B-52 bomber maintenance crews deployed from Minot AFB, N.D., to Andersen AFB, Guam, have sustained a 100 percent mission effectiveness rate and 100 percent weapons release rate for every sortie their six bombers flew during the past month—50 sorties and 400 flying hours. Capt. Randy Schwinler, officer in charge for the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, calls the rates “impressive, especially for 46-year-old aircraft.” MSgt. Steven Berens, 36th EAMXS production superintendent, says that the maintainers work around the clock to keep the venerable bombers in shape and notes that they must “think ahead to stay productive and efficient” because the Guam climate—excessive heat, rain, wind, lightning—can slow work.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed to undertake far-reaching reforms on the way the U.S. military buys weapons, promising a sweeping overhaul of the way the Defense Department determines requirements, handles the acquisition process, and tests its kit. The fundamental goal, which Hegseth underscored in a 1-hour and 10-minute speech…
