According to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the naval mine project is part of a two-year joint effort to develop, test, and operationally demonstrate capabilities of the QS-ER, which combines Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) technology and an additional wing kit and battery section with existing mine components. The combination allows the QS-ER to be delivered from long ranges and high altitudes.
“Our unit plays an integral role in making sure the TES can accomplish their objectives,” said Chief Master Sgt. John E. Daye, 307th AMXS weapons flight chief. “We provide the maintenance support for the TES mission, which is why we were tasked to assist with the mine testing.”
The 307th AMXS supports the active-duty 49th TES mission as part of the total force integration initiative, which combines the capabilities of the Air Force Reserve, active duty component and Air National Guard in order to increase the lethality and versatility of the entire force.
Daye said the project is a good example of how the 307th’s TFI arrangement with the TES promotes the experience and capability of the unit’s weapons loaders.
“All of the munitions we handle when working with the TES are at the cutting edge of weapons system technology,” said Daye. “By participating in the naval mine project and others tests, most of our load crews have had exposure to almost every weapon in the B-52’s arsenal.”
In addition to the naval mine project, recent weapons systems that the 307th AMXS has assisted the 49th TES in testing include the ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoy-X (MALD-X) missile and the Conventional Rotary Launcher (CRL).
Story by Senior Airman Maxwell Daigle; 307th Bomb Wing
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Redman; 15th Wing Public Affairs
