The
Green Mountain Boys are once again learning how to drop bombs. In the
Fall of 1998, the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard
converted to a General Purpose mission. Known then as one of the best
Air Defense unit in the world, the Green Mountain Boys were facing a
new challenge. Since 1998, the wing has been training in all aspects
of the new mission. Weapons, chemical warfare and M-16 training are
just a few of them. Training for pilots without experience in bombing
began in Tucson, AZ where eight pilots attended Air-to-Ground training
during 1999.
In the Summer of 2001, the 158th FW returned to the range at Ft Drum,
NY for some live bombing. Located 7 miles north of Wheeler Sack AAF,
the Range 35 Complex is also known as Det.1 and is the responsibility
of the 174th FW/NY ANG based at Hancock Field, Syracuse. The FOL is
also known as Det.2. The Forward Operating Location allows units operating
F-16s and A-10s to drop live and practice ordnance, and fire their guns
at ground targets on the range, without having to fly back to their
home base after each mission. Aircraft are 'turned' much quicker at
the FOL and the unit saves considerably in associated cost of flying
back to home base after each mission to the range.
From June 18 to June 22, nineteen members of the 158th FW deployed to
the FOL in Ft Drum to support a live bombing period for the wing.. Live
bombing from the FOL is not only good training for the pilots but also
for the maintenance crews, weapons loaders, weapons storage handlers
and builders. The ground crews are there to maintain and perform thru
flight inspections on the jet and make sure the aircraft are Code One.
Weapons loaders, storage handlers and builders make sure the bombs are
properly assembled, safely loaded on the jets and last but not least,
that they will drop to earth when the time is right.
On June 19, the first flight of four F-16s flew from Burlington to the
range and each dropped 2 BDU-33s. The BDU-33s practice bombs are loaded
with a spotting charge which produces a thick smoke plume when it hits
the ground. The smoke allows the spotters in the towers surrounding
the impact area to visually locate each hit and pass the information
on to the range safety officer who then radios the pilot. Dropping live
bombs is not 'scored' and the primary emphasis is to drop them on the
impact area and not get hit by the debris. There are many different
type of bomb deliveries but one of the most common is a 10 degrees high
drag release by the lead and a 20 degrees low drag release by the wingman.
When dropping live MK 82s, the dive angles are the same and a minimum
altitude of 1500 feet for the 10 degrees and 3000 feet for the 20 degrees
releases are required. The time fuses are generally set at 4-6 seconds.
The bombs are built at Ft Drum and are brought from the bomb dump every
day for the missions.
Flying from Burlington to the range may take up to 25 minutes during
which the pilots will simulate fighting their way to the target. After
this first mission is completed, the jets land at the FOL to be quickly
'turned' and loaded with 4 MK82s (500lbs). The turn time is kept to
a minimum so the four jets can drop the lives on the range and return
back to the FOL for another quick turn and reload of four MK82s. Following
the third drop, the four F-16s recover to Burlington for the end of
day flying. The flying schedule for the rest of the week was the same
and things went just as expected. On June 21, the weather was iffy but
SMSgt Gary L Hopper of the 158th LGS proudly said: "The Green Mountain
Boys being who they are flew and performed in an outstanding manner.
One aircraft had a minor problem but was only a Code 2 flyable".
On the last day, the weather was not good with a low ceiling and cross
winds. " Not to worry, the Boys came through again!" added
Hopper.
When asked to comment on this TDY at the FOL, Hopper stated: "
This was a total group effort, both from the F-16 crew chiefs, the weapons
loaders, the storage handlers and builders, and the permanent party
from the FOL. With the years of experience that the 'Team' had on it,
this was the first time for many working directly with live ordinance,
as well as the fliers, for some this was also their first time to drop
lives. So the thrill was high and the pride was high. With the range
within sight, the maintenance folks sat and watched their jets swoop
and drop their loads. And with every drop and boom came a cluster of
cheers knowing that their job was done again with perfection."
On the last day, several folks were given the opportunity to visit the
range and witness their work. "As each member arrived back, all
one could see was smiles on faces knowing that they had done another
great job." added Hopper. During that week, approximately 15 pilots
from the 158th FW flew missions to the FOL and dropped lives on the
range. Everything worked as planned.
The Green Mountain Boys team did an outstanding job during this deployment
and valuable training was successfully accomplished by all. " As
a part timer, the sorties out of the FOL are an invaluable tool to get
the maximum training in a limited amount of sorties" stated Major
Robert Ammon, pilot with the 158th FW. No doubt that the 158th FW will
keep making good use of that range so close to home.
"Thumbs Up" to The Green Mountain Boys!
(Special thanks to SMSgt Gary Hopper and Maj. Bob Ammon from the 158th
FW, and the folks of Det.2, 174th FW)
(All
photos by author)
More
photos of the Boys in action at the FOL!
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