Airmen of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., completed late last month the first of three nuclear operational readiness exercises (NORE) the wing expects to undergo in preparation for its June nuclear operational readiness inspection. The NORE tested the wing’s ability to generate a large force of B-52s, in this case deploying them and support elements to Minot AFB, N.D., and to handle various contingencies for global strike or expeditionary combat support missions. “This exercise was the first robust test of these different contingencies,” said Lt. Col. Paul Griffith, the wing director of plans, programs, and evaluations, and a means “to learn, experience, and devise the best methods for these operations now and in the future.” (Barksdale report by SrA. Alexandra Longfellow)
B-21 Raider First Flight Now Postponed to 2023
May 20, 2022
The Air Force says the B-21 Raider won't make its first flight until 2023; about a six-month delay from the last official estimates. No reason was given for the delay. While other programs have recently chalked up schedule slips to supply chain and labor shortages, the Air Force has said…