U.S. Air Force B-2s return to RAF Fairford

Photo By Master Sgt. Colton Elliott | A B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, lands at RAF Fairford, England, on March 12, 2020. The aircraft is deployed as part of Bomber Task Force Europe, which tests the readiness of the Airmen and equipment that support it, as well as their collective ability to operate at forward locations. U.S. Strategic Command routinely conducts such operations across the globe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to collective defense as these aircraft, Airmen and key support equipment from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, integrate with Geographic Combatant Command operations and activities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott)  

RAF FAIRFORD, UNITED KINGDOM

03.12.2020

Story by Capt. Korey Fratini 

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa   

A Bomber Task Force deployment of B-2 Spirit stealth bomber aircraft, Airmen and support equipment from the 509th Bomb Wing and the 131st Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, have arrived to RAF Fairford, England, for a deployment to conduct theater integration and flying training.

The aircraft departed Lajes Field, Portugal, and conducted bombing training runs over Garvi Island, U.K. before landing at RAF Fairford.

The deployment of strategic bombers to the U.K. helps exercise RAF Fairford as U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s forward operating location for bombers.

“Operating bombers from forward locations enables collective defense capabilities and provides the U.S. and NATO the strategic and operational capacity needed to deter adversaries while assuring our allies and partners,” said Lt. Gen Steven Basham, Deputy Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.

The deployment also includes joint and allied training in the U.S. European Command theater to improve bomber interoperability. Integrating with our NATO allies and theater partner nations, as well as other U.S. Air Force and joint units, enables us to build enduring and strategic relationships while greatly enhancing global stability and security.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2020
• Date Posted: 03.12.2020 12:47
• Story ID: 365055
• Location: RAF FAIRFORD, GB