B-52 bombers complete Northern Edge 09

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Airmen supporting the B-52 Stratofortresses from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed an 11-day exercise in Alaska and returned here over a three-day period between June 27 and June 30. 

Three B-52 bombers from the 96th EBS completed 23 sorties during Northern Edge 2009, which allowed aviators to hone tactics and procedures associated with flying in a joint environment. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen participated in the exercise to respond to situations which might arise in the Asia-Pacific region to support U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package.

"Northern Edge was a unique experience," said Capt. Michael Middents, 96th EBS B-52 Stratofortress electronics warfare officer. "It was the first time any of us in the squadron had the opportunity to participate. It was a joint activity for more than 9,000 Department of Defense personnel to come up and basically validate the plans that PACOM has for us." 

The captain gained experience through the exercise by seeing a variety of scenarios. 

"One of the greatest things that I took away with my specialty as an electronic warfare officer, was exposure to basically the best threat simulations that the Air Force has to offer, so if we had to go into the fight it wouldn't be the first time," Captain Middents said. 

Stratofortresses have the capability of carrying most Air Force munitions. The 96th EBS 
took advantage of this ability and completed most roles a bomber can support during the exercise. 

"We did everything from close air support, to maritime interdiction and fighter intercept engagements," Captain Middents said. "Everything we could to try and maximize our experience up there." 

In addition to gaining experience in PACOM scenarios, communication was also an advantage in participating in the exercise. 

Capt. Charlie Goetz, 96th EBS aircraft commander, had the opportunity to cross talk in a joint environment and get an experience of a large-force exercise. 

"The last time I was in Alaska was for Red Flag, and we actually flew that from Guam last year for a 22.7 hour flight," said Captain Goetz. "While that was an awesome experience, nothing quite compares to being able to land in Alaska, go to debriefs and cross talk with the other airframe. We don't often get to land and be a part of [the lessons learned]. It was an excellent way to validate our tactics and procedures." 

A total of 96.4 hours were flown over the 11 days while the 96th EBS became familiar with PACOM strategies. 

"The number of hours that we flew was pretty high," he said. "The ops tempo was pretty intense, but we were able to work it out." 

This was the first Northern Edge for Captain Goetz, but he gained an appreciation during the experience. 

"I took away an absolute confidence of our airframe in the way we perform our tactics and training," he said. It validated everything that we do on a day to day basis that it is worthwhile and operable in the joint environment." 

While the exercise was a unique experience for the fliers, maintainers performed business as usual. 

"I made sure that all the maintenance was centered and coordinated properly to get our aircraft airborne on time," said Master Sgt. Wayland Baldwin, 2nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit B-52 Production Superintendent. "The maintenance on the aircraft was pretty standard. The aircraft really held up well while we were there." 

Maintainers worked 12 hour shifts in order to maintain the three aircraft for exercise scenarios. 

"The location of the aircraft made it different for the maintainers, said Sergeant Baldwin. It was similar to being in an austere condition, being in a location that they were not used to as far as space goes, but they overcame and made it happen. It was really successful." 

Sergeant Baldwin appreciated the work the maintainers put in during Northern Edge. 

"The maintainers worked really hard for me," he said. "Everybody was Johnny on the spot. Everyone was working really hard. It was a great success." 

Airmen assigned to the 96th EBS and 2nd EAMU forwarded deployed here to reconnect with their unit in support of U.S. PACOMs Continuous Bomber Presence in the Western Pacific.