Keeping B-1s over the bad guys

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Ellsworth's B-1 carries the largest payload of weapons in the Air Force inventory, can loiter over the target area for extended periods of time and its 120,000 plus pounds of thrust can get it on top of America's adversaries anywhere in the world at a time of the combatant commander's choosing. 

But it takes more than a hot jet and great pilots to get the job done. 

Chief Master Sgt. Jim Sanders, deployed as chief of the 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, paints a picture of how important the B-1 and its support crews on the ground are as an important link in the fight from the air. 

"There are times when Army troops were pinned in and receiving crossfire from all directions," the chief said, recounting a story told to him by an Army ground combatant. 

"They thought they were not going to make it out to see their families again and then a B-1 flew over to assist. 

"The next thing the Army folks knew, they were able to walk out of that hostile situation with no resistance." 

Chief Sanders said he feels it's important to make sure his Airmen, as well as Airmen throughout the Air Force, know how critical ground crews are in the continuing global war on terrorism. 

"I make it a point to brief these stories to our Airmen so they never lose focus of why they're here," said Chief Sanders. "Without them putting aircraft in the sky, with the right munitions needed, the ground forces casualty rate would be phenomenal. 

"We can feel proud every day knowing we helped someone on the ground to get to go home and see their family again." 

Chief Sanders said the importance of what the enlisted maintainers do to keep the B-1 aloft personally hits him very close to home. 

"My son is on the front line with the 82nd Airborne," said the chief. 

Dave Schepp, 28th Bomb Wing historian, said aviation history demonstrates how important crew chiefs and weapons loaders are to a nation's air force during a wartime posture. 

"During the European campaign in World War II, ground crews were the invisible link to the flyers," said Mr. Schepp. "For example, they'd work all night to fix a B-17, get it loaded, catch some rest where they could and wait for the airplane to return. 

"When it came back, the ground crews had to repeat the process quickly to get the airplane ready for its next bombing run. The pilots drove the airplane to their targets, but Airmen on the ground kept them flying," Mr. Schepp said. 

The raw talent and ingenuity exhibited by America's first Airmen paved the way for the eventual outcome of the war. 

"The victory in Europe belongs as much to the ground crews as to the aviators," Mr. Schepp explained. 

The wing historian agreed with Chief Sanders' thoughts on the role of the enlisted maintainer in today's war. 

"We can often draw parallels in history," said Mr. Schepp. "Right now, Airmen are essentially doing the same jobs as their World War II counterparts; making sure airplanes can take the fight right to the enemy. 

"I sincerely believe history will show them as just as much a critical piece of the air campaign in this war as their predecessors were in Europe. As we speak, they are adding to the Air Force's proud heritage for future generations to look upon and admire," Mr. Schepp said. 

Chief Sanders is confident the enlisted ground crews of today are up to the task of filling the role of mission accomplishment from the ground. 

"I am very proud of the dedication and professionalism my troops have shown since arriving here in fixing the aircraft and making the mission happen every day," said the chief. "The B-1 is a very maintenance intense aircraft and can be very frustrating to work at times. 

"But, the Airmen here have taken every challenge thrown at them and succeeded with flying colors," added Chief Sanders. "The 34th AMU is representing Ellsworth in great fashion. We've definitely lived up to our motto - 'Pride and Power'."