Missouri’s Air National Guard Steps Up

The 131st Maintenance Group recently became the first all-Air National Guard B-2 maintenance team to support the stealth aircraft’s operations outside of Whiteman AFB, Mo., announced base officials. In June, Air Guardsmen from the 131st flew to Nellis AFB, Nev., to maintain and “support B-2 operations as part of the final integration phase” of the US Air Force Weapons School program, according to a July 20 release. “In the past, it has always been about the Total Force concept and working with Team Whiteman whenever we deploy,” Mary-Dale Amison, a 131st spokeswoman told Air Force Magazine. “But this proves yet again that the 131st Bomb Wing is always ready to support B-2 operations wherever we are sent.” Typically, “about 20 percent of the [B-2 maintainer] lines are filled with Guardsmen,” said Capt. Chad Larson, commander of the 131st Maintenance Squadron. “It was a first but there was never any doubt that we could.”