Submitted Photo
Members of the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit perform a radar antenna swap on a B-52H Stratofortress at Moron Air Base, Spain, on March 10, shown in this photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham.

Editor’s Note: Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham is a member of the 5th Bomb Wing’s Public Affairs Office at Minot Air Force Base. Currently, he’s at Moron Air Base, Spain, covering activities of Minot AFB’s 23rd Bomb Squadron — 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron — while the unit is taking part in Bomber Task Force 23-2 missions.

MORON AIR BASE, SPAIN – The 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Moron Air Base, Spain, has been working 24/7 to ensure the readiness of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron’s assets.

From routine inspections to preflight actions, the Barons are the driving force behind the Bomber Task Force missions being flown out of Moron Air Base, Spain.

“The crew chief for the B-52H Stratofortress does basic maintenance for the aircraft from oils, hydraulics, servicing, de-servicing, tires, locks and electrical as well as helping other shops with their operations on the aircraft,” said Senior Airman Ian Arriaza, dedicated crew chief for the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft dubbed “Dakota Avenger.”

Arriaza has ensured his aircraft was able to fly over 50+ hours of BTF missions since the squadron arrived in the area of responsibility. Missions have included multi-lateral training exercises, integration with air and ground components and countless other objectives alongside NATO allies and partners.

At Moron Air Base, maintainers are working 24/7 to generate mission-ready aircraft. The 23rd AMU supports the dynamic operations and exercises executed by the 23rd EBS by way of regular maintenance actions. Their efforts are what enable operations and engagements with U.S. allies and partners, demonstrating and strengthening the shared commitment to global security and stability.

“The BTF mission offers us the opportunity to work in a different environment and receive training in host nation facilities,” said Capt. Dylon Schwahn, officer in charge of 23rd AMU.

Bomber Task Force missions familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant command Area of Responsibility (AOR). By forward deploying to the United States European Command AOR crews, maintenance units and support personnel demonstrate the ability to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency and validate their always-ready, global strike capability.