Crew shows unique capabilities of B-1 Lancer at Berlin Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BERLIN --  A B-1 Lancer aircrew is participating in the ILA 2010 Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition and Conferences from June 8 to 13 to show off the bomber's unique capabilities.

The B-1 is one of the aircraft being featured in the Berlin Air Show's 1,153 exhibits from 47 countries.

"We are excited and happy to be here in Berlin to showcase our aircraft to a foreign country as well as show our aircrew to the public," said Maj. John Ferguson, 28th Bomb Squadron flight commander from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. "It is a unique experience.

Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force. It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.

"We are showing them some parts of the B-1 and answering some of the questions they may have," Major Ferguson said. "They are surprised on how it looks like."

According to Maj. Chris Plourde, assistant director of operations, this is a great experience for him as well as his crew because of the people's love for aviation.

"They're inquisitive and very excited to see the B-1 because they've never seen one before," Major Plourde said. "They are just astounded on the size of the aircraft, how maneuverable it is. They are amazed how old it is when we tell them it's 25 years old and how fast it flies."

The six-man B-1 team not only acts as tour guides but they are also responsible for everything that the aircraft would need, such as maintenance and planning.

"Without the maintenance crew, we wouldn't be able to launch this aircraft and keep it flying," Major Plourde said. "Without them, this would be just a permanent static display.

Overall, Major Ferguson said the team work is phenomenal.

"Our teamwork is great," he said. "We work well together. All the crew are sharp and they're all professionals."