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Surprised this didn't make it to the forums. This happened on May 1 and initial reports were vague https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2018/05/01/abilene-based-b-1-bomber-makes-emergency-landing-midland/570523002/ Yesterday however Task and Purpose had this pretty interesting article. https://taskandpurpose.com/b-1b-lancer-emergency-landing/ Granted this is hearsay and rumor at this point, but damn, if this is true helluva job by that crew Breaking News: Hero B-1 Instructor Pilot and crew land B-1B after in flight emergency (IFE). On May 1st, 2018 a two ship out of Dyess Air Force Basedealt with a situation that no pilot wants to ever encounter. The incident involved a Rockwell B-1B Lancer 86-0109/DY named "Spectre", which was built back in 1986. During flight they encountered an over wing fairing (OWF) fire indication on fire warning panel climbing out of low level, followed by #3 engine fire indications. Crew then executed checklist for both, including fire bottles, but OWF light did not go out. The aircraft commander then called for manual ejection. Auto means that if anyone in the front station punches everyone goes regardless if seat is safed or pinned. Manual means that an individual physically has to pull their handle. The offensive system officer (OSO) was the first to pull, that’s why the missing hatch seat retracted and the hatch departed. When the seat did not go up the rails the crew were left with two options at that point. Continue manual ejection for the other crew which means the OSO would ride the jet into the dirt or take the jet as far as they could while maintaining aircraft control and try to save the OSO, which is why the crew elected to land at Midland Airport. That type of Emergency Procedure (EP) has never been successfully recovered in the B-1. The IFE occurred towards the end of the sortie coming off Instrument Route 178 which is a level route along the Texas and Mexico border. After the failed ejection, there was approximately 15 or more minutes of flight before landing. It is assumed the crew had helmets with masks attached for oxygen. The hatch that blew off has yet to be recovered. The photo of the B-1 in the hangar shows burn marks in the OWF, which appears to be caused by the fire that that crew observed in flight. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was on scene after the landing due to the seat shielded mild detonation cords (SMDC). There is no guidance for failed ejection in the Technical Orders (TO). The OSO would have died for sure and there was potential to loose the entire crew racing to Midland trying to save the OSO. Instead the crew made the choice to stay with the OSO and luckily the IP stayed calm and acted to save the life of the crew and B-1B. For that, we believe the IP and crew should all be recognized for their heroic actions that day, which brought credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.

Ever done a SIB out brief to a general? Double slides/power point/projectors/computers. You even have to have somebody click at the same time so its simultaneous. If you are going to queep out I guess that would be the place, but still ridiculous.

What’s a quad chart?

I recently had a staff person ask for info on a “5x8,” and my reaction was WTF is that. So I asked nicely for an example of this format. And it was just a stupid quad chart. Ugh.

They're at Delta with everyone else.

This. Seeing TAMI-21 happen as a Lt in a CAF SQ made me significantly reassess my view of big blue. Passed on the bonus.

So, this makes me wonder. Does everyone that gets promoted to LtCol get a command push (whatever the flavor)? Future commanders are the exception to the pack (at least in reality) so not everyone should get a command push. Yes, party line says the AF promotes based on potential but few will actually command. Any old heads that can weigh on this?

And a few more

Cuz I haven't seen it said recently here: Don't take the bonus. The USAF cannot be trusted.

But in an awkward, PYB way...

I don’t plan to take part in this musical chairs uniform game. My unworn ABUs will remain hanging in a dark corner of the closet. The OCP can stay on the shelf at the BX. And I’ll keep wearing my 1 piece flight suit to work until I retire

How's life over there in the pilot group? Because at my wing, we have an Operations Group.

This has already been done. Any T-3 item in a reg is the Sq/CC if the Wg/CC delegates the authority (used to be Gp/CC).

All nine made it home today...

Man if I was convinced Tricare would be totally gone in 20 years when it's my turn to use it, I'd have 1 job tomorrow! The pension is not why I'm still occasionally wearing the uniform.

F-15. My absolute dream. I would be happy with fighters in general, but the F-15 was always my poster airplane (right next to the P-38 lighting).

One and done, baby! Just got hired!

I'll say it, my rep here is shit anyway. Make America Great Again.

He is truly a solid dude. Despite CSAF personally celebrating Tom's efforts to reduce queep, transform social media interaction, and increase readiness...HE WAS NOT SELECTED FOR PROMOTION. So the status quo will continue and the nutbag bean counters will continue to thrive as GOs.

Never seen this uniform before but it looks great.