No-see bombers inspire Eglin units

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - While conducting operational test sorties over the Gulf of Mexico, members of the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Dyess AFB in Texas and the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Barksdale (La.) AFB brought a B-1B Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress, respectively, to Eglin Air Force Base on July 30. Due to 53rd Wing’s diverse and dispersed mission at Eglin, many airmen across the wing work on software and systems related to both aircraft, but have never interacted with plane or crew in person. Eglin’s 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron works with both aircraft. In the AF, there’s a focus on ensuring every airmen knows how to “fit into the larger mission and the purpose of what they do,” said Lt. Col. Robert Mathis, commander of the 16th EWS. “It’s a huge morale boost and definitely inspiring for my airmen to be able to see, touch and engage with the jets and aircrew they have spent years supporting.” 2nd Lt. Andrew Ervin, a B-1 Defensive Systems Engineer at Eglin, develops mission data files for the B-1, but prior to this tour, he had never seen one of the aircraft. “It’s easy to forget that the endless ocean of numbers we put into mission data actually are loaded onto a jet and sent into combat,” he exclaimed. “Getting to see and tour the platform my work goes into was an exciting opportunity and re-invigorated my professional drive at work.” Despite being an Air Combat Command wing, the 53rd Wing is responsible for the operational Wing testing, evaluating and optimizing, using electronic warfare, every bomber, fighter, remotely piloted aircraft in the Air Force. (Source: 53rd Wing 08/06/19)