LITENING POD 1

Lt. Col. Al Teauseau, 93rd Bomb Squadron commander, manually checks the latches on the LITENING AT targeting pod to verify they are properly engaged prior to the last flight needed to achieve combat-capable status. The 93rd Bomb Squadron is the first B-52 squadron to be LITENING pod combat capable. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Torri White)

LITENING POD 2

Lt. Col. William Floyd, 93rd Bomb Squadron Weapons and Tactics Flight commander, reviews the LITENING AT targeting pod tape with Lt. Col. Joe Jones, 93 BS B-52 instructor radar navigator. The LITENING AT uses high definition electro-optical sensors and airborne lasers to aid the aircrew with target detection, identification and weapons guidance precision. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Torri White)

LITENING strikes at 93 BS

Published July 17, 2006
By 1st Lt. Torri White
917th Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AFB, LA -- The 917th Reserve Wing’s 93rd Bomb Squadron became the first B-52 squadron to complete the necessary training requirements for combat use of the LITENING AT targeting pod Thursday, July 13.

The LITENING AT uses high definition electro-optical sensors and airborne lasers to aid the aircrew with target detection, identification and weapons guidance precision. This type of targeting pod is already used on other combat aircraft and was first approved for testing on the B-52 in 2002. In 2003, another test led to follow-on development and testing of training, tactics, techniques and procedures.

“This is a major milestone for the B-52 and the 93rd Bomb Squadron,” says Lt. Col. William Floyd, 93rd Bomb Squadron Weapons and Tactics Flight commander. “This unit has invested over ten years of effort, dedication and persistence to achieve probably the most combat relevant enhancement to the current B-52 mission. The B-52 Targeting Pod integration program is a perfect example of a total force effort that involved every facet of the B-52 community.”

“This new mission capability is a first for the B-52 and gives the combatant commander another weapon in his arsenal in the Global War On Terrorism,” said Brig. Gen. Bob Tarter, 917th Wing commander. “This precision capability will give the theater commander the capability to have a precision weapon platform airborne in the battle area for long periods of time, which will help in attacking targets that are time sensitive and fleeting.”