"Super Dave" reaches 1,000-hour milestone

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  "The sun was coming up over Manhattan as we re-entered the U.S. at 20,000 feet," said Lt. Col. Dave Anderson, 394th Combat Training Squadron chief of B-2 training systems. "As I banked the plane to turn on course, I looked right down my wing into Ground Zero. Then, as we rolled out, on our way back to Whiteman, we could see the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. It was a stunning moment - two prominent reminders of why the B-2 was in the air that day. That moment stands out above everything I've done in the B-2."

Colonel Anderson has gathered many memories behind the stick of America's premier stealth weapons platform since his first flight in 1993. Of the hundreds of Air Force pilots fortunate enough to command the B-2 Spirit, only 26 have reached the milestone of 1,000 hours behind the stick.

Colonel "Super Dave" Anderson, put his name on the list Feb. 17, 2010, after a touchdown celebration at Base Operations, here, attended by family and friends.

"I personally think he's the most experienced B-2 pilot on base," said Lt. Col. Tony Monetti, 394th CTS instructor pilot. "He has been here since the very beginning of the program."

Colonel Anderson's years of experience and in-depth involvement with the B-2 training program have made him one of the few experts in the field.

"When anyone has a question about the B-2, whether it's the wing commander or the group commander, they all go to Super Dave," said Lt. Col. Edward Martignetti, 394th CTS commander.

Col. Anderson's B-2 career began in 1993, after a seven year stint flying B-1s.

"It's been an honor to be here as the B-2 evolved into the ultimate platform for destruction and deterrence," Colonel Anderson said. "I've loved every second of it. Not every minute or hour, but every second."

The B-2's unique capabilities and cutting-edge technology set it apart from other bombers, such as the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-1 Lancer, according to Colonel Anderson.

"Mastering the complexity of all the capabilities the B-2 has is what makes it stand out from other aircraft I've flown," said Colonel Anderson. "From weapons to tactics, communications to situational awareness - it's all up to two crewmembers to bear all the combat power the B-2 brings."

Other bombers have crews of up to six members to complete the same objectives.

"It's incredibly rewarding to encompass all those different aspects of the mission and employ the B-2 successfully," he said. "The world is a dangerous place. These jets have to be ready to go on a moment's notice if our leadership calls for us."

"Super Dave" made sure to stress the importance of the men and women who make the B-2 mission happen - from the in-flight kitchen staff to the airfield personnel.

"It is a privilege and honor to fly such a magnificent machine," He said.  "Special thanks to all the pilots I've worked with and the crew chiefs, maintenance, and support folks who keep the B-2s mission ready."

As the champagne rained down onto the tarmac, amongst the support of family and friends, Super Dave celebrated one of many milestones in his B-2 career.

"We are very proud of him," said Valerie Anderson, Colonel Anderson's wife. "He has overcome many obstacles to get here."

The Colonel's 3 children were on hand as well, armed with bottles of André, ready to shower their father in bubbly.

"It's not often you get to pour champagne on your dad," said Morgan Anderson, Col. Anderson's daughter. "We are very proud of what our dad has done for the Air Force and our Nation."