Aviator sets ironman milestone

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  A B-1 weapons system officer here recently soared over the 4,500-flying hour milestone while strapped inside his Lancer - a feat impressing many people in the B-1 community. 

Maj. Wayne Catanzaro, 28th Operations Support Squadron instructor weapons system officer, was flying a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was doing what the B-1 does best -- he was on a bombing run. 

"I dropped two GBU-31 guided weapons on enemy compounds," said Major Catanzaro, detailing the sortie on which he reached the 4,500-flying hour marker. "We allowed coalition ground forces to accomplish their mission objectives that day." 

Reaching 4,500 flying hours doesn't simply happen by jumping into a jet, revving up the engines and taking off. 

"Preparation time for 4,500 hours can translate into about 15,000 hours of mission planning, the mission briefing and then the debrief," Major Catanzaro said. "It's mind staggering." 

Col. Gerald Plourde, 28th Operations Group commander, called Major Catanzaro "the finest instructor weapons system officer" he knows. 

"While achieving 4,500 hours in the B-1 is a tremendous milestone event, his accomplishment is not significant for overall hours alone," said Colonel Plourde. "Behind those hours are the countless aviators he instructed who are now bringing the fight to the enemy.

Colonel Plourde said Major Catanzaro emanates a warrior ethos. Despite the major having "paid his dues" long ago, Colonel Plourde said he's impressed by Major Catanzaro's willingness to put himself in harm's way to keep ordnance on America's enemies. 

"He leaves an indelible mark on many of us as we attempt to emulate his selfless professionalism in and out of the cockpit," said Colonel Plourde. 

While Major Catanzaro is certainly at home in his B-1, he knows the milestone would not have been possible without "the super people behind the machines." 

"Jets do not fly without the great maintainers and support personnel," he said. "I thank them all."