Propulsion Flight: The power behind the machine

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Snow
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., --  Weighing in at 160,000 pounds, its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation providing a strong, effective deterrent has made it a combat force known worldwide; however, the B-2 would not be able to get off the ground without the work of a small team of Airmen here.

The 509th Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight's primary mission is literally to keep the B-2 engines running.

"Our main mission is to support B-2 aircraft by producing serviceable engines to fly the mission," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Daniel, 509th MXS Tail Pipe Section supervisor. "The best part of my job is knowing that the B-2 won't fly without us. There are a lot of other processes that come into account, but it doesn't get off of the ground if it doesn't have engines."

The Propulsion Flight, compromised of 20-30 people, performs both flightline maintenance and in-shop engine repair installed in the B-2, keeping all B-2 engines in prime operational condition.

The flight also diagnoses problems in the engine systems such as the fuel, oil, electrical and the engine airflow systems. They install serviceable components, perform test runs on repaired engines in the aircraft, diagnose engine problems and regular engine checks.

"Out of all the things we do, coming out to the jet and pulling engines is my favorite part of my mission," said Airman 1st Class Brandon Williams, 509th MXS aerospace propulsion apprentice.

The flight is commonly known for engine service and repair, but they also do other types of maintenance on the B-2.

"We also work on tail pipe or exhaust of the B-2," said Sergeant  Daniel. "The tail pipe repair is an important part of our mission to keep an aircraft serviceable."

Their hard work does not gone unnoticed.

"I'm very proud of this propulsion flight, said Master Sgt. Nathan Davis, 509th Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant. "Speaking as a former jet engine mechanic who has experienced many different propulsion flights in many different wings, this particular flight has very unique challenges that it continues to meet and do exceeding well on a day to day basis here at Whiteman. They are one of the best in the business."