B-2 Spirits Depart Iceland, Return Home

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber aircraft return to their home base after completing a Bomber Task Force deployment in Iceland.


Our ability to rotate Airmen and aircraft in theater and integrate capabilities with our allies, particularly in the High North, highlights our collective readiness. These missions demonstrate how our combined forces are prepared to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.
By U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs United States European Command Ramstein Air Base, Germany Sep 14, 2021
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

Three U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber aircraft from 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, departed their temporary-operating location at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, to return to their home base Sept. 11.

“Our ability to rotate Airmen and aircraft in theater and integrate capabilities with our allies, particularly in the High North, highlights our collective readiness,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander. “These missions demonstrate how our combined forces are prepared to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.”

During the deployment, the B-2s integrated with U.K. Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons and U.S. F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England.

While in theater, the bomber aircraft also integrated with Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft in an advanced mission designed to test escort procedures, standoff weapon employment and the suppression and destruction of air defenses. This Bomber Task Force deployment included over a dozen multinational missions over the past month.

BTF missions, which have been occurring since 2018, provide theater familiarization for aircrew members and opportunities for U.S. integration with NATO allies and regional partners. The bomber missions enhance readiness and provide the training necessary to face challenges such as adversary threats, humanitarian crises and natural disasters.

Continuing coverage of BTF deployments will be available on this website and on the DVIDS hub at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope

More in Media Room
Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania
In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Read more
B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO
The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Read more
‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies
Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.
Read more
More in Media Room
Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania
In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Read more
B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO
The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Read more
‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies
Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.
Read more
More in Media Room
Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania
In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Read more
B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO
The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Read more
‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies
Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.
Read more