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No room for error: Munitions Airmen build bombs for upcoming exercise

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Kenny Holston
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  As the 11 Airmen gathered around the technical sergeant for a mission briefing, they adjusted their coats and secured their safety equipment. A cold, misting rain swirled around them as the steel overhang failed to shield them from the wet weather.

Though guided instruction before most activities is normal, these Airmen were sure to listen intently regardless of the weather, as they would be performing a task that allows no room for error - - building bombs.

Twelve Airmen assigned to the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight here built 46 inert guided bomb units Feb. 27, in preparation for an upcoming Operational Readiness Exercise.

During each readiness exercise, a designated number of bombs are built for Shaw's F-16 Fighting Falcons, ensuring Airmen are getting the most realistic feel possible as they push through wartime scenarios, said Tech. Sgt. David Coughtry, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight.

As the 12-man crew dispersed after their briefing, they quickly went to work removing bomb components from boxes and barrels.

Components of each weapon sat on a long assembly table allowing Airmen to move freely as they began to build the GBU-12, Paveway II, one of four different types of bombs assembled.

While each Airman did his part to build the weapons quickly and accurately, they all continually referred to their technical order manuals throughout the build.

"Our technical order manuals help ensure we don't miss any steps," said Senior Airman Jason Moore, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight. "We use these manuals to help guide us as we build each bomb."

With the completion of each step of the bomb building process, the Airmen worked together checking and rechecking each other's work.

"If we miss a single step when we're building each weapon, the outcome could potentially be catastrophic," Moore continued. "The laser guided GBU-12 has a 500-pound general purpose warhead and is designed to demolish its target on impact. But if the slightest mistake is made while being assembled it might not explode when it reaches its mark, which could greatly hinder the mission or operation it was being used for."

Though each member of the crew was careful to pay great attention to detail, the team was still ahead of schedule.

"The process is going faster than we thought it would," Moore said. "Each person on this crew is highly trained and proficient at their skill set, which helps things run smoothly."

As the Airmen continued to press forward with their bomb building task, they practiced all the same techniques used in the event of an actual situation or tasking.

"It's important we train and are prepped for the real thing," Coughtry said. "Though these bombs aren't live, we train as though they are."

After battling cold, damp weather throughout the entire day, the 12-man team completely assembled GBU-12's, GBU-38's and GBU-31's, which totaled 46 bombs.

During real world conditions Airmen must ensure bombs are being built quickly and correctly regardless of weather conditions.

"The war doesn't stop for bad weather," Coughtry said. "That's why we're out here, rain or shine."