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Jones' fini-flight sets aviation record

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Col. Joseph C. Jones, 307th Bomb Wing vice commander, had a record-setting final flight in the B-52 Stratofortress here Feb. 18.

When the two B-52s returned after the training mission, the crews broke a record of 100,000 combined flying hours.

"This shows the dedication of the reserve crew members here," said Jones. "These are beautiful people that have spent most of their lives, as you can tell by the gray hair, serving their country because they love the United States of America."

The mission, which consisted of two B-52s stacked to the brim with experienced aircrews, flew to the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range in Kansas, where they trained with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers who called in air support as they would in a combat environment. Each jet dropped three inert 500 pound bombs for the training scenario.

Nineteen other Airmen joined Jones in the record setting mission that coincided with his fini-flight. Local media, friends, family and co-workers were on hand to meet the jets as they parked on the ramp.

"Every B-52 crewmember likes to thump his chest now and then. But this event is more than flaunting hours flown or longevity achieved," said Lt. Col. Steve Smith, 93rd Bomb Squadron. "This event is a chance to highlight our common goals; it's a sharing of experiences and a display of our devotion to service; it represents the endurance of the brotherhood of warriors."

"For 100,000 hours we have flown together, fought together, won and lost together. We've answered a call, protected the innocent, and dealt justice to the unjust", said Smith. "That is what these two flights represent!"

Jones, who is a radar navigator, officially retires March 1, with more than 37 years of service. He has logged more than 4,260 flight hours in the B-52 G/H, T-37 and T-43.