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307th Bomb Wing showcases mission capabilities

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  The 307th Bomb Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., showcased its mission capabilities over a four-day period for local civic leaders as well as the employers and clergy of some the bomb wing's Airmen during three back-to-back community support events March 30 - April 2, 2011.

The first scheduled event was a Civic Leader Tour, which involved a flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker to Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., March 30, followed by Clergy Day April 1, and Employer Appreciation Day April 2.

"It's well known within the Air Force Reserve that the mission can't be successful without the support of the local community," said Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, commander, 307th BW. "In order to maintain the moral and focus of our Airmen who are out there on the front lines, we have to ensure that those who support them in their communities understand what it is they do when they leave their homes and jobs to come to Barksdale on their Reserve weekends."

Civic leaders witnessed the refueling of A-10 Thunderbolts during their flight to Patrick AFB. Once they arrived, they received briefings about the 920th Rescue Wing, 45th Space Wing, and the 301st Rescue Squadron.

"This is my first time with the 307th Bomb Wing. I found it all very interesting," said Suzy Lehr, Military Affairs Council. "I like learning about what (we) do at Barksdale. I didn't realize Reservist did so much."

During all three community relation events, participants were scheduled to witness the refueling of aircraft assigned to Barksdale and receive briefings about the 307th BW mission and the Reservists who serve our country every day.

Unfortunately, due to bad weather, a delayed take off at Patrick AFB, Fla., forced the cancellation of the flight scheduled for clergy members on Friday.

The clergy members were given a wing tour that started with a windshield tour of the base. They received briefings at A-10 and B-52 static displays and lunch at the Barksdale Club where they were briefed by Lt. Col. (Chaplain) Scott Adams about the duties and responsibilities of military chaplains.

Employers were able to get an up close and personal look at how both the B-52 Stratofortress and A-10 Stratofortress refuel in flight during missions. They also received briefings about the Barksdale AFB, its aircraft and what the Reserve Airmen at Barksdale do during drill weekends.

The employers were briefed by representatives of the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve during a luncheon after the flight. The mission of the ESGR is to develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, resolving conflict between employers and service members.

Both flights were taken on a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 18th Air Refueling Squadron, with support personnel from the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Both units are from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.