Deployed B-1 reaches 10,000 flight-hour milestone

Air Combat Command ^ | 7/13/2010 | Senior Airman Spencer Gallien

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

B-1B Lancer achieved 10,000 flight hours here, June 12.

After 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit professionals braved temperatures in excess of 110 degrees Fahrenheit preparing the aircraft for the flight, the aircrew stepped in and performed the milestone mission, despite an 18-hour duty day.

"The tremendous amount of man-hours spent maintaining the B-1 and the sacrifices the maintainers endure away from their families, working extremely long hours in austere locations, has facilitated this historic event," said Master Sgt. Mathias Stewart, 34 AMU Airframe Powerplant General B-1 flight chief. "I am an extremely big fan of all maintainers, especially the crew chiefs who work for me, who have enabled this historic milestone on the B-1."

One of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron's Thunderbird crews flew the 14-hour Operation Enduring Freedom mission which pushed the "workhorse" aircraft, number 85-0087, past the 10,000 flight-hour milestone.

"No other Air Force asset demonstrates the flexibility and adaptation to the counterinsurgency fight better than the B-1," said Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog, Air Force Central Command's deputy commander. "It now boasts advanced targeting pods and communications systems while hosting payloads varying from lethal to low collateral damage munitions."

The B-1 came into the active Air Force inventory in the mid-1980s with an expected service life of 20 years, said Col. John Kubinec, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander. It now has surpassed its expected service life while reaching this important milestone.

"This accomplishment is all about making the mission happen through teamwork," he added. "The fact this milestone was achieved during a combat sortie is a fitting testament to the dedication of the entire B-1 enterprise, from the systems program office and depot to the amazing Airmen on the flightline who make all of this possible."

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

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[Errant]

[calex59]

Great photo, the B1B is one of my favorite aircraft.

[GeronL]

does that mean its had 450,000 hours in the shop?

[Outlaw Woman]

AWESOME!

[JSteff]

AWESOME!

Very few of the moonbats in the country can appreciate seeing those pics. They look awesome for sure.

The U.S.A got a bargain in those planes. Make one proud to be an American!

[Prokopton]

“The U.S.A got a bargain in those planes. Make one proud to be an American!”

According to the WSJ, they’re just rusying hulks.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2552831/posts

[Prokopton]

Oops. rusying = rusting.

[Outlaw Woman]

Very few of the moonbats in the country can appreciate seeing those pics.

Ironic isn't it? They are completely oblivious about something that has helped to maintain their freedom to be...oblivious.

I had the honor of touring the assembly plant of the B1B in Palmdale right at the peak of production. It was fantastic...no words can describe the pride...of all of us during that time.

[Errant]

It may actually be a painting. One like it hung in my boss’s office for years and that was over 10 years ago. I always like it. :)

[50cal Smokepole]

I was one of many assemblers of the BONE. It holds a special place in my heart. I still have a shirt that has patches of “elephant sh*t” (fuel tank sealant).

[JSteff]

touring the assembly plant of the B1B in Palmdale right at the peak of production.

I am envious, and happy for you. That will be one of those memories that will be with you for ever. The only really cool thing I did (twice) was to have my birthday on a carrier, with cake in the wardroom.

Once was on the Constitution, once on another one I can't remember. My dad was a supply corps officer and swung it (I heard later) with the supply officers of those ships. It was great growing up on military bases!

Cheers brother!