The Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing, which helps to fly and maintain the Air Force’s B-2 fleet at Whiteman Air Force Base, is now fully certified to conduct the bombers’ nuclear mission, according to a wing release. The unit achieved this certification after successfully completing a four-day initial nuclear surety inspection, states the Aug. 8 release. With this achievement, the wing reached full operational capability with the B-2, concluding a six-year process begun in 2007 when the unit transitioned from flying F-15s. “The airmen of the 131st Bomb Wing have proven they are up to the task in carrying out this critical national security mission,” said Army Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, Missouri’s adjutant general. The 131st BW operates the B-2s under a classic association with Whiteman’s Active Duty 509th BW. The former has nearly 800 members. It is the first Air Guard unit cleared to deliver nuclear weapons, according to the release. (Whiteman report by Capt. Rachel Savage)
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer’s loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber.