93rd Bomb Squadron is Litening pod combat-capable

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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFPN) --  The 917th Reserve Wing's 93rd Bomb Squadron here is the first B-52 Stratofortress squadron to complete the training requirements for combat use of the Litening AT targeting pod.

"This new mission capability is a first for the B-52 and gives the combatant commander another weapon in his arsenal in the war on terrorism," said Brig. Gen. Bob Tarter, 917th WG commander.

"This precision capability will give the theater commander the capability to have a precision weapon platform airborne in the battle area for long periods of time, which will help in attacking targets that are time sensitive and fleeting," the general said.

The Litening AT uses high-definition electro-optical sensors and airborne lasers to aid the aircrew with target detection, identification and weapons guidance precision.

This type of targeting pod is already used on other combat aircraft and was first approved for testing on the B-52 in 2002. Another test in 2003 led to follow-on development and testing of training, tactics, techniques and procedures. The training requirements at Barksdale were completed July 13.

"This is a major milestone for the B-52 and 93rd Bomb Squadron," said Lt. Col. William Floyd, the 93rd BS Weapons and Tactics Flight commander.

"This unit has invested more than 10 years of effort, dedication and persistence to achieve probably the most combat relevant enhancement to the current B-52 mission," Colonel Floyd said. "The B-52 targeting pod integration program is a perfect example of a total force effort that involved every facet of the B-52 community."