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Crew chiefs keep B-2 combat capable

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 36th Operations Group Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) --  Getting America's most lethal and technologically advanced bomber into the air over a target begins with Airmen on the ground.

These dedicated men and women are the crew chiefs of the B-2 Spirit. Keeping the stealth bomber ready to strike at a moment's notice requires more than hard work. It also requires a passion to see the job done right.

"We're always with the aircraft, from the time they're recovered to the time they launch back out," said Senior Airman Gregory Hudson, B-2 crew chief. "A crew chief typically spends 10 to 11 hours at work on an eight-hour shift, getting little time to eat or rest. You're constantly jumping around from aircraft to aircraft being used wherever you're needed."

While regular operations can be difficult enough, this deployment to the Western Pacific is testing the mettle of the Spirit crews. But, B-2 crew chief Tech. Sgt. Robert Burden said nothing will get in the way of the maintainers doing their jobs.

"Working on an open ramp is a new experience for us since we operate out of hangars at Whiteman (Air Force Base, Mo.)," he said. "Fighting the rain and hot sun adds another challenge for us."

While crew chiefs may not always be headline news, these flightline maintainers understand how important there mission really is.

"Pilots plan the missions and they fly the jets. Munitions (Airmen) build the bombs," said Sergeant Burden. "But, it's the guys that live on the ramp that make magic happen."

Of course, what crew chiefs bring to the fight is not lost on their fellow Airmen.

"Our B-2 maintainers are outstanding. There are several unique, technical maintenance challenges associated with the B-2," said Lt. Col. Todd Copeland, 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations. "I am continually amazed at their ability to meet a launch timeline while working through what appears to be an impossible task. They are a vital, integral part of the team."

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