B-52 refuel

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – Staff Sgt. Sean Ahern, B-52 dedicated crew chief from the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., refuels one of the six B-52s holding on Fairchild’s flightline this week. The aircraft were evacuated from their temporary duty location at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, due to typhoon warnings. Now that the severe typhoon danger has passed, the B-52 crew will return to Andersen later this week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nancy Hooks)

Flightline visitor

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – The B-52 Stratofortress is an uncommon sight on Fairchild’s flightline. This week, six B-52s are holding at Fairchild, evacuated from Andersen Air Force Base,Guam, because of typhoon warnings. The B-52s are originally from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nancy Hooks.)

Guam B-52s evacuate to Fairchild in wake of typhoon

Published April 5, 2007
By 2nd Lt Tristan Hinderliter
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Aircrews and six B-52 Stratofortresses from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived here Sunday evening, seeking refuge from Typhoon Kong-Rey, which has ripped through the Western Pacific since Monday.

The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that was stationed at Fairchild for nearly four decades. The aircraft and crewmembers that arrived Sunday are deployed to Guam, a Western Pacific island, from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La.

Earlier this week the crew learned the typhoon had passed safely to the east of the island; however, with winds approaching 95 mph, it could have caused significant damage had it hit the base, according to crewmembers.

Officials at Andersen decided to err on the side of the safety and evacuate the aircraft after initial predictions for the storm showed a track which would pass over Andersen.

It was about an 11-hour trip from Guam to Spokane, said Maj. Harry Dyson, aircraft commander for one of the B-52s.

"The people at Fairchild and everyone we've met in Spokane have been very welcoming," said Major Dyson, noting that Fairchild is perfectly set up to facilitate the aircraft after having had B-52s stationed here for so long.

Along with the aircraft commander, each B-52 crew consists of a copilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer.

The six B-52s are part of the 36th Wing at Andersen, which belongs to the Pacific Air Forces. The wing is one of several forward-deployed bomber units at key locations throughout the world.

Andersen is one of two critical bases in the Asia Pacific region, aimed at enhancing regional security, Major Dyson said.