Weapons Loaders become first nuclear certified crew in AFRC

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Bailey, 707th Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, operates a Remote Stop Switch on a MHU-196 Munitions Trailer during an Air Launched Cruise Missile loading operation on a B-52H Stratofortress, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 15, 2012. During the loading operation, Bailey is responsible for ensuring safe clearance exists between the weapons package and the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele/Released)

Weapons Loaders become first nuclear certified crew in AFRC

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Donald Ballard, 707th Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, verifies the proper torque setting before tightening a bolt during the loading operation of an Air Launched Cruise Missile package on a B-52H Stratofortress, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 15, 2012. Ballard and his crew are the first nuclear certified weapons loaders in the Air Force Reserve Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele/Released)

Barksdale Reserve unit passes critical test

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. James Hudson and Staff Sgt. Erin Bernik, 707th Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew members, inspect an Air Launched Cruise Missile while being videotaped by Joel Rodgers, Mar. 20, 2013, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Rodgers is a reporter for KTAL Channel 6 News and teamed up with reporter Leslie Draffin for a Barksdale Profile segment on the recent nuclear certification of the 307th Bomb Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele/Released)

343d BS Historic Flight 2011

Senior Airman Jarod Feller, crew chief, 707th Maintenance Squadron, marshals a 2nd Bomb Wing B-52H, call sign Skull 61, back to its parking spot following its return from a nuclear training mission at Barksdale Air Force Base, La, March 5, 2011. The 707th MXS is an Air Force Reserve classic associate unit assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing maintenance group and supports the 343rd Bomb Squadron. The launch of this crew and aircraft was significant for being the first supported by 2nd BW operations and maintenance personnel during a 307th Bomb Wing Reserve Unit Training Assembly. (U. S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Greg Steele)

Barksdale Reserve unit passes critical test

Published March 25, 2013
By Master Sgt. Greg Steele
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE La. - -- The 307th Bomb Wing reached an unprecedented milestone by becoming the first Reserve unit in the history of the Air Force to become nuclear certified after passing its Initial Nuclear Surety Inspection on March 18, 2013, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

The 343rd Bomb Squadron and 707th Maintenance Squadron, units under the 307th BW, are tasked to support the 2nd Bomb Wing's nuclear and conventional missions through the auspices of the Total Force Initiative. The 307th BW Airmen underwent five days of intense inspection to certify it is qualified to perform the U.S. Air Force nuclear mission.

The inspection team, headed by Lt. Col. Hank Jenkins, team chief, presented the results of the inspection to Col. Jon Ellis, commander of the 307th BW, March 18.

"This certification is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people," said Ellis. "This historic milestone could not have been reached without their hard work and the great support we received from the 2nd Bomb Wing."

The inspection process, which involved the Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General's office and the Air Force Inspection Agency, examined five major areas for the 343rd BS and 707th MXS. Inspectors evaluated the management and administration, technical operations, safety, Personnel Reliability Program and Nuclear Control Order Procedures.

Weapons loaders assigned to the 707th MXS were evaluated on their ability to upload Air Launched Cruise Missile packages both internally and externally on the B-52H Stratofortress and earned the highest rating possible, best-seen-to-date.

"It's amazing how far we've come as a load crew in the past year," said Staff Sgt. Erin Bernik, 707th MXS weapons load crew member. "The evaluation was really exciting to be a part of and we had a great time."

In a message sent to all 307th BW personnel, Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, AFGSC commander, extended his congratulations by saying, "This achievement reflects the superior expertise the 307th BW wing provides day to day. Being recognized by the AFGSC IG with a "READY" rating is a significant achievement and exemplifies our Air Force's vision of a highly-disciplined Total Force team. Well done!"