Minot B-52 aircrews refine, polish skills in Guam

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Val Gempis
  • Air Force Print News
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Capt. Jeremiah Baldwin, a B-52 Stratofortress pilot, said he could not wait to get out of the cockpit. He was tired, exhausted and just wanted to lie down and sleep after flying a 20-hour mission.

“It’s one of the longest flights I’ve ever flown. It was great training, but it’s not something I want to do everyday,” he said.

The deployed B-52 crew from the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., said they are glad that 20-hour sorties are not common for them while deployed here. But that does not mean their training tempo has slowed down since they arrived here in February. Every day, B-52s fly over Guam supporting U.S. Pacific Command operations in the region.

Over the past two years, B-52s have frequently deployed as part of the air and space expeditionary force bomber rotation cycle. Aircrews who were involved in desert operations said that being on this island is a welcome change. They are not getting shot at. They are not living in tents. It is a different focus and a different mind-set. But their training remains intense. Others also said this deployment has given squadron crewmembers the chance to step back, refine and sharpen some of their skills.

“This is an unparalleled training opportunity for us,” said Lt. Col. Rob Hyde, the squadron’s commander. “We’re sharpening several critical skill-sets in a unique training environment. Most importantly, we’re able to integrate our operations with PACOM forces and our friends and allies in the region.”

The 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is the first squadron to deploy to Guam following U.S. Pacific Command officials’ decision to station a bomber force here. The continuous bomber presence is aimed at enhancing regional security, demonstrating United States’ commitment to the Western Pacific and providing training opportunities that integrate bombers into joint and coalition forces in the Pacific, officials said.

Guam’s almost unrestricted airspace and the close proximity of the Farallon de Medinilla Island, a naval bombing range about 150 miles north of here, makes this an ideal training environment, officials said.

Each B-52 sortie averages about eight-and-a-half hours from takeoff to landing. About an hour after takeoff, the bombers hook up with tankers to practice air-refueling. After two hours of refueling training, the bomber crew heads to the training range to conduct live bomb drops using M-117 munitions. On the way back here, the crew practices low-level runs over the ocean.

Capt. Robby Castle, a radar navigator, said that although they are not in a hostile environment, their training here is very challenging. During real-world operations, they knew exactly what weapons they were using, where they were going and how to get home safely.

“Over here we’re being challenged with new scenarios and mission elements each week,” Captain Castle said. “We’re re-familiarizing ourselves with skills we haven’t had the chance to use for awhile.”

Another unique aspect of their training here is working with naval battle carrier groups and practicing maritime mine-laying techniques. Because of the geographical location of Minot AFB, B-52 crews only practice simulated countersea operations there.

“It’s very beneficial especially to our young crewmembers to experience operations over the ocean,” said 1st Lt Jeremy Fairaizl, an electronic warfare officer on his first deployment. He said being here has given him the chance to learn new skills.

“Over here, we have to adapt a little bit,” he said. “It gives you a chance to grow in different ways and different directions.”