A trio of B-2 stealth bombers have redeployed to the continental United States from Andersen AFB, Guam, after a three-week rotation to support US Pacific Command’s continuous bomber presence rotation, Andersen officials announced. The rotation was the first deployment of B-2s to the island since January 2012. Some 200 support airmen accompanied the three bombers from 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., to support readiness training and familiarity with PACOM operations. Maj. Arron Hager, the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, said the training on Guam ensures crews are proficient in skill sets such as command and control, aerial refueling, and weapons loading. Guam-based training also tests skills needed in a contingency, such as turning aircraft quickly. TSgt. Daniel Youman, a quality inspector with the 509th AMS, noted he participated in “hot refueling” a B-2 during training, which involves refueling an aircraft while still running so it can take off again more rapidly.
The crash of a T-38 trainer jet this May—which caused a weekslong pause in flights across the fleet—was caused by an improperly installed pin for one of the jet’s horizontal stabilizers, according to a new accident report released Oct. 30. When the pin disengaged midflight, it created the slightest amount…