Class 05-08 graduate tabbed for B-2 pilot duty Published Nov. 29, 2006 By Frank McIntyre Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- B-2 or not B-2 wasn't the question. Being assigned to the aircraft after graduation from Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training or after a tour as a first assignment instructor pilot was. For 2nd Lt. Robert Schoeneberg, JSUPT Class 05-08 student, the answer was a "total surprise" as he became only the second Vance Air Force Base graduate to be assigned to the B-2 from JSUPT. "It's a pipe dream come true," Lieutenant Schoeneberg said. "Originally, my first choice was FAIP duty so I could have a follow on to the B-2. I quickly changed my first choice when I found out a direct assignment to the B-2 was possible." The 2003 Texas Tech graduate received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He joined Class 05-08 from T-34 training at Naval Air Station Whiting, Fla., for phase three training in the T-38 with the 25th Flying Training Squadron. "He was the top graduate in an above-average class and was well-deserving of this aircraft assignment," said Capt. Vaughn Pyper, his flight commander. "Being first in his class was the result of a combination of flying skills and officership, special qualities needed for such a special assignment." Lieutenant Schoeneberg said the B-2 assignment had other enticements besides being the highest technology available. "I like the mission of the B-2 and the people who work with it, and it will be a pretty stable assignment, well suited to family life." The stable family life will have added importance after his planned fall wedding to fiancée Corie Bridges, a Texas Tech classmate. The Air Force and family ties extend back to the lieutenant's aviator father, retired helicopter pilot Lt. Col. Neal Schoeneberg. Following graduation, Lieutenant Schoeneberg will go to Randolph AFB, Texas, for pilot instructor training before reporting for his B-2 duties at Whiteman AFB, Mo. See the Class 05-08 grads on Page 5.