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‘Mighty Deuce’ shows capability during Falcon Air Meet Exercise

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Aircrews from the 2nd Bomb Wing flew a 36-hour sortie across the world to put bombs on targets in Jordan for a demonstration during Exercise Falcon Air Meet at Azraq Royal Jordanian Air Base Oct. 31.

The two-week exercise brought together service members from multiple nations to share doctrine and procedures as well as strengthen relationships and provide unique training experiences. The bomber demonstration was viewed by many distinguished visitors, generals and leaders from around the world.

The mission was an example of bomber capability and the Air Force Global Strike Command's motto of "to deter and assure."

"I am certain that this absolutely outstanding 'on-time and on-target' global strike training mission provided great assurance to our partners and friends, while at the same time sent a deterrence message to our Nation's potential adversaries." said Col. Timothy Fay, 2nd BW commander.

The crew left Barksdale Oct. 31 and dropped their payload Nov. 1 in Jordan. Then, returned to Barksdale early Nov. 2 after flying 36 hours straight, which provided some challenges.

There's only one place for the crew to stand up straight and that's just above the crew hatch," said Capt. Greg Watson, 20th Bomb Squadron lead radar navigator. "When aircrew move around the jet in every other place, they have to scrunch over in order to get around.

"The B-52 is an enormous airplane, but I think most people who get in it for the first time are really surprised at the limited space available in the crew compartment," he added.

The bomber crew performed air-to-air refueling six times during the long sortie, said Capt. Garrett Houk, 20th BS B-52 aircraft commander. One refuel was hard for the pilot because it was at the time when the sun was coming up.

"It's very difficult to keep track of a tanker in front of you when you have the sun pretty much in the same location, but we got the job done," he explained.

Another challenge for the crew of a long-duration sortie is to get enough rest and sleep, Captain Watson said. Therefore, the crews were briefed by aerospace physiology on how to manage crew rest so everyone could get effective and regular rest periods. In the end, even though the long sorties give crews many difficult challenges to overcome, the captain said he was very excited to be part of this mission.

"I did enjoy it immensely and the reason why is because it was a chance for me and the crew to prove to ourselves and challenge ourselves that we can do these types of missions," Captain Watson said. "We fly long-range bomber aircraft and these types of missions-long durations and putting bombs on target-are is what we live and breathe to do. We need to be training like this more often because it is invaluable; I can't emphasize that enough."

Mission success on bomber sorties comes not only from the crewmembers onboard the aircraft, but it's also dependent on critical support from ground personnel.

Strikers never take off without support from all the other Airmen on the team, said Captain Watson. Behind the scenes, maintainers were prepping for three to four days prior to takeoff and munitions Airmen and loaders were loading weapons. In addition, weather Airmen briefed the crew on forecasts for the sortie and what to expect.

"Our maintenance teams put the best jets forward and they deserve much of the credit for our mission success," Captain Watson added.

The wing-wide effort to accomplish a mission halfway around the world was a prime example of Barksdale Airmen doing what they do best, which is to provide deterrence.

"Once again, the exceptional Airmen of the Mighty Deuce stepped up and demonstrated this wing's awesome capability to hold targets at risk across the entire globe for our nation--anytime, anywhere," Colonel Fay exclaimed. "It is truly an honor to serve with such inspiring and capable Airmen."