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)
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.