Team Dyess dominates bomb competition

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bob Krause
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Bomb Wing took top honors by winning the 2009 Proud Shield II/Giant Sword II Best Wing Award in a ceremony held at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. March 4. The overall award was earned by Team Dyess members after demonstrating outstanding proficiency in bombing and navigation, munitions loading and security forces operations.
"These awards say a lot about our professionalism and showcase what we are able to do as a wing, said Col. Robert Gass, 7th Bomb Wing Commander. "I couldn't be happier with our performance."

Proud Shield II and Giant Sword II are modern versions of bombing and loading competitions that are among the oldest Air Force traditions dating back to 1948. The last full competition was held in 1992 just prior to the deactivation of the Strategic Air Command.

Last year the program was revitalized by 8th Air Force Commander Lt. General Robert Elder Jr. with the goal of improving the public's perception of the Air Force's ability to conduct nuclear operations and reinvigorate its nuclear enterprise.

"This event is just the beginning of a great adventure celebrating the revitalization of the Air Force's historic deterrence and defense mission," said Lt. General Elder.

Historically, Air Force bomb competitions conclude with a symposium where the host base gathers the participants in order to share lessons learned and best practices. These gatherings have had a significant effect on past and present Air Force doctrine and training as well as tactics, techniques and procedures.

"This competition demonstrates that we still have the ability to project airpower around the globe," said Lt. General Elder. "The capability to do that gives us some significant effects without even having to drop a bomb."

The 7th Bomb Wing competed against aircrews and maintainers from Ellsworth AFB, S.D., Barksdale AFB, La., Minot AFB, N.D., and Whiteman AFB, Mo., in a variety of categories. Team Dyess took top honors in the following categories:

- Best Load Crew Team - Conventional
- Best Crew Chief Team - Conventional
- Best Bomb - B-1
- Giant Sword II - Best Wing
- Proud Shield II /Giant Sword II Best Wing

Next year, 8th Air Force hopes to include F-15 Strike Eagles in the competition as well as host competitive events for tankers, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft and battle management units.

"The bombers and the Air Force are going through a major reorganization right now and the B-1 continues to prove its value, added Col. Gass. "We look forward to coming back next year."