The 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron just flew 18 hours non-stop in the latest Koa Lightning exercise, reports MSgt. Art Webb. The B-52 bombers that deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew from Andersen AFB, Guam to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and back to participate in scenarios meant to enhance their combat skills as well as test the endurance of aircrews. Koa Lightning included flights where aircrews faked taking on ground targets in Hawaii so they could practice defensive moves while simulating bomb dropping.
The emphasis on speed in the Pentagon’s newly unveiled slate of acquisition reforms may come with increased near-term cost increases, analysts say. But according to U.S. defense officials, the new weapons-buying construct provides the military with enough flexibility to prevent runaway budget overruns in major programs.
