GOSG improves B-52H, weapons systems

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Officers and executives from across the Air Force gathered for the third annual B-52 General Officer Steering Group session at Barksdale Air Force Base's Eubanks Conference Center March 8.

Ann Mitchell, director of Air Force Global Strike Command installations, logistics and mission support, designed the GOSG as a way for Air Force and industry leaders to discuss issues related to the B-52H Stratofortress.

The GOSG provides a forum to establish partnerships, while increasing communication and building trust - all factors essential to keeping the Airmen working on the B-52H and industry leaders in the same loop, Mitchell said.

Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, underscored the importance of these sessions as "vital in our efforts to support our Airmen and sustain our weapon systems."

Kowalski noted it is the precise attention to detail and smaller accomplishments that contribute collectively to a culture of excellence.

"Real progress is made day by day, as those little things we accomplish accumulate," Kowalski said.

It was an advantage to have the session here at Barksdale, said Col. Timothy O'Brien, Air Force Space Command individual mobilization augmentee to the deputy director of logistics.

"Barksdale is the headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command, and we had a number of personnel available to attend the meeting if a question posed by the senior leaders needed answering," O'Brien said.

Having the personnel available to discuss concepts as they were presented was a big advantage, but funding doesn't allow the command to proceed with all of its ideas, Mitchell said.

According to Mitchell, the command must make hard decisions about the most important needs. The command doesn't have enough resources for wants and is choosing which 'needs' are the highest priorities.

By doing so, the group prioritizes and adjusts its list of ideas each year - ensuring the B-52H and its weapons systems are at their best.

The GOSG will ensure the continued sustainment and readiness of the 50-year-old B-52H for years to come, Mitchell said.