Combat Hammer sharpens aim while saving dollars

by Staff Sgt. Lou Burton
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/21/2013 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Keeping accountability for dollars spent when discussing topics like freedom can be difficult to assess, but for 160 Airmen from the 482nd Fighter Wing deployed to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., they are playing a part in doing just that.

The Airmen from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., are supporting Combat Hammer, a weapons system evaluation program used to determine the validity of munitions products and processes, March 18-22.

"The weapons system evaluation program tests the processes and equipment for building, loading, and delivering air-to-ground munitions on targets," said Maj. Mark Van Brunt, 93rd Operations Squadron Chief of Weapons.

The Air Force has been evaluating storage-to-impact of precise kinetics since 1985. The data collected from this test program gives the Air Force a better understanding on what is and is not working.

"From the information collected here, the Air Force can change products and processes to ensure we are getting the best results for our efforts," said Master Sgt. James Graham, 86th Fighter Weapon Squadron weapon system inspector.

While the actual test takes one week to commence, planning and coordination starts much earlier.

"Planning for this event started back in December," said Van Brunt. "One of our advanced teams arrived March 6 to help with the logistics of our operation."

The group of Airmen deployed encompasses a wide range of support staff from mechanical experts to munitions staff.

"Without our support staff, these jets wouldn't be getting in the air," said Lt. Col Scott Briese, 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, .

The deployment also highlights success of Homestead ARB's Total Force Integration.

"This is the first time an active duty unit has deployed in Air Force Reserve Command," said Briese.

Airmen of the 495th Fighter Group, Detachment 93, formerly known as 20th Operations Group, Detachment 2, assigned Homestead ARB are an active duty component utilizing the Air Reserve Base for conducting their mission.

"Our ability to have reservist, Air Reserve Technicians, and active duty Airmen here working together to accomplish the mission has been a great success," said Briese.