96 BS deploys to Guam

by Staff Sgt. Chad Warren
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

10/5/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- A large group of Airmen from the 96th Bomb Squadron deployed to Guam in support of the Air Force's continuous bomber presence in the pacific region Oct. 1.

Barksdale is one of three Air Force Global Strike Command bases that supports the pacific bomber presence, including Minot AFB, N.D. and Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Traditionally a four-month deployment, this group will be the first to experience a longer stay on the island.

"Ours is the first six-month rotation," said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Sternod, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant maintenance superintendent.

The longer deployment time means less money and manpower spent on the deployment process. By extending the time in Guam from four to six months, a full rotation of the three bases changes from one year to 18 months.

Barksdale and Minot support the bomber presence with the B-52H Stratofortress for two-thirds of the rotation, and the other portion is covered by B-2 Spirit stealth bomber from Whiteman.

The Airmen from the 96th are eager to take on the deployment even though the rotation is longer than the past ones.

"We will work long shifts, but it will be worth it," said Airman 1st Class Jeremy Gorman, 96 AMU crew chief. "I'm excited, I'm deploying with a bunch of friends."

Camaraderie is important during a deployment according to Sternod, who has been deployed to several locations around the globe. Bonding with fellow Airmen is an invaluable skill, and deployments provide the perfect opportunity for people to focus on the wingman concept.

"Deployments are always good because it's like a family," said Sternod. "You bond quite a bit with everybody."

The 96th BS Airmen are replacing Airmen from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Minot who have been upholding the bomber presence for the past four months.