Airmen from Barksdale AFB, La., deployed to the Middle East earlier this month to continue hammering ISIS in B-52s. The airmen from the 11th Bomb Squadron, 20th Bomb Squadron, 96th Bomb Squadron, and the 2nd Operations Squadron deployed to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, from Sept. 6-10 to replace B-52 crews from Barksdale that have been deployed since April. The new deployment will be the first time B-52s in theater will be outfitted with the new CONECT modification, which improves communication and situational awareness, according to a Barksdale release. The Air Force has set up a new continuous bomber presence in CENTCOM to keep bombers deployed for fights both in Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan. B-52s first deployed to CENTCOM in April to replace B-1Bs, and increased operations as the deployment progressed and airmen were able to build up Al Udeid’s infrastructure to support operations.
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
