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Global Strike Challenge 2011: Meet the Operations Group team members

  • Published
  • By Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Editor's Note: This is part one in a three-part series highlighting the 2011 Global Strike Challenge teams. Next month will feature the Maintenance Group teams.

After taking home three of the four trophies from last year's Global Strike Challenge, the 7th Operations Group, represented by the 7th Operations Support Squadron, 9th Bomb Squadron and 28th Bomb Squadron, eagerly await the chance to repeat last year's performance.

During last year's GSC, the 7 OG walked away with the LeMay Trophy for best bomber operations, the Mitchell Trophy for best bomb and the Eaker Trophy for the best B-1 squadron.

The 7 OG will compete in the GSC on July 26 and 28.

7th Operations Support Squadron

The aircrew selected to represent the 7th Operations Support Squadron is comprised of pilots Maj. Scott DiGioia and Lt. Col. Devin Martin, as well as weapon system officers Capt. Jason Edwards and Capt. Diego Uribe.

The crew has been training the past few months to ensure that the 7 OSS is fully prepared to repeat last year's performance, dominating their division.

However, this year's team is full of fresh faces that did not compete in last year's challenge.

Nevertheless, these operators are eager to demonstrate their ability to parade the B-1 as a superior platform in the bomber community.

"I'm very proud to fly this aircraft," said Uribe. "This competition truly solidifies just how impressive a platform we have here at Dyess; it showcases how great a combination of man and machine the B-1 really is."

According to Uribe, bragging rights are on the line as well when it comes to the Global Strike Challenge.

"It's not every day you get the opportunity to directly showcase your aircraft against the other bombers in the Air Force community," said Uribe. "Competition brings the best out of individuals and our crew fully intends to bring the Fairchild Trophy back to the 7th Bomb Wing."

9th Bomb Squadron

Representing the 9th Bomb Squadron are pilots Capt. Matthew Plunkett and Capt. David Undeustsch, as well as weapon system officers Lt. Col. Alejandro Gomez and Capt. Andrew Long.

During last year's event, the 9 BS was unable to take part in the Global Strike Challenge as they were supporting operations overseas during the challenge period.

However, they are anxious to demonstrate their readiness to compete in this year's challenge.

"We just want to feature what the ninth does every day, and that's putting bombs on target," said Gomez. "I have very high standards for this squadron, and we are going to prove who the best bomber squadron really is."

28th Bomb Squadron

Selected to represent the 28th Bomb Squadron are pilots Maj. David Wright and Maj. Brian Witkowsky, as well as weapon system officers Capt. Eric Alvarez and Capt. Steve Fowler.

These aircrew members have a much more calm and collected approach when it comes to the Global Strike Challenge.

"We don't really feel any pressure for this competition," said Wright. "We put bombs on target, that's our job and that's what we have been trained to do."

According to Wright, the 28 BS is ready and fully capable of keeping last year's trophies here at Dyess, as well as doing their part to ensure Team Dyess brings home the overall champion trophy, the Fairchild Trophy.