B-2 Spirit crew chiefs stand at parade rest while performing post flight inspections with pilots in the cockpit of the “Spirit of Florida” April 1, 2013, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The pilots just completed a historic training mission in which it became the first B-2 to reach 7,000 flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson)
B-2 Spirit, the “Spirit of Florida,” awaits a post-flight inspection at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., April 1, 2013, after becoming the first B-2 to surpass 7,000 flight hours. The “Spirit of Florida” was the first B-2 to amass 5,000 and 6,000 flight hours, as well. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Keenan Berry)
The “Spirit of Florida,” a B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing lands on the runway after completing 7,000 flight hours April 1, 2013, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The B-2 Spirit is a multirole bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson)
B-2 Spirit crew chiefs stand ready to perform maintenance on the “Spirit of Florida” after completing a historic training mission in which it became the first B-2 to reach 7,000 flight hours April 1, 2013, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Maj. Benjamin Kaminsky flew this historic mission, and crew chief Airman 1st Class Elijah Noel landed the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Keenan Berry)
by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
4/5/2013 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFNS) -- Since the first B-2 Spirit arrived here in July 1996, its stealthiness and massive firepower have been used in missions around the world.
During its latest mission April 1, the "Spirit of Florida" and its crew became the first B-2 to surpass 7,000 flight hours.
"This achievement is a testament to the men and women of both the 131st and 509th Bomb Wings who take a vested interest in the B-2 mission every day," said Lt. Col. Michael Pyburn, the 131st Operations Group commander. "Milestones like this cannot be accomplished without the dedication they consistently provide around the clock."
With a fuel capacity of 167,000 pounds and the ability to carry 40,000-pound payload, the multirole heavy bomber has a virtually limitless reach. It is the only aircraft to combine range, precision, stealth and a large payload.
As one of only 20 B-2 stealth bombers in the world, the conventional- and nuclear-capable Spirit of Florida maintains constant readiness to defend America's interests anytime, anywhere.
From the crew chiefs and maintainers who ready the aircraft for takeoff, to the pilots who control the Spirit of Florida -- reaching the 7,000-hour mark has been an immense effort.
"We take a lot of pride in keeping our B-2s air-worthy," said Staff Sgt. Kent Sedgwick, the 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit's dedicated crew chief assigned to the Spirit of Florida. "It feels great to work on something that has such a powerful presence. The 'health' of our aircraft shows just how much time and effort our crew chiefs and maintainers put into making sure everything is taken care of so our jets can take off at any moment."
The Spirit of Florida was also the first to reach the 5,000-hour mark, which it did in May 2007, and the first to reach the 6,000-hour mark, which it did in January 2010, Sedgwick said.
During this flight, the B-2 was flown by Maj. Benjamin Kaminsky and was landed by crew chief Airman 1st Class Elijah Noel.
Comments
4/10/2013 4:10:28 PM ET I have to say im with Aaron aka S-DUB on this one. This Stealthy HB-2 is what the Air Force is all about. I love this stealthy penetrator almost as much as my wife.
Blaine Caudill, ATC
4/10/2013 10:25:14 AM ET The B-2 rocks I love that plane with all of my soul. All of you stealth haters can just have a seat the B-2 has been dropping plates on our enemies since the 90s. B-2 forever
Aaron Shepley aka S-DUB, ATC Whiteman AFB MO.
4/8/2013 7:55:00 PM ET Why the negative comments. I appreciate our air force and all other services. I feel all our aircraft are fantastic.
K. Williams, Tampa Fl.
4/8/2013 3:10:58 PM ET Got to love those highly reliable GE Aviation Jet Engines and all the people that maintain the aircraft. MADE in the USA.
SNCO Ret 89, SW Ohio
4/8/2013 11:23:54 AM ET First B-2 Spirit of Missouri was delivered to Whiteman on December 19 1993. Not sure where the July date came from.
393d, Maxwell AFB
4/8/2013 9:59:12 AM ET This story reminds me of a movie from 1980. I guess Major Kaminsky ate the chicken for his in-flight meal and the plane had to be landed by the crew chief Surely this is a typo. And don't call me Shirley.
DC, MD
4/7/2013 1:09:08 AM ET They let an Airman First Class land it I guess anything is possible in an Operations Group commanded by a Lt Col.
Maj, Home for a change
4/6/2013 1:34:28 PM ET Funny the B-1 has a larger fuel capacity super sonic part stealth along with radar jamming. And larger weapons capacity in the world with the same accuracy. And can fly in bad weather.
