Bomber crews keep watch over operations in Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera team
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Airmen from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron validated their capabilities and those of the B-1B Lancer during a deployment that concluded Jan. 27, here.

37th EBS Airmen generated 556 sorties, flew more than 6,980 hours, and dropped more than 240 munitions for more than 550 missions during their deployment to Southwest Asia.

"We are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish during this deployment," said Lt. Col. Steven Biggs, the 37th EBS commander. "The achievements of our Airmen during this rotation are reflective of the rich heritage of the B-1B."

"We were able to show why the B-1B and the Airmen who support the aircraft have been valuable assets to the Air Force for more than 25 years," said Lt. Col. John Martin, the 37th EBS B-1B instructor weapons system officer and director of operations. 

They also made a difference during the attack on Combat Outpost Keating in October 2009, when hundreds of insurgents armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades attacked Soldiers there.

After more than 10 hours of bombing and strafing from a B-1B Lancer and F-15E Strike Eagles, nearly 100 militants were killed by the combined response that included Afghan soldiers as well as U.S. air and ground units. Eight Americans and three Afghans were killed, while nine Americans and 11 Afghans were wounded, according to Combined Joint Task Force-82 officials.

"There is no doubt that without the incredible air support we received, it would have been a much worse day," said Army Lt. Col. Robert Brown, the 3-61 Cavalry commander from the 4th Infantry Division. "The ability to keep a steady flow of aircraft and ordnance on the enemy turned what could have been a terrible defeat into a hard fought victory."

"It is great to be a part of a mission like that," Colonel Martin said.  "To be able to help defeat the enemy after they attack us is something our Airmen will always remember."

While the accomplishments in the air have been numerous for these bomber aircrews, none of it would be possible without the 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit on the ground.

"Each of our Airmen has put about 72 man-hours a week into making sure our aircraft are ready to do the mission," said Capt. Chris Reese, the 37th AMU officer in charge. "We turned over 100 percent of our aircraft ready to fly. We are very proud of our team."