From island humidity to desert heat: Raider maintainers persevere

Logistics In Action - Editor's note: article originally appeared on the U.S. Strategic Command website.

Airmen assigned to the 28th Maintenance Group have transitioned from the humid tropics to the desert sun as they move from leading a Bomber Task Force mission in Guam, to their participation in Red Flag-Nellis.

More than half of the maintenance personnel that arrived at Nellis AFB in early July had just returned from BTF 24-6 where they were tasked with ensuring the bombers were mission ready over a multitude of real-world operations.

Now at Red Flag, the two-week exercise aims to simulate real-world combat scenarios, while increasing the interoperability between partner nations and across the joint force. Due to the quick turnaround from the BTF to Red Flag, the 28th MXG faced many obstacles, the most testing of which was time.

"I would say the biggest challenge was the preparation because we only had two weeks to restore our supply systems, get our tools together, and put them back into rotation," said Staff Sgt. Alexander Moreto, 28th MXG B-1 craftsman.

The 37th Bomb Squadron and the Airmen who maintain the bombers were caught in a logistical change that required Airmen to adapt to a new time frame between the BTF mission and Red Flag exercise.

"Our participation in Red Flag had been slated when the Flying Hour Program was solidified," said Master Sgt. Gabriel Wills, 28th MXG lead production superintendent. "Originally, we were supposed to have more time between the BTF and Red Flag, but decisions were made and Red Flag moved to the left, requiring us to prepare and readjust to meet expectations."

Both BTF missions and Red Flag exercises require exceptional hard work, dedication, and flexibility from the staff participating.

"We identified key players who were at home station to coordinate with all of the agencies needed at Nellis Air Force Base," said Wills. "Key BTF personnel were working the logistics to ensure the quick turnaround was as smooth as possible so we could head out the door in that short time frame."

Despite the quick turnaround between one mission set to the next, B-1B Lancers assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing arrived at Nellis AFB ready to execute their duties.

"Our team has shown tenacity and determination through both endeavors," said Wills. "They have proven just how outstanding 'Raider' maintainers are."