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Airmen ensure munitions remain operational

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wes Carter
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  "Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sun; here they come zooming to meet our thunder, at 'em boys, Give 'er the gun!"

The Air Force song gives a voice to the air power and capabilities of the U.S. military. It paints a picture of Air Force planes flying to fight enemies of the U.S. with "thunder." What is seldom talked about is where the "thunder" is kept until it ready to be released. That is a job for the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's munitions flight.

"We deal with everything from complete missiles, complete bombs and individual components of munitions," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Wilson, a 332nd EMXS munitions inspector. "The bombs we deal with can consist of several different components. They can have guiding components of infrared, GPS or even laser - each capability gives the military a unique defense asset."

The munitions team's job circulates around large-scale munitions on JBB. Like a pilot or a combat medic, the Airmen in this flight are providing frontline capabilities to coalition forces.

"Our mission is to ensure the stockpile is maintained and inspected," said Master Sgt. Randall Hilliard, the NCO in charge of the 332nd EMXS conventional munitions flight. "We deal with thousands of pounds of explosives on a regular basis. Their readiness is our responsibility."

As the U.S. military prepares for Operation New Dawn this fall, the number of munitions being used in Iraq has decreased, but the deterrent factor that the missiles and bombs bring is still a necessary capability.

"It's great to know that something you do is directly impacting what's going on in a warzone," Sergeant Wilson said. "If we didn't have these weapons here, the guys on the ground would be in grave danger. Knowing we have the capability to support those guys or even possibly save their lives is a great feeling."
The slow tempo of munitions being used could be cause for complacency, but not in this unit. Guaranteeing the effectiveness of munitions is a necessity.

"You only get one shot at a target," Sergeant Hilliard said. "Our munitions have to leave here 100 percent serviceable and reliable."

Ensuring reliability involves handling and testing bombs and missiles. In the munitions workplace there is no room for inadequate performance or a lack of safety.

"Unlike our home station, the munitions we deal with here are live," Sergeant Hilliard said. "That makes safety a paramount issue. There is no tolerance for safety violations. Our Airmen are not only aware of the safety requirements, but they meet them with unparalleled professionalism."

Having the world's greatest air, space and cyberspace power is an asset that the U.S. military enjoys. However, this accolade would not be possible if it wasn't for the people behind the equipment. The 332nd EMXS is a prime example of Airmen defending U.S. citizens with efforts away from the front line. Although they might not be in the planes with the pilot, these Airmen are contributing to the Air Force's ability to bring the "thunder."