Barksdale Airmen honor WWI heritage

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
  • 4th Air Force Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  A collection of Barksdale Airmen paid tribute to aviation history last week by conducting two B-52H Stratofortress flyovers at the "Meeting De l'Air De Luxeuil" air show at Luxeuil air base, France. The annual air show was held in conjunction with the 95th anniversary of the French air force's legendary "Lafayette Escadrille," which is currently stationed at Luxeuil.

Founded in 1916, the Lafayette Escadrille included American volunteer pilots who trained, flew and fought for France and the allies during the First World War and helped establish the roots of American air power. The celebration of the 95th anniversary of this renowned group of aviators was particularly significant for the 307th Bomb Wing's 93rd Bomb Squadron. The 93rd BS has a historical tie with the Lafayette Escadrille going back to the squadron's formation in 1917 as the 93rd Aero Squadron, assigned to the 3rd Pursuit Group, 1st Pursuit Wing, 1st Army. In fact, the distinctive "Indian Head" insignia of the 93rd BS originated with the Lafayette Escadrille during World War I.

A ten-member crew comprised of members of the 93rd, 343rd and 11th Bomb Squadrons and the 307th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron traveled to France to support the flyovers, the first of which occurred on July 1 following a non-stop 11 and a half-hour transatlantic flight that departed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., on June 30 and crossed over the Luxeuil airfield at 11:30 a.m. The second flyover took place the afternoon of July 2.

"During the flyovers, you could see the enthusiasm of the crowd at the airfield," said Lt. Col. Robert VanHoy II, 93rd Bomb Squadron B-52 Instructor/Aircraft commander and aircraft commander for the flyovers. "We could see the spectators standing up and see that they were cheering. It was great to see now excited they were to have us participating in the air show."

Due to the fact the runway at Luxeuil air base is not capable of accommodating the landing of a B-52, the aircraft was generated from Istres air base, France, almost 400 miles from the actual air show festivities. Even though the B-52 wasn't on the ground at Luxeuil for spectators to view up close, members of the 93rd BS say the flyovers were a powerful symbol that reflected both the cooperation between the United States and French military forces as well as the squadron's heritage and historical ties with France.

"We have such a long and storied heritage that ties us with France." said Lt. Col. David Webb, 93rd Bomb Squadron Operations Support Flight commander. "Our two countries have been intertwined throughout history, going back to our own fight for independence, through both World Wars up to current operations like Operation Unified Protector. We've proven to be lifelong partners and events like this ensure that we will continue in that partnership and build on that heritage."

He continued, "It was an honor for the French to allow us to present our aircraft at this event and for them to allow us to land and stay at their base. They were so incredibly accommodating to us. It was very special for us to have the opportunity to go there and show our flag in Western Europe."

Colonel VanHoy said the historical aspect of the flight left an impression on the Airmen flying the mission.

"Flying in that same type of environment and over the airfield where our squadron had its beginnings was very meaningful. There is such a powerful history there. I think all of us on that plane in the 93rd felt there is a distinct part of us that kind of belongs in France. It was special to know we were carrying the 93rd Bomb Squadron heritage with us."

The strong relationship between the United States and French air forces was further displayed during the return flight to Barksdale on July 5, when the B-52 was refueled over the Atlantic Ocean by a 93rd French air force squadron KC-135F Stratotanker. It marked one of the few times in history a French tanker has conducted an air refueling of an American heavy bomber aircraft.

"That is really something of international significance. The tanker squadron had never refueled a B-52 before, so they worked to get a boom operator specifically qualified to conduct the refueling and it went off without a hitch," said Colonel Webb.

Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, 307th Bomb Wing commander, said the anniversary of the Lafayette Escadrille was a tremendous opportunity to celebrate and honor the legacy of the 93rd Bomb Squadron as well as the U.S. Air Force.

"It's always important to honor and reflect on our history. By participating in this event, we were able to pay tribute to our past and to those who helped establish what we are today, as well as continue to build and strengthen that heritage for the future." said Gen. Mooney.