Wrap Up

The 343rd Bomb Squadron at Barksdale AFB on July 28 became the first reserve aircrew to be qualified on the new combat network communications technology (CONECT) modification on the B-52, according to an Aug. 5 Air Force Global Strike Command press release. "As reservists, the 343rd BS having CONECT qualified crews means the squadron is capable and ready to augment the active duty for any taskings that may occur," said Capt. Ryan King of the 343rd Bomb Squadron. CONECT upgrades and enhances bomber technology to include real-time communications uplinks, computer network servers, and color digital display screens, the release states. "The added capability and situational awareness that CONECT brings to the B-52 boosts our lethality while enhancing safety for the aircrew and ground forces alike," said Maj. Doug Orms, 343rd BS. "With CONECT we can process targets more quickly and with greater accuracy than with the legacy system."