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Minot's wing scheduling office keeps birds in air, bombs on target

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Minot's B-52H Stratofortress aircraft fly overhead daily in support of Air Force Global Strike Command's strategic deterrence mission. The "BUFF," as Airmen across the base fondly call the B-52, flies successful missions due to the commitment to excellence displayed daily by Minot Airmen.

When one supposes who is primarily responsible maintaining these aircraft, they generally look to maintenance, pilots or security crews. However, there is a behind-the-scenes group that keeps the birds in the air, and the pilots and crews ready to go. They are the men and women of the 5th Operations Support Squadron wing scheduling office, and the success of the B-52 mission relies heavily on these Airmen.

"When it comes to wing scheduling, we're the overall keepers of the information and resources that get our bombs on target," said Capt. Joseph Foster, 5th OSS wing scheduling flight commander.

In the world of Air Force Specialty Codes, these Airmen are 1C0X2 or Aviation Resource Managers. They are responsible for three distinct sections. These include: flying hours, ground scheduling and flight scheduling. Each of these sections has several programs. These programs include, but are not limited to: simulator tours, incentive flights, air-refueling requests, air shows and fly-bys and scheduling static displays and tours.

"We work together between the operations and maintenance squadrons," Captain Foster said. "In a sense we are the middle man."

Captain Foster said in order to ensure resources are available, his team schedules sorties for three to six months in advance. They work alongside the tanker and air refueling crews to ensure the 5th Bomb Wing commander's vision for the mission is sustained.

"If we don't complete our mission and sorties don't fly, it impacts the mission," said Tech. Sgt. LaToya Stewart, 5th OSS wing scheduling noncommissioned officer-in-charge.

"If it comes to this, we are not able to demonstrate the power of this wing to our allies and potential adversaries," Captain Foster added.

Wing scheduling plays a pivotal role in the success of the B-52 mission here. When asked what it takes to that ensure that success, ARM Airmen said it's all about commitment.

"In order to be successful in ARM, you have to be familiar with all our Air Force Instruction manuals," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Clum, 5th OSS aviation resource manager. "Attention to detail is very critical."

"The officers have so much going on involving the mission, we help them keep track of their records and flying status," added Airman 1st Class Phyllis Laughhunn, 5th OSS aviation resource manager.

Nevertheless, the wing scheduling is office is comprised of more than ARM Airmen alone. Aircrew members work hand-in-hand with their enlisted wingmen to ensure the mission is accomplished.

"We need the aircrew's expertise to complete both ends of the mission," Sergeant Stewart said.

"In a sense, both complement the other in the whole person concept - or the 'Total Force' structure," Captain Foster added.

This teamwork is not specific to the base however.

"We also coordinate with Minot International Airport," said Captain Foster. "With all the runway work going on and the increasing possibility of our ramps being full, their runway is an emergency landing site."

He said this relationship certainly exemplifies what it means to be a member of the "Team Minot" family.

Wing scheduling plans out short- and long-range coordination with many of the squadrons on base including both the 69th and 23rd Bomb Squadrons, Exercise and Plans, 5th Maintenance Squadron, 5th and 17th Munitions Squadrons, as well as directly with wing leadership.

Maj. Patrick Small, 5th OSS wing scheduling office chief, summed the shop up best when he said, "We are a giant coordination office. We do long range coordination with multiple base agencies to ensure mission success."