96th EBS showcase maritime skills

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Teel
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The B-52s assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron dropped 162 inert MK-62 sea mines 80 miles south of Guam this week wrapping up their training missions and a four month Air Expeditionary Force rotation to Andersen AFB. 

Training with the non-explosive munitions prepares the B-52 Stratofortress crews to drop mines into strategic places to deter enemy forces from using particular sea ports, harbors, or ocean ways. Sea faring vessels will avoid a mined seaway or port ensuring U.S. and ally assets are safe. 

The Navy's Mobile Mine Assembly Unit Eight at Guam manufacture the MK-62 sea mines. After the Air Force orders the sea mines, MOMAU Eight arrange for delivery. 

Once at Andersen, Airmen load the mines onto the bombers for delivery into theater. 

"You will never get a great product without teamwork in the military," said U.S. Navy Senior Chief Steven Jones, a mineman assigned to Surface and Air Warfare. "Since both services were placed on island, we have a process in place with the Air Force team at Andersen to provide a quick turn around--since then our relationship has only got better." 

"Like any military operation and training mission, this one too requires a great amount of teamwork," said Lt. Col. Patrick Matthews, 96th EBS commander. "The Air Force and the Navy come together as a team, once again, to ensure the safety and security of our ports and harbors. The 96th EBS is dedicated to working with the other services and U.S. allies to ensure there is security and stability in the Pacific region."