Building bombs, camraderie

by Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/11/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Aircrew from the 492nd Fighter Squadron participated in a munitions immersion event with the 48th Munitions Squadron to build low-level, laser-guided bombs, May 4.

"The concept of the bomb-build immersion was to provide the aircrew participants with a cradle-to-grave understanding of the weapons they utilize while promoting synergy between the operations and maintenance groups," said Capt. Nathan Cosker, 48th MUNS materiel flight commander.

The aircrew gained a unique perspective on the work required to prepare the weapons. They usually see the weapons already built and ready for use when they step to their jets.

"Everyone talks about how much work goes into these weapons," said 1st Lt. Dash Dalrymple, 492nd FS F-15E Strike Eagle weapon systems officer. "But to actually see it firsthand, how much work goes into preparing and making sure they do things by-the-book, step-by-step, to make sure they give us a flawless product; for me, it expanded my appreciation for the 48th MUNS and the entire maintenance group."

The 48th MUNS Airmen also enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the aircrew about the weapons they build.

"We always build the assets but a lot of times we don't always get to talk to the people actually doing the dropping," said Staff Sgt. Seth Johnston, 48th MUNS conventional maintenance crew chief. "The reverse is also true. All they see are bombs on aircraft. It's cool to see the whole process through from start to finish."

By the end of the munitions immersion event, 48th MUNS Airmen and 492nd FS aircrew had worked together to successfully build eight Guided Bomb Unit-24 bombs.