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25th ASOS conducts rare training with B-2

Feb. 5, 2003

By Staff Sgt. Bobby Yettman
15th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii--Hawaiian airspace recently saw a first-time visitor from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., as three B-2 Spirit bombers came to train with members of the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii.

The planes, which came to Hawaii as part of a global power mission in December, dropped 2,000-pound BDU-50 practice bombs (no explosives) at the Pohakuloa Training Area.

Capt. Todd Moore, air liaison officer in the 25th ASOS, said the training was significant for his team because they've never been able to train in Hawaii with the B-2. The 25th ASOS trains routinely with planes such as the F-16, F-18, F-15 as well as bombers like the B-1 and B-52.

"Usually the B-2 is reserved for combat only," he said. "We've been working on this visit for more than a year."

Prior to this training, Capt. Moore said he'd seen the B-2 mainly at air shows. Seeing them fly over Hawaii was a different feeling.

"They're so quiet and stealthy," he said. "It was a very patriotic feeling seeing them in action. We do training at the PTA all the time. Training with the B-2 was neat."

Capt. Moore's feelings were echoed in a letter sent to Air Combat Command News Service by a couple living on the Big Island of Hawaii.

"At 5:30 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time Dec. 11, my wife and I saw one of the most beautiful sights I can remember," wrote Henry Williams, Hawaii resident. "Two B-2's made three passes over our coffee farm on the Big Island. They were flying into a gorgeous tropical sunset that is common this time of the year. I want to tell you that our 'Patriotic thermometer' went off the scale. It made us proud to be Americans and free.

"To be citizens of a country that could produce such a magnificent machine is truly an honor," the letter continued. "Let us not forget that those two aircraft were crewed by our countries finest and best-trained people. They are out doing their jobs so that we can enjoy our liberties and our lives. Ever aware of the mission that the B-2 is designed for, we hope that they will be safe and secure."

Capt. Moore said he expects his unit to train more with the B-2 in the future, given the aircraft's capabilities and its growing role in today's bombing community.

The B-2 Spirit first entered service in 1993 with the delivery of "The Sprit of Missouri" to Whiteman. The plane is capable of carrying 40,000 pounds of munitions. (PACAFNS)