20th EBS hones skill during KOA Lightning

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Teel
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Two B-52 Stratofortress aircrews from Barksdale AFB, La., deployed here as part of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, recently participated in the latest KOA Lightning exercise to demonstrate the U.S Air Force's global reach and global power capabilities.

The Pacific Command's KOA Lightning exercises maritime interdiction roles allow the 20th EBS to develop new tactics, techniques and procedures to employ for future maritime missions.

The B-52 demonstrated its standoff attack capabilities by launching simulated Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and Conventional Air Launch Cruise Missiles during this KOA Lightning.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for us as we continue to sharpen our air and maritime interdiction capabilities," said Lt. Col. Thomas Hesterman, 20th EBS commander. 

"The success of these exercises is also dependent on the outstanding support we receive from the tanker unit deployed here. It takes many skilled players to make the mission happen and achieve our national security objectives set by the combatant commander." 

Additionally, this exercise presents unique challenges for the aircrews as they tested their skills with the long duration flights, heavy weight take-offs, and multiple air refueling missions during the 20-hour flights. The B-52s flew six sorties, flying more than 121 hours to Hawaii and back while taking on more than 400,000 pounds of fuel during the flights. 

"KOA Lightning exercises highlight the B-52 aircrew' s ability to sustain long range missions, showcase the B-52s lethal capabilities on a global stage and help maintain a dominant presence in the Pacific region," said Maj. Kevin Kippie, 20th EBS mission planning chief. "KOA Lightning missions give our aircrews a taste of what it would be like in real world situations; we use what we learn to ensure we are prepared and ready if we are called upon to respond to a crisis." 

The bomber rotation to Andersen provides the U.S. Pacific commander a continuous presence to deter and dissuade any potential aggressor in the region. The rotation to Andersen AFB is aimed at enhancing regional security and demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region.