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Outstanding B-52 members receive recognition

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Victoria Lalich
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Nine members of the 11th and 93rd Bomb squadrons were awarded Oct. 29 by the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command's 2nd Bomb Wing who visited the flying squadrons to congratulate each of the "crewdogs" for their outstanding performance.

Two of the Airmen were recognized for their skill and dedication to teaching the students within the formal training unit.

"The instructor business is very serious and this is a great way to recognize our people for a job well done," said Col. Timothy Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "You guys know how important the mission is and you are at the top of your game."

Captain David Pabst and Captain Mike Matthews were presented B-52 instructor coins by Colonel Fay. Each coin is numbered and is unique to the instructor it belongs to.

Seven crewmembers were recognized for flying 2,000 hours in the B-52 Stratofortress. This is historically considered a significant milestone in a flying career, with most flyers averaging around 1,500 hours by the time they pin on the rank of major.

"With the mission of today's Air Force, crewmembers don't obtain as many hours," said Lt. Col. Kieran Denehan, 11th Bomb Squadron commander. "To put things into perspective, most students here have around 25 hours."

"It's difficult to stay in job positions that involve time for flying. These Individuals actively sought positions that would allow them to continue aviation among their other duties. This shows an extraordinary devotion to their profession," he continued.

The crewmembers were given a special pin specific to the B-52 and to the 2,000 hours they obtained. The pin represents the long line of heritage between the aircraft developers and its flying community.

"It's amazing to visit with older aircrews during reunions on base," Colonel Fay said as he addressed the award recipients. "The amount of flying hours they have is incredible, sometimes over 5,000, and the knowledge they have to pass on to younger generations is invaluable--Now this yolk is in your hands."

The seven aircrew members awarded pins were: Lt. Col Chris Jorgensen, Maj. Jonathon Beavers, Maj. Timothy Bell, Maj. Samuel Smith, Maj. Timothy Pierce, Capt. Jeffrey Rogers, and Capt. Jesse Hildebrand.

"Congratulations to these crewmembers for their outstanding achievements," Colonel Denehan said. "These are truly the ironmen of the B-52 community."