BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — With more than 60 aircraft assigned here and many others that use the second largest flightline in the Air Force, a single program helps keep engine damage from foreign object debris to a minimum.
The 2nd Bomb Wing FOD monitor coordinates all FOD preventative measures here to guarantee the B-52H Stratofortress, valued at more than $73 million, stays airworthy to provide the backbone of the bomber force with the ability for global attack and precision engagement.
“The program works to virtually eliminate any damage to aircraft caused by FOD by utilizing three areas: awareness and education, prevention and protection,” said Tech. Sgt. Steven Vance, 2 BW FOD monitor. “By coordinating things such as FOD walks and sweepers, we can prevent damage to aircraft engines, tires and more. In one week, a FOD walk picked up more than 330 pounds of FOD and more than 5,000 pounds after the air show.”
