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3/6/2009 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) concluded its first bombing, navigation, weapons loading and security forces competition in more than 15 years with a symposium and awards ceremony here March 4.

More than 80 participants competed in Proud Shield II/Giant Sword II to demonstrate proficiencies in everything from accuracy in dropping bombs to competency on the firing range.

Proud Shield II and Giant Sword II are modern versions of bombing and loading competitions that have a long and storied past in the Air Force, according to 8th Air Force historian, Mr. Lane Callaway. The first bomb competitions, then under the Strategic Air Command, were held as a way to motivate crews and develop a way for bomber units to improve their bombing accuracy, he said.

"The inaugural Bomb Comp in 1948 was such a success in producing a competitive spirit among crews and going towards improving bombing accuracy, the second commander of SAC, General Curtis E. LeMay, made the competition an annual event beginning the following year in 1949," Mr. Callaway said.

Except for brief respites for conflicts and operational commitments, the "Bomb Comp" was held annually through the early 1990s. Strategic Air Command was inactivated on June 1, 1992, and only one "Bomb Comp" was held under the newly formed Air Combat Command due to budget constraints.

Last year the program was revitalized by 8th Air Force Commander Lt. General Robert Elder Jr. with the goal of improving the public's perception of the Air Force's ability to conduct nuclear operations and reinvigorate its nuclear enterprise. In the future, the general said he hopes to include tankers, surveillance and reconnaissance, F-15 Strike Eagles and possibly Allied partners in the competitions.

"This event is just the beginning of a great adventure celebrating the revitalization of the Air Force's historic deterrence and defense mission," said Lt. Gen. Elder.

Historically, Air Force bomb competitions conclude with a symposium where the host base gathers the participants in order to share lessons learned and best practices. These gatherings have had a significant effect on past and present Air Force doctrine and training as well as tactics, techniques and procedures.

"This competition demonstrates that we still have the ability to project airpower around the globe," said Lt. Gen. Elder. "The capability to do that gives us some significant effects without even having to drop a bomb."

The 7th Bomb Wing from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, took top honors during this year's competition, winning the overall Proud Shield II/Giant Sword II Best Wing award and the Giant Sword II Best Wing award. The 917th Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base won the top honor for Proud Shield II Best Bomb.

Other winners include: Best Load Crew Team - Conventional: 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas; Best Crew Chief Team - Conventional: 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas; Best Load Crew Team - Nuclear: 2d Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, La.; Best Crew Chief Team - Nuclear: 5th Bomb Wing, Minot, N.D.; Best Security Forces Team - 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo.; Best Bomb - B-1: 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas; Best Bomb, B-2: 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo.; Best Bomb - B-52: 917th Wing, Barksdale AFB, La.