Barksdale structural flight powerwash global defender

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra Longfellow
  • 2d Bomb Wing
Barksdale Air Force Base, LA --  The 2d Maintenance Squadron's structural flight provides maintenance as well as corrosion prevention to prolong the lifespan of 49 assigned B-52H Stratofortress'. 

Since the B-52 accumulates a lot of flying hours, stress to its structure and corrosion from unforgiving environments result. To keep the aircraft in good working conditions, special measures are in place. 

Washing and applying protective coatings on aircraft parts and surfaces help renew the structure as well as on worn and corroded parts. 

Although, the structural flight plays a large role in structural maintenance, it is not all up to them. 

"We are only one piece of the puzzle," said Tech. Sgt. Cameron Ward, 2d MXS, aircraft structural maintenance assistant shop chief. "It takes a lot of pieces to create the big picture of the aircraft getting into the air so we can defend our country." 

Still, the team requires multiple members to achieve their goals. Three very different and unique work sections make the mission of washing a multi-million dollar aircraft possible. 

The structural maintenance section supplies a wash rack supervisor who ensures all tools and equipment are serviceable. The wash crew is made up of more than 20 Airmen from the squadron the aircraft is assigned to. For instance, a phase aircraft is being washed; the 2d MXS will supply the Airmen. 

However, with such a large aircraft, different techniques are required. 

"Washing the B-52 is nothing like washing your car," said Master Sgt. Dwayne Watson, 2d MXS, fabrication flight chief. "During a wash, it is the maintainer's job to try and remove all dirt, grease and grime from the aircraft, whether it is dirt and rubber in the wheel well, jet engine exhaust or excess grease or oil." 

Barksdale has two wash racks. One is located on the North end of the flightline, which is used in Summer months and an indoor wash rack on the South end of the flightline used in the Winter months. 

The indoor wash rack also serves as a paint touch-up area allowing for more mission-capable B-52's to have their scheduled wash done on time. 

It takes anywhere from eight to 12 hours for a wash to be completed. A clean aircraft is easier to inspect for cracks and damage. 

"All this is done to ensure that there is no corrosion hiding under all the dirt and to maintain the correct weight of the airframe," said Sergeant Watson. 

All aircraft at Barksdale are washed every 120 days. If they have recently returned from a location with high salt content then they are washed within five days of their return.
Safety precautions are a major factor when cleaning the aircraft. 

Airmen are required to wear thick protective rubber suits, goggles, face shields, gloves and rubber boots. The squadron purchased cooling vests with gel-like substances that will now be able to freeze and will slide into another vest helping to keep the wash crew cool. 

A citrus scented soap is sprayed onto the surface of the aircraft which displaces dirt and grime from the surface by using a lifting effect. The soap sits for 15 to 20 minutes and then is scrubbed to ensure all stains have been removed from the surface. The aircraft surface is then rinsed as a final stage to completely remove all emulsified dirt and stains. 

"It brings a sense of pride knowing that you are the one cleaning this amazing aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Brent Bays, 2d MXS, aircraft structural maintenance craftsman. "In a way we are restoring one of the most dependable war-fighters in the United States Air Force and one that has made its mark in our great nation's history." 

The structural flight helps ensure the B-52 is mission ready at all times.