The airmen of the 40th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron that maintain the B-1B bombers flying combat mission over Afghanistan haven’t missed one of more than 165 launches during the present expeditionary rotation, according to an feature article by Air Force journalist TSgt. Jason Smith. The airmen are performing the same type of work they would at home base, but they work at “a faster pace,” said SrA. Kevin Waxman, one of the unit’s crew chiefs. Capt. Andrew Hackleman, with the 40th EMXS, called the B-1B “a complicated and maintenance-intensive weapon system, and the crew chiefs work tirelessly, 24/7, keeping the jet safe and reliable for aircrew.”
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
