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 Air Force overall reduced its size by 120 aircraft in fiscal year 2021, but kept about the same number of fighter, bomber and attack aircraft, according to data supplied by the service. The F-35 fleet saw the biggest increase while the B-1B bomber fleet saw the largest decline.