Photo By Senior Airman Yendi Borjas | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Szatkowski, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron dedicated...... read more read more
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GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.– The 28th Bomb Wing collaborated with the 319th Reconnaissance Squadron to perform a hot-pit refueling operation at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 1, 2024, testing the adaptability of the base and its Airmen.
Grand Forks AFB is the proposed temporary relocation of Ellsworth's B-1 fleet during a runway construction project in preparation for the future arrival of the B-21 Raider.
Having operated B-1’s in the past, the hot pit comes 30 years after the last of the B-1B Lancers left Grand Forks in, 1994. Many of the features needed to house the bomber are still present, such as runway length requirements, capability to store munitions and to refuel the aircraft.
“The ability to perform a hot-pit in an alternate location proves our ability to continue operating at 100 percent no matter where we are,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Szatkowski, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief.
Airmen were tasked with traveling to Grand Forks to test the equipment and to foster relationships between both Wings for potential collaborations in the future.
As a proposed location to house the Ellsworth bomber fleet during future runway construction, the visit demonstrated the necessary capabilities between Ellsworth Raiders and Grand Forks Griffins to work together and complete the refuel.
“As of now we have worked with the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to accomplish runway and airfield familiarization, as well as coordination for aircraft movement,” said Szatkowaski. “The relationships built during this trip helped break the ice for any coordination needed in months to come.”
Through the success of the hot-pit refuel, Airmen proved the bomber mission to remain ready to strike anytime, anywhere despite operating out of a temporary location.
“I was really happy to see our bomber come and land here,” said Lt. Col Nathaniel Butler, Commander Action Group director. “Everything went exactly as we intended. It is always good to see the aircraft performing exactly as needed, and the fact this base is adequately appointed to support our operations works in our favor.”
As construction continues at Ellsworth Air Force base preparing for the incoming B-21 Raider, the base maintains its commitment to pave the way for the future of long range strike while maintaining B-1 mission readiness.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2024 14:07 |
| Story ID: | 482425 |
| Location: | GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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