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Group activation brings Col. Charles Sherwin to Tinker

  • Published
  • By Howdy Stout
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Air Force last week activated a new group and three new squadrons to augment efforts at Tinker's Air Logistics Center to keep the B-1B bomber airborne and available for the warfighter. Commanded by Col. Charles Sherwin, Jr., the 427th Aircraft Sustainment Group will oversee the efforts of three newly activated squadrons, the 553rd, the 554th and the 555th. The units, activated along with the group at a ceremony July 15, will be an integral part in maintaining the 66 aircraft that comprise the operational B-1 fleet.

"The B-1 is the backbone of the bomber fleet for the United States Air Force," Colonel Sherwin said. "Without a doubt, it is the best."

Originally conceived as a long-range strategic nuclear bomber, the B-1 is now in high demand as a conventional bomber because of its large weapons load and long loiter time over targets. Equipped with the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod normally fitted to F-15s and F-16s, the aircraft is regularly used on missions requiring precise placement of ordnance.

"It's what the B-1 does better than any bomber our Air Force has to offer," Colonel Sherwin said.

But increased usage of the aircraft is increasing the maintenance requirements, which is also becoming more challenging as the aircraft ages and passes more than 25 years of active service. In an effort to keep more B-1s airborne, the ALC is implementing a High Velocity Maintenance program that relies on scheduled, preventative maintenance at the line and depot level to reduce overall maintenance downtime.

Speaking during the activation ceremony, Col. Paul Waugh, commander of the 327th Aircraft Sustainment Wing, says Colonel Sherwin and his group will face the challenges of implementing HVM in addition to working on the numerous modifications slated for the strategic bomber. The group will also be instrumental in meeting several of the ALC's strategic goals, namely making more aircraft available for duty and speeding the flow of aircraft undergoing maintenance.

"You'll have a large role to play in meeting those goals," he said.

However, he said, Colonel Sherwin has a broad range of experience that makes him ideal for his duties as group commander. "Charles is the right guy to take on the 427th," Colonel Waugh said.

"He knows how all the pieces work together..."

Colonel Sherwin's previous assignment was as the commander of the 654th Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His 60-member team was responsible for producing, modifying and maintaining the $2.2 billion major defense acquisition program Large Aircraft Infrared Counter Measure system. He was also involved in conversion programs for the F-16 and the development of several airborne weapons systems to include the USAF's premier air superiority fighter, the F-22 and its first flight in 1997.

Col. Michael Pelletier, outgoing 427th commander and B-1 system program manager, said the group has made tremendous achievements in the last few years, especially with repairing aircraft around the world. The most notable repair job was replacing the wing of a fire-damaged B-1 at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, the first ever wing replacement performed on an operational B-1.

Members of the group also performed the first-ever backbone replacement on a B-1, travelling to Long Beach to accomplish the job of removing the broken longeron and replace it with a newly-made structure.

Using a B-1, the group also oversaw the first-ever supersonic flight of an Air Force aircraft using Fischer-Tropsch fuel. As the largest purchaser of jet fuel in the world, the Air Force is testing the use of synthetic fuels and synthetic fuel blends to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

"We've had many firsts with the B-1," said Colonel Pelletier.

The 427th was also instrumental in adapting the Sniper Pod for use on the B-1. Normally fitted to smaller, tactical aircraft, the pods allows quicker and more accurate identification of targets.

"That has set a new precedent for bomber aircraft," he said.

Colonel Pelletier praised the efforts of the group in keeping the B-1 flying and "for helping the warfighter keep putting warheads on foreheads."

"Our job here...is to get the warfighter the tools they need to take the fight to the enemy," he said. "And you've been superb in doing that."

Colonel Pelletier, who is being assigned to the Joint STARS E-8 aircraft program at Warner-Robins Air Force Base, Ga., received the fifth oak leaf cluster to his Air Force Meritorious Service medal for his "outstanding leadership" while commanding the 427th.

"I think Michael has left a trail for the B-1 community to follow," said Colonel Waugh.

The new squadron directors include Ms Karen Hagar of the 553rd, Mr. Paul Ratke of the 554th and Ms. Sherry Murphy of the 555th. The three new squadrons fall under the direction of the 427th, which in turn is under the 327th Aircraft Sustainment Wing.