The B-2 force deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, last week dropped inert Joint Direct Attack Munitions on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific, marking the first aerial bombing mission for the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. The 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to Andersen from Whiteman AFB, Mo., as part of the strategic presence rotation in the Pacific region. Traditionally, the Kwajalein site is used to test Air Force ICBMs and Missile Defense Agency systems. Now, RTS officials see the B-2 mission as opening the door to other weapon systems, proving the site’s flexibility. As for the airmen, it was an “important” joint effort, according to Capt. Dan Hoadley with the 393rd EBS. He said, “There was tons of coordination between the people in the mission planning cell, people at Kwajalein range, and people at the command level to make this mission happen.” Oh, the bomber force reportedly “shacked” the target. (Andersen report by A1C Erica Stewart)
As commander of Air Forces Central, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich has been at the heart of almost all U.S. military action in the Middle East, from overseeing airstrikes against Iranian proxy groups to protecting troops as America’s air defense commander for the region. Just before handing over his command to…