One of the B-2A stealth bombers that recently deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, experienced a minor engine bay fire on Feb. 26 during a routine engine start as the aircraft prepared for takeoff. The Pacific News Center reported Feb. 28 that the fire was contained in the engine bay and quickly extinguished. No other B-2s on the island were grounded as a result of the incident, according to the newspaper, citing a Pacific Air Forces spokesman. The cause of the fire was under investigation as was the extent of the damage. One individual at the scene was later treated for possible inhalation of fire suppressant. Back in February 2008, a B-2 serving on Guam during a rotational deployment crashed on takeoff and was destroyed. Its crew ejected and survived. (See Back on Guam above)
If the Air Force is in line for a big budget bump from President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget in 2027, the head of Air Combat Command said he would make aircraft spare parts his top spending priority—but cautioned that more money to buy parts won’t equal a…
