41.000 National Guard (MO) Operations HAWK OPS (FM)
49.650 National Guard (MO) Operations HAWK OPS
118.725 ATIS
121.500 Emergency/Calling
121.750 Clearance Delivery
125.925 Departure Control
127.450 Approach Control
128.275 Ground Control
132.400 Tower
135.575 Kansas City ARTCC - Sedalia RCAG
139.000 National Guard (MO) Operations HAWK OPS (AM)
227.800 442FW/303FS Operations GROUND HOG
239.025 ATIS
242.400 National Guard (MO) Operations HAWK OPS
243.000 Emergency/Calling
255.600 Tower
275.800 Ground Control
284.000 Approach Control
311.000 509BW Command Post SPIRIT CONTROL
321.000 509BW Command Post SPIRIT CONTROL
323.150 Kansas City ARTCC - Sedalia RCAG
335.800 Clearance Delivery
343.650 Departure Control
344.600 Metro
369.900 Metro
372.200 PTD
381.300 509BW Command Post AURORA CONTROL
388.850 509BW A-A
393.000 509BW A-A

This frequency list is posted as a courtesy of Teak Publishing - the official sponsors of the Milcom Monitoring Post blog.