Dropping In at Kwajalein

The B-2 force deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, last week dropped inert Joint Direct Attack Munitions on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific, marking the first aerial bombing mission for the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. The 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to Andersen from Whiteman AFB, Mo., as part of the strategic presence rotation in the Pacific region. Traditionally, the Kwajalein site is used to test Air Force ICBMs and Missile Defense Agency systems. Now, RTS officials see the B-2 mission as opening the door to other weapon systems, proving the site’s flexibility. As for the airmen, it was an “important” joint effort, according to Capt. Dan Hoadley with the 393rd EBS. He said, “There was tons of coordination between the people in the mission planning cell, people at Kwajalein range, and people at the command level to make this mission happen.” Oh, the bomber force reportedly “shacked” the target. (Andersen report by A1C Erica Stewart)