News


Released: Aug. 11, 1998

B-2 bombers back in the air

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (ACCNS) - B-2 bombers resumed normal flying operations Aug. 10 after a temporary suspension of peacetime training missions.

The suspension in flying was imposed Aug. 6, after a potential problem with ejection seat initiators was discovered by their manufacturer, O.E.A. Aerospace. Initiators control the aircrew ejection system's operation.

"This was strictly a precautionary measure," said Brig. Gen. Leroy Barnidge, Jr., 509th Bomb Wing commander. "There is never a reason to needlessly subject any of our aircrew members to increased risk. Suspending our peacetime flying training operations was a prudent thing to do."


Air Combat Command Public Affairs, United States Air Force, ACC/PAI