Deployed B-52 maintainers achieve perfect record

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • Kenney Headquarters Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) --  Since deploying here, B-52 Stratofortress maintainers with the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have achieved a 100-percent mission effectiveness-rate and 100-percent weapons-release rate for every sortie flown during September. 

The percentages reflect almost 50 sorties, accumulating more than 400 hours of flight time and 72 weapons released, an impressive accomplishment with only six bombers, said Capt. Randy Schwinler, aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge for the 36th EAMXS. 

"The rates to date at Andersen are impressive, especially for a 46-year-old aircraft," he said. "But they don't begin to tell the story of the hard work and dedication displayed daily by the men and women of the 36th EAMXS. Along with (Anderson maintainers), these Airmen are essential to ensuring the continued capability of precision bombing, weapons delivery and threat deterrence to the theater commanders in the Pacific." 

The squadron deployed from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., with the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron in support of the United States' commitment to a continuous heavy bomber presence in the Pacific region. The change in environment is not without its challenges, said Master Sergeant Steven Berens, 36th EAMXS production superintendent. 

"The excessive heat, humidity and rain on Guam play a big part in day-to-day maintenance activity," he said. "Wind, lightning and glare all slow maintenance down, so we have to think ahead to stay productive and efficient. We do things right and work safely to get the job done." 

According to Sergeant Berens, B-52s are challenging to maintain and often land with discrepancies that require attention. These discrepancies don't necessarily mean the aircraft can't do the mission, but they mean specific systems need attention prior to the next flight. The 36th EAMXS maintainers work around the clock to correct these deficiencies as soon as possible restoring the jet to full mission-capable status in time for the next day's sorties. 

The schedule can be grueling, said Staff Sgt. Josh Wilson, 36th EAMXS dedicated crew chief. 

"We might have fewer jets here, but it's a much heavier workload and at a much faster pace," he said. "At home, you're in your element; you have a lot more people to help out, and you know how things are done. When we got here, we weren't familiar with Andersen at all, or prepared for the heat and rain, but we had to start launching jets the next day. We definitely hit the ground running." 

The B-52s are deployed to Guam until January 2007, when another heavy bomber unit will deploy in their place. The rotational bomber presence is aimed at enhancing regional security, dissuading potential aggressors, and providing integrating training opportunities for U.S. and allied forces. B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 bomb squadrons all have filled the heavy-bomber role at Andersen AFB.