Cooperation with allies enhances Air Force capabilities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Teel
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Four B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) completed international air refueling missions with tankers from the Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) for the first time May 13 and 15.

The air refueling missions with the U.S. ally amplifies the Air Force's exceptional capability to send long-range bombers anywhere in the world anytime.

"This mission helps the U.S. Air Force foster multinational relationships, build confidence in working with our Singapore allies and at the same time improves our bombers, global reach capabilities," said Col. Damian McCarthy, 36th Operations Group commander.

The mission required each B-52 to on-load more than 220,000 pounds of fuel during the 18-hour flight, said Capt. James Torres, 96th EBS radar navigator.

"In order for the bombers to get the right amount of fuel, which is imperative to the mission, everything has to be carefully planned," he said. "We have to coordinate meeting in the airspace at the precise time, weather forecast needs to be accurate, the air traffic control agencies have to be notified we are using a large amount of their airspace, and there are many other considerations involved."

The work and time spent planning and coordinating this mission compiled with the professionalism of the RSAF was key to this mission being a successful one, said Lt. Col. Patrick Matthews, 96th EBS commander. "We look forward to working together to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region."