In a rare As part of an exercise amid ongoing tensions with China and Russia, the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing tested its long-range strike capabilities by loading live AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs) onto B-52H Stratofortresses.
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The exercise, part of the broader Bayou Warrior exercise, took place June 10-13, 2024, at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
The largest bomber squadron of the US Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) – the 2nd Bomb Wing – loaded the live missiles onto the bombers for a “readiness exercise”.
The importance of the exercise was enhanced by the use of live ammunition, which is marked by a yellow line (as opposed to the blue line for inert weapons).
Although the JASSMs were not launched during Exercise Bayou Warrior, the exercise provided personnel with valuable training in conducting conventional live-fire attacks. Given the high cost of these missiles, which cost over a million dollars each, such an exercise is rare.
The main objectives of the exercise were logistical and technical in nature, aimed at improving the skills of ground and maintenance personnel in rolling out and loading missiles into the large strategic bombers.
The purpose of the exercise was to test the squadron’s ability to “produce, load and drop conventional weapons in a simulated environment,” according to photo descriptions and official statements.
Squadron leadership, including the crisis intervention team, was actively involved in the exercise, which simulated a real-world combat deployment scenario. The Air Force Global Strike Command Office of the Inspector General evaluated weapons loading and maintenance processes during the exercise.
Lt. Col. Bryan J. Walter, who previously served as AFGSC deputy inspector general and recently assumed command of the 2nd Operations Group, emphasized the importance of these assessments.
“They’re going to come in and look at you closely and say, ‘Are you ready to go?'” Walter said. U.S. Air Force officials said the checks would benefit the crews.
Although the details of the simulated combat scenario remain classified, unit officials confirmed that the exercise closely replicated a real-world situation.
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US Air Force improves strategic readiness with B-52H Stratofortress and JASSMs
The exercise represents an important step in ensuring the readiness and efficiency of the US Air Force’s strategic capabilities and demonstrates its readiness for possible long-range live-fire attacks.
The B-52 has a rich history, having deployed a wide range of weapons over its 60 years of service, maintaining its status as a symbol of U.S. nuclear power.
However, its primary role was that of a conventional bomber. In the future, it will probably be geared towards the use of cruise missiles, which it can fire from its bomb bay and wide wings.
As the EurAsian Times reported, in addition to the recent exercise, crews at previous training events, such as “Prairie Vigilance” in April, were busy loading the AGM-86B air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) onto B-52H bombers stationed at Minot Air Force Base.
The B-52H can accommodate up to 20 JASSMs, 12 mounted on the outer pylons of its wings and another eight housed inside.
A notable advancement, first demonstrated in August 2016, was the ability to fire a JASSM from an internal conventional rotary launcher (CRL), further enhancing the operational versatility and strategic effectiveness of the B-52H.
Preparing the B-52H for simulated combat is a daunting task, akin to preparing a team for a “playoff game.” The sheer size of the bomber requires special operational considerations, as most hangars are inadequate to accommodate it, so B-52s line the ramp at Barksdale.
U.S. Air Force data shows that just over half of the B-52 fleet is “operational” at any given time, underscoring the logistical challenges and meticulous maintenance required to ensure operational readiness.
Master Sgt. Nickolas Shelton, production manager of the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, highlighted the commitment and skill of the maintenance personnel: “It’s a very old aircraft. It’s a lot of work, but our guys do a great job. It’s about time management, personnel management, parts management. There’s nothing to worry about. The aircraft decides for itself whether it breaks or not. We just fix it.”
While the U.S. Air Force conducts routine exercises to improve operational processes, opportunities to train with high-end weapons such as JASSMs are rare. Loading live JASSMs onto a B-52H, as happened during exercise Bayou Warrior, provides invaluable hands-on experience and improves operational readiness.
Captain Timothy Walraven, a weapons systems officer with the 20th Bomber Wing who has experience with live JASSM tests, pointed out that flights with JASSMs mounted on the pylons are rare.
This represents a significant opportunity for the flight crew to improve their skills. Compared to simulated training scenarios, it provides a clearer insight into real-world conditions and ensures they are ready for any operational deployment.
