ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England -- Airmen from 2nd Munitions Squadron out of Barksdale Air Force Base are staying mission ready while currently deployed at RAF Fairford, England. 2nd Bomb Wing Airmen and aircraft are currently operating out of RAF Fairford in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-1 operations.
To continue their readiness, the crew built 30 BDU-50 bombs, a non-explosive bomb that allows the 2nd MS to practice building bombs, which provides pilots the opportunity to practice deploying them.
“The practice allows our team to go through tech-data and the proper steps to make sure that the bombs are built correctly,” said Airman First Class Cameron Schneider. “Continuous practice is key to assure that we minimize mistakes when dealing with a powerful weapon.”
During BTF operations, 2nd Munitions Squadron inert bombs bombs, so the pilots can be more proficient with joint operations.
“The munitions personnel are here to provide a capability to combatant commanders,” said Master Sgt. Richard Capuano, deployment lead for 2nd Munitions Squadron.
Strategic bombers contribute to stability in the European theater, as they are intended to deter conflict.
“If something were to transpire anywhere in the world that they would like to call bombers forward from this base, we will be able to get these jets loaded and ready to go,” said Capuano.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe routinely hosts and supports a variety of aircraft and units for training, while supporting geographic combatant command objectives. USAFE operates with a variety of aircraft and units in Europe to maintain a ready and postured force prepared to respond to and support global operations.