Photo By Senior Airman Zachary Heal | Members of the 23rd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load a B-52...... read more read more
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Waters over the south-east Pacific Ocean lie peacefully and undisturbed as two B-52 Stratofortress aircraft fly overhead. Their bomb bays open, dropping dozens of torpedo-like devices into the shallow sea. Almost instantly, there is an underwater minefield, akin to a Venus Fly Trap waiting to snare unsuspecting prey.
But this is only an Aerial Mining Exercise performed on April 16 - 18 by the 23rd Expeditionary Bomber Squadron (EBS), currently deployed to Guam from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The mines are dummies filled with concrete, allowing deployed bomber crews and maintainers to hone their readiness.
“With the B-52 we can perform a lot of different missions,” said Maj. Christopher Curtis, 23rd EBS assistant director of operations. “Everything from standoff, to direct attack, to close-air support. Mining is one of those missions. Like with anything else, you have to practice to stay proficient; that’s how we continue to be the best Air Force in the world.”
The training with MK-62 and MK-63 sea mines is intended to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, which is part of the Continual Bomber Presence mission. In a non-exercise situation, the air-dropped sea mines are deterrents used to destroy surface vessels or deny the use of harbors or sea lanes. In this region, being able to assert aerial and maritime dominance at a moment’s notice is crucial.
“The Pacific is strategically a very important region,” said Curtis. “The [training we do for these] missions here helps to keep us prepared.”
The 23rd EBS practices their sea mining capabilities to maintain proficiency. Of course, true readiness couldn’t be achieved without dedicated maintainers who work all hours to ensure the equipment is safe and functional, said Curtis.
Long before the mines are released from the B-52’s bomb bay, the munitions must first pass directly through the hands of the Airmen from the 23rd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who are deployed to support the 23rd EBS. Before takeoff, the load crew load each mine one at a time.
“It requires a level of precision,” said Senior Airman Agustin Choi, 23rd EAMXS aircraft armament systems specialist. “That’s why we have such a strict standard for quality and precision. We know what we’re doing is important, so we can’t mess up.”
Aerial mining also provides military leaders with options. Rapid cradle-to-grave construction of an underwater minefield requires precise coordination and a strong partnership with the U.S. Navy.
“The Navy provides us with materials to help get these aircraft loaded and airborne,” said Curtis. “It’s a valuable partnership that’s tested and strengthened by exercises like these.”
For members of the 23rd EBS, being able to perform this mission on Guam has greater significance, considering they’re deployed more than 6,500 miles from home.
“I think the main difference about being deployed here is with every mission we are affecting real-world operations,” said Curtis. “Back home, we’re constantly training for notional scenarios. Every time we fly out here, we make an impact on a global scale. I think every crew member who takes off in a B-52 from Guam feels the weight of responsibility on their shoulders.”
Aerial mining training exercises ensure those tranquil and undisturbed Pacific waters remain that way -- hopefully for ages to come.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2019 01:15 |
| Story ID: | 319829 |
| Location: | ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GU |
| Web Views: | 143 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Aerial Mining Exercise hones readiness, promotes Indo-Pacific peace, stability, by SrA Zachary Heal, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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