- The Army and Air Force teamed up in Hawaii for a live-fire exercise involving B-52 bombers, Army attack helicopters, and active artillery fire.
- The drills also saw Pacific Air Forces' first off-board laser spot track between the US Army's RQ-7 Shadow Unmanned Aerial System and the B-52's targeting pod.
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Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircrews participated in live-fire training operations with the US Army over the Pohakuloa Training Area, located on the big island of Hawaii November 15 and 18.
During the two separate days, two B-52 bombers coordinated with members of the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron and US Army Pacific 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team joint terminal attack controllers, also known as JTACs, to deliver a mixed payload of unguided, precision-guided and laser-guided weapons.
"This is a unique experience for the Army to integrate with Air Force bombers because controlling bombers is quite different than controlling helicopters or even fighter aircraft," said US Air Force Capt. Mike Brogan, Pacific Air Forces bomber liaison officer.
To maintain readiness, crews often use simulation tools, so the opportunity for live-fire is a significant event for aircrews and those on the ground. "This is incredibly valuable to them because it demonstrates that what they are doing and saying is actually being seen and accomplished," Brogan said.