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.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
