Episode 164 — Tip of the Spear: Inside the 509th Bomb Wing and the Future of Stealth Bombers

Episode Summary: In episode 164 of the Aerospace Advantage, Tip of the Spear: Inside the 509th Bomb Wing and the Future of Stealth Bombers, John "Slick" Baum chats with Colonel Keith "Ghost" Butler, long-time B-2 pilot and commander of America’s sole stealth bomber wing. The ability to attack any target around the globe anytime, anywhere is a crucial asymmetric advantage for the United States. Key policy options fundamentally rely on the B-2 and the men and women who fly and sustain the aircraft. The 509th is on call 24/7 to execute both nuclear deterrence and conventional strike missions—a tremendous responsibility. They make headlines wherever they fly around the globe.  However, with only 20 B-2s in the Air Force’s inventory, the aircraft and crews are stretched thin as high-demand, low-density assets. Top defense leaders know it is time to build out America’s stealth bomber capacity—that’s why there’s such an emphasis on fielding the B-21, America’s newest stealth bomber.  Col Butler explains the types of sorties he and his crews are executing, the unique realities involved with operating a jet as advanced as the B-2, and what it means to be dual-qualified for both the conventional and nuclear missions. Additionally, having successfully commanded Detachment 5 of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Edwards AFB, Colonel Butler brings unique insights into what’s in store for tomorrow’s long-range strike mission. This is a riveting episode you will not want to miss! Credits: Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Col Keith "Ghost" Walker, Wing Commander, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #b2 #bomber #b21 Thank you for your continued support!