Home Care In Barksdale AFB, LA

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) --

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Barksdale Air Force Base, Oct. 27 to meet with Air Force Global Strike Command leaders and visit with 2nd Bomb Wing Airmen.

Kendall discussed modernization efforts throughout the command with AFGSC senior leaders, receiving updates on B-52 engine upgrades, the B-21 Raider program, and the LGM-35A Sentinel missile program.

“The modernization programs you oversee at Air Force Global Strike Command move us forward, ensuring we improve our operational posture relative to our pacing challenge; China, China, China,” Kendall said. “I’ve been beating the drum about China’s military modernization for a long time, and you are at the forefront of the department’s efforts to counter the challenge.”

Following his briefings, Kendall conducted an All Call for AFGSC staff, where he discussed the seven Operational Imperatives, including defining the B-21 Long Range Strike Family-of-Systems. Kendall also provided perspective on the various security challenges unfolding globally and conveyed his gratitude to meet with the Global Strike team.

“I am glad to have the opportunity to speak with you today. As I travel, I’ve gotten to meet a lot of Airmen and Guardians, and nothing is more important to me than having informal conversations with the men and women who wear the Air or Space uniform,” he said. “It lets me know where we are succeeding in supporting our One Team—and where we have progress still to be made.”

Kendall highlighted some of the challenges faced by the command and the Air Force - aging and costly-to-maintain capital structure with average aircraft ages of approximately 30 years.

“However, no matter the challenge, the men and women of Air Force Global Strike command have met them head on,” he said. “Our senior leaders have spoken clearly on the importance of integrated deterrence. The systems entrusted to the Airmen of Global Strike Command are the source of strength which integrated deterrence is built upon—without you, there is no foundation for our national security structure.”

After concluding his all call, Kendall had lunch with Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing who directly support the nuclear deterrence mission day in and day out, toured a B-52 and visited with aircrew and maintainers who keep the bomber flying.

“Thank you for all that you do to keep our nation safe in unprecedented times,” Kendall said to the Airmen of Barksdale Air Force Base. “The drive and commitment you bring to your mission every day is exceptional.”

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale houses the largest fuel storage capacity in all of Air Force Global Strike Command, which not only keeps the B-52H Stratofortress in the air, but also keeps the rest of the 2nd Bomb Wing moving.

“The fuels management flight is responsible for the storage, issue, quality control and distribution of fuel and cryogenic products,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jimmy Turner, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels superintendent. “My shop works with every squadron on base. If anyone wants fuel, then they have to deal with POL (petroleum, oil and lubricants).”

With all those responsibilities, multiple sections within the shop must come together to get the job done.

“The fuels service center, which is our accounting section, acts as our liaison to the rest of the base,” said Staff Sgt. Alexander Keenan, cryogenics NCO in charge. “They handle all accounting and reports as well as the ordering of all fuels.”

There’s a certain amount of fuel that must be maintained. So they must examine fuel levels every month. The numbers collected are then used to order the jet fuel. Once the fuel is received, is tested and approved, it is managed and dispersed across the different storage tanks on base, Keenan said.

The fuels laboratory is responsible for testing all the fuel to ensure it meets specific standards. They also test fuel samples for the 2nd Munitions Squadron ammo unit and the Army.

“Another section is the facilities section which maintains and inspects all fuel systems on base including the three military service stations, which act as gas service stations exclusively for government vehicles and equipment,” Keenan explained.

The facilities section is also in charge of maintaining and issuing liquid oxygen to servicing carts for aircraft. Liquid oxygen is needed during flight at high altitudes because when there is lower air pressure, there is less oxygen. Adding the oxygen back into the aircraft helps minimize the chance of aircrew experiencing hypoxia, Turner said.

The preventative maintenance section, in accordance with vehicle maintenance, is charged with keeping the fleet of fuel trucks operational. Altogether this team has to stay ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week because their services could be required at any time. In order to do this, they have developed a three-shift system.

“Dayshift, or ‘A’ shift, covers the inspection of both main fuel systems, issuing liquid oxygen, as well as any other complicated or out of the ordinary operations,” Keenan said. “‘B’ shift is generally the busiest shift for fuel distribution; therefore, my Airmen generally go back and forth, maintaining both fuel systems allowing distribution to accomplish the mission. ‘C’ shift covers fuel transfers and the inspection of the military service stations.”

Together the Fuels Management Flight distributes and issues approximately two million gallons of fuel every month, which is why their teamwork is so essential.

“Not only are we a team as a flight, but each section relies on teamwork to accomplish the mission,” Keenan said. “It’s easy to see our impact day in and day out. Not only are we essential around the clock, but planes don’t fly without fuel.”

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --

Barksdale honored a man who served over 50 years of combined active duty and Department of Defense civil service by dedicating a street to him.

Al Benner Street, which now runs between two Fabrication Flight buildings, was renamed after retired Chief Master Sgt. Alvin Benner, during a ceremony on November 7, 2018.

Benner was chosen to be memorialized for his work in the 2nd Maintenance Group as an Air Force Engineering and Technical Services (AFETS) specialist following his passing in late 2016.

"The decision was made to honor his commitment. Not many people I know give 50 years of service,” said Tim Adcock, 2nd MXG AFETS specialist who knew Benner for more than 17 years. “He worked right up until he couldn’t anymore. Al loved what he did. He loved serving and he loved mentoring Airmen.”

Benner began his active duty career in 1961. He was assigned to nine bases before concluding that phase of his life in 1994 at Barksdale. He served as the superintendent to the propulsion branch and for the 2nd Maintenance Squadron he was also a wing technical advisor. That same year Benner joined Team Barksdale on the civil service side to serve as an AFETS specialist.

Initially a conference room was considered for his namesake, but support eventually grew and the decision was made to name a street after him instead. The process took about a year to get approved and completed.

“We chose the street between our two facilities because his time as a chief of this squadron and his 22 years as an AFETS allowed him to mentor Airmen on both sides of it,” Adcock said. “It was just fitting for us to do, it was meant to be.”

Benner’s family attended the dedication and ceremony making the event special, according to Mike Williams, who worked as an AFETS regional manager alongside Benner.

“It’s not very often that a family gets to see the effect that a person has in their professional life and how he was able to impact the lives around him,” Williams said. “What he did for everybody was tremendous.”

Benner’s son, Chet, said he and his family were honored to be a part of this ceremony memorializing his father.

“It’s hard to put into words how we feel. We’re truly humbled and in awe to see and hear his impact on the place he loved and lived for,” Chet said. “The military was so much more than a career to him. He was so proud to serve.”

There are 28 streets on Barksdale named in honor of individuals, with only four of them memorializing enlisted members. Benner was added to that list and his street will be a reminder to all those who pass.

“That man was the definition of tough and epitomizes what it means to be a chief,” Adcock said. “It makes me very proud to be able to honor him this way and look back on his legacy.”

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.-- --

Barksdale Air Force Base will host the Defenders of Liberty Air Show, March 25-26.

Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. with the show scheduled from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on both days. Event admission as well as parking is free, however, overnight parking will not be permitted.

Visitors can expect performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Red Bull Aviation, Rob Holland, Kevin Coleman, Aftershock Jet Fire Truck, Randy Ball, and many more. There will also be fly overs by B-1B Lancers, B-2 Spirits and B-52H Stratofortresses.

“I know that the community, leadership and our Airmen at all levels are extremely excited,” said Maj. Branden Yarrington, 2nd Operations Support Squadron director of staff and airshow director. “One of the great aspects about military air shows is that the public gets a chance to see our hardworking Airmen and our impressive equipment in action.”

Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the show. Upon entry, attendees will be subject to search for any unauthorized items.

Permitted items include: diaper bags and small purses (not to exceed one cubic foot), strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters (for handicapped/elderly), small cameras (without bags), lawn chairs. and camera bags and cases.

Prohibited items include: weapons (i.e., guns, knives, pepper spray), illegal drugs, outside alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, pets (excluding service animals), sports equipment (i.e. roller skates, bicycles, skateboards), drones, large hand carried items (i.e. tote bags, backpacks, coolers), laser pointers, tobacco products and electronic cigarettes (unless in designated areas).

For updates, follow Defenders of Liberty Air Show on Facebook and Instagram. For additional information, visit defendersoflibertyairshow.com.

FAQS:

Is there a cost?

No. Admission and parking are both free.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the show. Patrons may bring an empty water bottle to the show as free water stations will be available. Otherwise, outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Will there be any food or souvenirs available?

Yes. There will be concessions at the air show for food, drinks, and souvenirs.

I have small children. Can I bring a stroller, wagon and/or diaper bag?

Yes. Strollers, wagons and diaper bags not exceeding one cubic foot are permitted but will be searched at the security checkpoint.

Where can I find a schedule for the air show?

A finalized schedule is in the works. Please continue to check the air show website for updates as the event nears.

Will other seating be available if I do not bring a chair?

No. The only additional seating available is the reserved seating in which patrons can purchase tickets at https://defendersoflibertyairshow.com/reserved-seating

Where should I park and what gate should I use to access the base?

Patrons will enter through the West (Shreveport) and North (Bossier) gates and will be directed to the designated parking areas.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes. Patrons can bring cameras, lenses with cases and camera bags. All bags and camera gear are subject to search at the security checkpoint.

Can I bring a blanket and umbrella?

Yes, both are permitted.

Can I bring hand portable radios and Bluetooth speakers?

No, neither are permitted at the air show.

Can I leave and re-enter the air show?

Yes. Guests may come and go as they please but should be mindful that re-entry may be difficult with traffic and lines getting through the security checkpoints.

Is tailgating allowed?

No. Guests are not allowed to stay in or around vehicles during the show.

Is smoking allowed?

Yes, but only in the designated smoking area.

Will restroom facilities be easily accessible?

Yes. Portable restrooms will be located across the flight line.

Should I bring hearing protection?

It is highly encouraged that you bring hearing protection – especially for children. Aircraft will be taking off, landing, and performing, which will be extremely loud.

When will the Blue Angels be performing?

The Blue Angels will perform their demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday.

What happens if it rains?

Weather-related notifications will be announced at the show and on the air show social media sites (Facebook and Instagram). Unless an air show cancellation announcement is made, expect the show to continue as many aerial acts can still perform in low cloud conditions. There will also be indoor activities available.

How much will reserved seating cost and where can I purchase tickets?

Those interested in reserved seating can purchase seats at the link below:

https://defendersoflibertyairshow.com/reserved-seating

I'm interested in having an informational booth or being a vendor for the air show. Who do I contact?

Potential vendors may contact Teresa Campbell with the 2nd Force Support Squadron at 318-456-2451 or email at [email protected].

I don’t see the answer to my question. Where can I go for additional information?

For more information on the air show, visit the air show website at defendersoflibertyairshow.com and our social media accounts at @DefendersofLibertyAirShow (Instagram/Facebook). If you don’t see the information you’re looking for now, continue to check back as the air show team puts out additional information as the event gets closer.

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --

In response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense issued a stop movement order, effective March 13, 2020. In compliance with this guidance, the Air Force implemented travel restrictions for all service members, to include those with an upcoming permanent change of station.

The stop movement has had a significant impact on service members and their families. With that in mind, the 2nd Force Support Squadron has been proactive in their approach to communicate all changes in guidance to the affected members.

“The weekend of March 13th, when the stop movement was first announced, my shop came in and began the process of reaching out to all first sergeants of the Airmen that were going to be affected,” said Staff Sgt. LeWillie Neal, 2nd FSS NCO in charge of outbound assignments.

As changes to policy have been made to official Air Force travel guidance, the 2nd FSS outbound assignments team has shifted their focus to building a strong line of communication between their team members and the inbound/outbound personnel.

“We understand that every policy change that occurs causes frustration for our customers because that’s directly affecting the date that they were expecting to move,” Neal said. “We try to work with them as much as possible. Typically, by the end of the day they’re appreciative, because they know that we care.”

To remain compliant with social distancing requirements implemented by the state of Louisiana and Barksdale Air Force Base, the 2nd FSS personnel have adapted within their work space. This includes the stream-lining of processes to complete their work efficiently, while keeping safety the main priority.

“We’ve had to adapt to the standards set by the Inspector General, such as, how many Airmen we can have in an office as well as how close they can sit to each other,” said Senior Master Sgt. James Bratton, 2nd FSS superintendent. “With this in mind, we’ve had to make ways to work around the limitations that have been set before us by finding new work spaces, conducting face to face meetings virtually and teleworking when necessary.”

The 2nd FSS team has processed orders for over 500 Airmen while remaining ahead of schedule. They have accomplished this by practicing both adaptability and flexibility.

“I feel like we’re highly successful as a team because we’re using this season of challenge and change for good,” Neal said. “In the beginning, we had to learn how to work with the bare minimum which increased the workload, but we improvised by having people at home teleworking. The changes that are currently being made are improving our processes.”

The Airmen of 2nd FSS continue to find ways to innovate and adapt to their circumstances in order to ensure that all Barksdale personnel, incoming or outgoing, are set up for a successful PCS.