Stratotanker, bomber train in teamwork

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  A KC-135 Stratotanker arrived from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Feb. 8 to train with Barksdale's B-52 squadrons. 

The KC-135 Stratotanker has the capability to provide midflight refueling, transport personnel during evacuations, and carrying pallets of cargo. The KC-135, has a crew consisting of two pilots, one boom operator and three crew chiefs who were here for one week. 

This base visit served as an opportunity for both the active duty here and the reservists from March ARB to learn from each other during refueling missions and on the ground. 

"Our purpose is to fly training missions with the B-52 squadrons here," said Capt. Mary Guest, 336 ARS pilot. "It's a good deal for the B-52 crews, but it's also a good deal for us to help them. That way everyone is getting the opportunity to learn from one another." 

The men and woman of the KC-135 crew will employ the skills they practice here at Barksdale during future deployments. 

"At our home station, we don't often get to fly against B-52's," said Captain Guest. "We've got an upcoming deployment so this is really good preparation for that." 

Captain Guest and her crew are not the only ones who benefit from the training. The B-52 crew's are grateful for the extra training as well. 

"Being able to be face-to-face is really an awesome experience," said B-52 pilot Capt. Mike Pontius, 96th Bomb Squadron. "It's tough to get tankers here to practice on, keeping our proficiencies current can be a challenge at times." 

The educational experience doesn't just apply to aircrew, the fire department took advantage of some hands-on training as well. 

"Having transient aircraft on our flight line is always a good opportunity to learn about a particular aircraft," said Staff Sgt. Stephen O'Brien, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron, fire department. "When we deploy, we have to deal with all kinds of aircraft. If we can familiarize ourselves with a particular aircraft here on our home station, it makes us more prepared for dealing with the Air Force's fleet during deployments." 

The fire department was given a safety briefing and air craft history by Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Horner, 336th ARS boom operator. He also gave them a step-by-step instructional briefing on how to access the plane and crew via various entry points in the event of an emergency. 

This visit to Barksdale gave many Airmen the opportunity to learn from each other and execute a joint mission while practicing being a good wingman.