Armament systems flight supports Barksdale mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra Longfellow
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2d Munitions Squadron armament systems flight provides safe and reliable aircraft munitions release equipment for Barksdale's B-52 fleet. 

Although they work in a back-shop, their mission directly ties them together with the flightline. 

"Unlike most back office shops, we work hand-in-hand with the flightline," said Airman 1st Class Emily Vaden, 2d MUNS, armament systems flight specialist. "Everything we do is for the aircraft loaders." 

Since the two careers are so closely linked, armament systems flight members can do a lateral career move to become an aircraft loader as both fields are one Air Force Specialty Code. 

Still, working so closely together has its benefits. 

"This job has definetly broadened my skill levels in both career fields," said Senior Master Sgt. Jerome Sydnor, 2d MUNS armament systems flight superintendent. 

The 40 armament systems flight Airmen assemble, troubleshoot, inspect and maintain more than 400 pieces of release equipment in support of the 20th Munitions Squadron, the 96th AMU as well as the support of the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron and aircraft phase inspections. 

"We, in aircraft maintenance, are the front line in the application of air power," said Senior Master Sgt. Troy Kersey, 20th AMU. "Every link in our process chain is a critical link. The armament systems flight is one of those critical links. When their equipment and systems are maintained properly, we have a chance to be very successful in applying air power. If their piece of the chain breaks, it seriously degrades our ability to be mission ready. In my opinion, the armament system flight plays a vital role in the 2d BW's success during operational readiness generations and ultimately impacts our success in real-world generations." 

Airmen from the flight also handle all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on aircraft alternate mission equipment for the bomber. 

However, with such a heavy workload, the flight perfected an effective method of meeting to discuss each day's work at the beginning of each shift. 

"Each day is a continuous cycle," said Sergeant Syndor. "The Airmen know what they need to do on a daily basis and how to do it. They just get right to it." 

The cluster bomb rack, pylons and yokes are the three main equipment pieces maintained everyday by the Airmen. The Airmen spend many hours inspecting and maintaining the armament equipment. 

The armament systems flight ensures the 2d BW has the finest aircraft armament release support equipment to meet demanding global conventional taskings.