Finally Where We Want to Be

Airmen at Dyess AFB, Tex.—a hub for B-1B bomber operations, testing, and training—have made significant improvements in mission-capable rates and fleet health since the establishment of a special maintenance operations team in September 2010, according to base officials. “No matter how you slice it, it’s impressive,” said Col. Gerald Goodfellow, 7th Bomb Wing vice commander. “We’re finally where we want to be. Maintenance is now producing more sorties than our operators can fly. This is a remarkable accomplishment.” Before the advent of the team, Dyess’ airmen were flying only about 65 percent of planned sorties, meaning aircrews often didn’t get the training they needed to remain combat effective, said Goodfellow. Since then, the bomb wing has improved communication between maintainers and the operations group, restructured flying schedules, and instituted engine-running crew changes. The mission-capable rate now is the highest it’s been in the last five years, according to the wing. (Dyess report by A1C Charles V. Rivezzo)