HARM office keeps aircrew mission-ready

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The responsibility of the nation's nuclear arsenal falls under the control of Air Force Global Strike Command, and a large portion of that mission rests on the shoulders of the aircrew designated to fly the aircraft. However, before the B-52 can leave the runway, there are many things that must happen behind the scenes to give the mission a green light.

With the high number of aircraft and aircrew members here at Barksdale, keeping track of each member's records is a full time job requiring patience and extreme diligence. The host aviation resource management office here currently tracks 725 aircrew members and jumpers, each requiring specific documentation, which allows the member to perform the mission.

"A number of things could go wrong if we do not keep our flyers/jumpers up to date," said Airman 1st Class Jamie Walden, an aviation resource manager with the 2nd Operations Support Squadron. "Because our system shows whether a member is cleared to fly, it must be 100 percent accurate so all aircrew are ready to depart if needed."

Aviation resource managers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving members on flying status, which include tracking flight times, training and flying qualifications. Without accurate records of each aircrew member's current qualifications and physical restrictions, it is impossible to determine which crew member is able to reliably carry out the mission.

"My responsibilities include making sure all flight physicals are input into our Aviation Resource Management System, so all aircrew who are looking to fly are physically qualified, keeping track of all flight record folders, logging flight times, awarding ratings and badges, giving flight record reviews, publishing aeronautical orders, and in/out processing all flyers and jumpers on base," Airman Walden said.

From the time of initial in-processing, aircrew records are meticulously kept to ensure the maximum readiness of the flying force.

"Since the addition of the AFGSC, the operations tempo/mission has changed, but the mission is just as critical as it was before," said Staff Sgt. Ariella Reyes, an aviation resource manager with the 2 OSS. "I think the responsibilities have increased in order to meet the AFGSC mission."

With the stand up of the new command and the invigoration of the nuclear mission, the need to keep the Air Force's nuclear capable aircraft and crew mission ready is vital. Aviation resource managers ensure the aircrew members of the 2nd Bomb Wing are prepared to provide national strategic deterrence and devastating global combat air power -- anytime, anywhere.