BUFF in the hangar

Airmen assigned to the 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics section begin testing the electronic warfare systems on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. Testing the B-52's systems ensures every component is calibrated correctly and in serviceable condition, as the countermeasures help ensure the aircraft's survivability in hostile territory. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

Cables and plugs

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, plugs cords into a Radio Frequency Interface Unit on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. The RFI-U simulates radio frequencies which the B-52s electronic countermeasures pick up and jam or disrupt accordingly. The signals jammed by the ECMs let avionics Airmen know whether the system is functioning properly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

Consulting the TO

Senior Airman Heinz Bartnick, left, and Airman 1st Class Brian Casey, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics section, look over a technical order on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. TOs are step-by-step instruction manuals used by maintenance Airmen that list proper tools needed, any hazards to be aware of and protective gear to accomplish the task. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

ECM Maintenance

Airmen assigned to the 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics section test the electronic warfare systems on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. The electronic warfare systems help an aircraft evade and survive hostile fire by disrupting enemy radar and tracking systems. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

ECM Maintenance

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, places a cover over an ALQ-172 antenna on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. Avionics Airmen maintain and test the countermeasure systems to ensure the B-52 evades and disrupts enemy attacks directed toward it by deploying flares or jamming radar. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

ECM Maintenance

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, inspects a coupling during testing of electronic warfare systems on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. The coupling tests the ECMs by simulating different radio frequencies and the Airmen check to see whether the ECMs are properly jamming or disrupting the simulated frequencies to determine the status of the electronic warfare systems. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

Pressure test

Tech. Sgt. Thomas White, 707th Maintenance Squadron, connects power cables to a pressure test set on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. The test checks for the proper pressure levels within the B-52's electronic countermeasures as the system needs a certain amount of pressure to keep moisture and dirt out, which could cause damage. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

The test stand

Airman 1st Class Sam Ritzman, 2nd Maintenance Squadron Avionics, plugs in cables to a 464 test stand during testing of the electronic countermeasures on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 9, 2013. Avionics Airmen maintain and test the countermeasure systems to ensure the B-52 can evade and disrupt enemy attacks directed toward it by deploying flares or jamming radar. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

Stay aware, stay alive: 2 MXS Avionics Airmen keep BUFF crews head's on a swivel

Published April 9, 2013