Guam unit continues providing Global Strike capabilities Published Nov. 4, 2005 By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Capenos 36th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) -- Four B-1B Lancers from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron here participated in Exercise Koa Lightning last week -- continuing their mission of providing Global Strike capabilities for Pacific Air Forces and Pacific Command. During the exercise held in Hawaii, the B-1s dropped inert weapons and worked close air support on the island of Oahu with Joint Tactical Air Controllers from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron. “These were long sorties and very similar to missions being flown in Afghanistan,” said Capt. James Hart, 37th EBS pilot. “Sixteen-and-half hours is a long time to fly, but it was great training.” Exercise preparations began three weeks prior with 37th EBS members working with the Kenney Warfighting Headquarters in Hawaii to reserve tanker support and airspace, and coordinate flight plans over Hawaii. “This exercise brought together many elements of Global Strike,” said Lt. Col. David Been, 37th EBS commander. “From the tanker task force here to the Kenney Warfighting Headquarters in Hawaii, along with the superb maintenance we’ve come to expect, we had great support in making this exercise a success.” The exercise was such a success that the unit the month flying 100 percent of all fragged sorties in the various October exercises, the colonel said. In addition to flying successful bombing operations, members of the 37th EBS also learned valuable close-air-support lessons, said Captain Hart. During the exercise pilots had the opportunity for two aircraft to work simultaneously with one controller on the ground. Working in this configuration provided the pilots training on how to limit radio traffic so as to not step on each other (cut each other off) and provided the controllers training on how to effectively coordinate two aircraft supporting the one controller. “Overall this was another great experience,” Captain Hart said. “Not only did I learn some great lessons, but I got to fly my longest sortie yet.”