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Conlan: ‘Ready 97th BMW is dealing in capabilitiesBy TERRY G. HAWKINS CN Managing EditorBLYTHEVILLE - Col. George Conlan says he hopes Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev is sincere about wanting world peace and allowing further reform in East Europe, but the commander of the 97th Bombardment Wing at Eaker Air Force Base told Blytheville Lion Club members Tuesday said the nation’s military “must deal in capabilities.”Because Russia is “the only nation in the world who can hurt us,” Conlan said, it’s important to remember “intentions are good, but capabilities are high.” That is why the Strategic Air Command, of which the 97th BMW is a part, exists.Modernization is the key, Conlan said. The B-52 of the 97th BMW is “more reliable” than in the past, despite the age of many ofthe aircraft — often more than 30 years. The B-52 is “very accurate” and “has improved over the years,” the colonel said.The KC-135 Stratotanker is being made more useful, with the KC-135-A’s flying out of Eaker on line to be “reengined.” Designated the KC-135-R, by 1993-94, Eaker aircraft will have new engines that increase tanker offload capabilities by 50 percent and improve fuel efficiency by 27 percent.Conlan said he is “looking forward” to the arrival the new models. Air Force officials say the new engines will significantly reduce noise, pollution and maintenance costs.(97th BMW personnel and KC-135s provided air refueling support in the recent military action inPanama, Conlan said. The B-l has been the target of “bad press,” the commander said, and “has had problems, but is a great bomber and is getting better.” The B-2 Stealth omber is “much needed,” he added, “but costs a lot of money.” Congresswill make the ultimate decision, said Conlan, who believes some of the Stealths will be produced, although only Whiteman AFB in Missouri is the only base announced thus far as a host for the controversial craft.“I think we were all disappointed at not getting the MX rail garrison,” Conlan said, noting the MX will likely face “a slowdown, a stretch-out, probably for a while.”Small mobile ICBMs have proven to be “tremendously accurate,” he added.The 97th BMW has had nuclear deterrence as its principal function in the past, but has gradually been worked into providing conventional (non-nuclear) support role as well.As Conlan spoke to the Lions, Eaker was in the midst of a generation exercise, meaning the base was testing its wartime-ready capabilities. Planned con ventional exercises will eventually take 97th BMW personnel and aircraft to New Mexico and Texas installations this year, possibly to Guam and Australia as well, he said.Conlan pointed with pride to the1988 Omaha Trophy that designated Eaker as No. 1 in SAC, noting a “great 30 years” that was marked with a birthday celebration last July. He called the millions of dollars in ongoing and planned improvements at the base “key” to its future and noted Blytheville s earning of the first Barksdale Trophy as an indication of the “best relations between the community and the base” in the nation that continues today.Conlan said his promotion from vice commander to 97th BMW commander was the “proudest moment of my life” and pledged he will “do all I can to continue the excellence of the wing and keep the nation free. ”“I hope Europe and the USSR succeed” in the struggle for change, Conlan added. “If not, the 97th BMW will be ready.”
Newspaper Details
Blytheville Courier News
Blytheville, Arkansas, US
Wed, Jan 10, 1990
Page 13
Full Page
Clipped by
Arkansas S.
AR, USA 26 Aug 2021
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