A B-1B Lancer Got the “Birdbath” Treatment in Guam
The sprayed fresh water from the installation on Guam is necessary to remove corrosive substances, including salt accumulated from the nearby seawater.
Last month, the United States Air Force’s fleet of Rockwell B-1B Lancers based at Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), South Dakota, completed their relocation. Most of these birds didn’t get to fly south for the winter; instead, they will operate from Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, throughout 2025. That has occurred as Ellsworth is undergoing infrastructure upgrades, including a new runway construction, to accommodate the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider that will be based at the facility in the coming years.
Even if this wasn’t already a colder-than-average season for the region, the Lancers operating from Grand Forks AFB would likely undergo a de-icing process before taking to the skies. That takes around 15 to 30 minutes to perform, due to the size of the variable sweep-wing bomber. However, a few bombers that were sent to Andersen AFB, Guam, have been undergoing a different process this winter.
The Bomber Birdbath
An undisclosed number of B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth AFB’s 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron were deployed to Guam to take part in last month’s Bomber Task Force 25-1, and during the time on the Western Pacific U.S. territory, the aircraft received a clear water rinse following a training flight.
“All aircraft stationed within 1.25 miles of salt water require a clear water rinse at least once every 15 days unless washed first according to Air Force technical orders,” the 28th Bomb Wing explained in a recent press release.
Hosing down a massive bomber would be a major undertaking, so Andersen AFB is outfitted with the “Guam Strike Clear Water Rinse Facility,” colloquially known as “the birdbath.” Constructed at the base’s flightline in May 2013, it consists of eight water cannons built into the flightline that can spray clear water to the sides of an aircraft, while spray bars are able to rinse the underside. Additional sprayers located at the side of the flightline are angled to ensure the top of a warbird gets a fresh rinse.
The sprayed fresh water is necessary to remove corrosive substances including salt, and helps protect an aircraft’s paint and other surfaces. The birdbath has been used to clean the B-1B Lancers, Boeing B-52H Stratofortresses, and even the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors that are routinely rotated to the base.
“Bomber Task Force deployments are labor intensive,” added Lt. Col. Christopher Varnier, 34th Bomber Generation Squadron commander. “Considering the high maintenance tempo and inevitable challenges that arise when servicing the bombers, utilizing the birdbath system is a tremendous manning tool. It allows the maintainers to focus on more skill-intensive procedures to enable the mission.”
Video: A B-52H Stratofortress rinses off with a “birdbath” at Andersen AFB.
“Andersen has one of the most severe environments for aircraft in terms of salt water,” said Master Sgt. Aaron Fletcher, 34th EBS production superintendent. “It’s crucial that we rinse the aircraft after each flight to avoid corrosion, as once that starts, it’s a lengthy process to fix.”
Keeping the B-1B Flying
The B-1 Lancer, initially flown 40 years ago, remains a key part of the U.S. Air Force’s bomber fleet, even as its nuclear mission was removed in 1994. Although the Cold War-era bomber will be retired as the B-21 Raider enters service, the remaining fleet of 45 Lancers has received significant upgrades in recent years, including enhanced communication systems and data storage.
Around a dozen and a half are now in a reclaimable state at the famed “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. Each of those B-1s is maintained in Type 2000 storage, one level below the flyable Type 1000 storage. This entails the aircraft being covered with a silicone-like sealant, which covers gaps, engines, and all glass.
Between the efforts to de-ice, wash and maintain the reserve aircraft, it is a reminder that the harsh elements are truly an enemy that is as serious as the most modern anti-aircraft system.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
