B-1B crew steps up during Berlin Air Show prep

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Corey Clements
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
BERLIN, Germany --  Aircrew and support personnel from bases in Europe and the U.S. have been hustling in over the last few days to prepare for one of the premier air shows in the world, the Berlin International Air Show.

The B-1B Lancer crew from Dyess Air Force Base, TX was the first U.S. exhibitor to arrive and has taken the initiative to help out with additional functions to set up the air show.

Two B1-B Lancers are scheduled to appear at the air show, along with 25 aircrew and maintenance personnel from the 7th Bomb Wing.

Major Jim Ross, a B-1B instructor pilot of the 28th Bomb Squadron at Dyess, who has stepped up to carry out duties of an operations officer, says that his crew has really been working "outside the box".

"Our guys have been great and proactive in helping out wherever they're needed. They've been "wing walking" for other air frames while they're being towed into position and providing security for the corral where all the U.S. aircraft are kept," said Maj. Ross.

"I'm particularly pleased with the B-1B Lancer crew for going above and beyond just taking care of their mission," said Lt. Col. Mike Kilbourn, the show's U.S. Air Boss from Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air and Space Operations. "The B1-B team has really come through and has taken the initiative to pitch in where needed."

Maj. Ross has personally been helping other aircrews upon arrival with the registration process, getting them situated operationally, helping them get settled into their hotel, and just making sure they're taken care of.

Although the crew has been helping others since arriving first, a few days ago, they still have been able to accomplish their main priorities.

"Our mission is two-fold," said Senior Master Sgt. Rich Bryan, the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of maintenance on the Lancer at the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, TX.

"Our primary focus is service and maintenance on the aircraft to get them ready to fly, and secondly to clean the aircraft for static display to project a professional positive image of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S.," he added.

Airmen are preparing various models of U.S. military aircraft for flight demonstrations and static displays, including the B-1B Lancer, C-130J Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Galaxy, KC-135R Stratotanker, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15C Eagle, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.


Senior Airman Marcus Smith, a B-1B Lancer maintenance crew chief, says he's very happy to be here on his first temporary duty assignment away from his home station at Dyess AFB.

"I'm excited about showing off our bomber and what I do, and sharing with the spectators the highlights of our aircraft," he said, while cleaning the B-1B nose landing gear.

Since the inception of the aircraft most maintainers for it have been locked into that specific career field and not many locations are available for permanent duty assignments.

Consequently, most of them spend their careers at one or two bases, like Tech Sgt. Rodney Akers, a production superintendent who has been assigned to Dyess AFB for his entire 16 year Air Force career.

"When the opportunity arises to go on temporary duty assignments away from home station, you jump at it," said Akers.

Working air shows and showcasing the premier bomber aircraft in the Air Force today is on of the best gigs a B-1B maintainer can get.

Despite the B-1's age, it's effectiveness in Iraq and Afghanistan prompts the Air Force to keep a sharp technological edge on the bomber with numerous modifications like the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod. It allows pilots to identify tactical targets as greater ranges.

B-1's dropped nearly 40 percent of the total tonnage during the first six months of Operation Enduring Freedom and in March 2007 Air Force dubbed it the most valuable aircraft during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The B-1 is the backbone of the bomber force, capable of delivering decisive combat power anywhere in the world at any time, making it a prime show caser for the air show.

U.S. participation in the Berlin Air Show enhances the U.S.-German military-to-military relationship and supports our security cooperation strategic direction efforts. The defense department's involvement in this event is about fostering good relations and better understanding among nations.