Thursday, August 23, 2007

B-52s test operational skills in Koa Lightning

by Master Sgt. Art Webb, 36th Operations Group Public Affairs

Blog note: Frequencies at end of article.

A B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in an exercise scenario Aug. 22. The aircraft, aircrew and maintainers are deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., as part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. During their deployment to Guam, the bomber squadron's participation in exercises will emphasize the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Mahmoud Rasouliyan)

B-52 Stratofortresses and aircrews demonstrated the Air Force's global reach and global power by participating in the latest Koa Lightning exercise Aug. 21 through 23 from Andersen Air Force Base.

Airmen of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew 18 hours non-stop from Guam to Hawaii and back in the exercise to participate in scenarios designed to sharpen the combat skills and test the endurance of its aircrews.

The flights, similar to a combat sortie, included a scenario where aircrews simulated engaging ground targets in Hawaii. The aircrews practiced defensive tactics and measures while simulating dropping their bombs on target.

"These training missions are valuable to our aircrews as it simulates likely conditions they could encounter in combat," said Lt. Col. Tom Hesterman, the 20th EBS commander. "Crews are better prepared when we train like we fight."

Flights also incorporated mid-air refueling operations with KC-135 Stratotankers.

"Tankers are key enablers that demonstrate our ability to operate as a cohesive team and extend the lethal range of our bombers as well as enhancing our flexibility," Colonel Hesterman said.

Mid-air refueling allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer and extend its range and those of its weapons systems demonstrating global reach and global power.

The bombers participation in exercises while deployed emphasizes the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region, said U.S. Pacific Command officials.

As part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region, the U.S. routinely deploys forces to the Western Pacific to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence for the region and demonstrate a continued U.S. commitment to fulfilling security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific.

Andersen AFB, Guam ICAO: PGUA/UAM

VHF/UHF Frequencies:
118.175 ATIS
118.700 Guam App/Dep (Guam CERAP)
120.500 Guam CERAP
121.700 Ground Control
126.200 Tower
128.000 AMC Command Post"Cobra Con"
139.300 PTD
233.700 Tower
239.300 13AF AOC
254.325 ATIS
263.000 Guam CERAP
269.000 Guam CERAP
269.500 Guam App/Dep
275.800 Ground Control
279.500 Guam CERAP
311.000 36ABW Command Post
321.000 36ABW Command Post
344.600 PMSV Metro
349.400 AMC Command Post"Cobra Con"
372.200 PTD

HF Frequencies:
High Frequency-Global Communications System (HF-GCS)
Frequencies: 4724.0 6739.0 8992.0 11175.0 13200.0 15016.0 kHz (USB)

Scope Command ALE Network
ALE Address: GUA
Frequencies: 3137.0 4721.0 5708.0 6721.0 9025.0 11226.0 13215.0 15043.0 18003.0 23337.0 kHz (ALE/USB)

DISA Secure Internet Protocol Router Net (SIPR)
ALE Address: GUASPR
Frequencies: 5702.0 11181.0 15091.0 kHz (ALE/USB)

Civilian Aeronautical
San Francisco A/G 2998.0 4666.0 6532.0 8903.0 11384.0 13300.0 17904.0 21985.0 kHz (USB)
San Francisco FIS 131.950 MHz

Information on HF frequencies based on actual intercepts. List may not be complete. Additions and corrections are welcomed to the address in the blog masthead.