Nov. 3, 2023

Directors from National Laboratories immerse in Global Strike mission

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Minot AFB and Whiteman AFB hosted senior officials representing national laboratories and academic institutions, providing them the opportunity to immerse with the mission and weapons systems of the nuclear enterprise, Oct. 17-19, 2023.

Oct. 31, 2023

Turkish Air Force integrates with U.S. Bombers in long-planned mission

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye — U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron arrived Tuesday, at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, for a historic hot-pit refuel as part of a long-planned bomber task force mission.

Oct. 31, 2023

AFREP: Engineering Innovation

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — Replacing equipment can cost the U.S. Air Force a pretty penny each year, which is why Airmen are encouraged to repair it whenever possible. The Air Force Repair Enhancement Program (AFREP) at Whiteman Air Force Base saves the Air Force over $1.2 million annually. The 509th Bomb Wing’s AFREP section has multiple certified technicians dedicated to repairing broken equipment, ranging from basic office equipment to B-2 Spirit stealth bomber parts. “We are the local repair facility for condemned and non-procurable assets slated for disposal,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathan Atkinson, 509th Maintenance Group AFREP technician. “Our Mission is to save the Air Force time and money and sustain capabilities through specialized repairs.” Last fiscal year, AFREP saved Whiteman AFB over $1 million by repairing items that were slated to be thrown away and saved work centers over $200 thousand more through repairs to their equipment. AFREP not only repairs equipment but also engineers new equipment and provides solutions to problems on base. “One of the jobs we are currently working on involves designing a portable test station for the Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems shop to test emergency oxygen systems bottles,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Stephen Mayo, 509th MXG AFREP technician. “The current setup serves its purpose but it limits where the task can be completed.” The redesign of the test station supports the Electrical and Environmental Systems shop’s capabilities, allowing them to safely test the bottles anywhere, anytime. AFREP can assist units across the installation by improving processes or fixing equipment. “If you are experiencing a problem or if you have an idea that can improve how your office completes a task, contact us,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joel Markham 509th MXG AFREP technician. “We can assist with fixing your problems and helping your ideas take form.” AFREP can be contacted at 660-687-3645, or they accept walk-ins at their shop in the Civil Engineering complex, building 709, room 107.

Oct. 30, 2023

5th Bomb Wing carries out Exercise Prairie Vigilance 24-1

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND — The 5th Bomb Wing Warbirds carried out Exercise Prairie Vigilance (PV) 24-1 Oct. 23 to Oct. 27, at Minot AFB.

Oct. 27, 2023

U.S. B-1B Lancers conduct vital Bomber Task Force mission in Eastern Europe

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas currently deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, undertook a comprehensive Bomber Task Force mission, collaborating closely with fighter jets from NATO Allies Czech Republic and Hungary over eastern Europe October 26, 2023. The aircraft also conducted a flight over Mihail Kogalniceanu “MK” Airbase Romania signifying unwavering support. The flyby stands as a powerful demonstration of the shared values and mutual alliance, contributing to the reinforcement of NATO’s unity. “Today’s Bomber Task Force mission serves as another testament to our unwavering dedication to Allies and partners, showcasing our collective capacity to strategize, execute, and synchronize seamlessly together.,” said Gen. James Hecker commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces in Africa and NATO Allied Air Command. The B-1 Lancers successfully carried out the long-planned mission showcasing the expansive global capabilities of these aircraft. Collaborative mission with NATO countries, highlight the collective unity of the Alliance, while underscoring their commitment to maintain peace in the region. Bomber Task force missions showcase the U.S. capability to efficiently and lead and oversee its bomber fleet for global missions, further solidifying the commitment to both NATO and U.S. National Defense Strategy. Information and imagery related to the latest deployment can be found on the USAFE-AFAFRICA website at https://www.usafe.af.mil and on DVIDS at https://dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope

Oct. 26, 2023

Unprofessional Intercept of U.S. B-52 over South China Sea

SOUTH CHINA SEA — On Oct. 24, 2023, a People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.

Oct. 23, 2023

U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea conduct trilateral aerial exercise

Fighter aircraft from the U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea conducted a trilateral escort flight of a U.S. B-52H Stratofortress Bomber operating in the Indo-Pacific, 22 Oct, 2023. U.S. F-16s from the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing flew alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2s from the 8th Air Wing, and Republic of Korea Air

Oct. 16, 2023

US military participates in Seoul ADEX 23 with flyovers, aerial demonstrations, static displays

SEOUL, Republic of Korea — The United States military will be represented at the 2023 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, or Seoul ADEX 23, Oct. 17-22 at Seoul Air Base, Republic of Korea.

Oct. 12, 2023

U.S. B-1B Lancers arrive in the UK for BTF 24-1

RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom — More than 100 Airmen and B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Thursday for Bomber Task Force-Europe 24-1. The long-planned European BTF deployment provides U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure Allies and partners, while also deterring potential adversary aggression throughout Europe and across the globe. “In today's challenging and dynamic security environment, the significance of these missions cannot be overemphasized,” said Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Command. “We're not only demonstrating our commitment to collective defense but also strengthening our ability to respond to potential challenges. This underscores the enduring commitment of the United States to our Allies and partners.” U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa routinely hosts and supports a variety of U.S. Air Force aircraft and units for training aligned with U.S. European Command objectives. Operating a variety of aircraft and units in Europe helps maintain a ready and postured force prepared to support regional and global operations. “We’re excited about building and solidifying critical partnerships throughout the region and demonstrating the ability to hold potential adversaries at risk at anytime, anywhere in the world,” said Lt. Col. Philip Atkinson, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations. Information and imagery related to the latest deployment can be found on the USAFE-AFAFRICA website at https://www.usafe.af.mil and on DVIDS at https://dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.

Oct. 4, 2023

7th BW rolls out first BEAST-modified B-1B

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — The 7th Bomb Wing’s first B-1 Embracing Agile Scheduling Team modified B-1B Lancer took its first flight September 8, 2023, from Dyess AFB marking a new era of lethality for the venerable aircraft. BEAST was designed to shorten fielding of each system, preserve aircraft availability and ensure compliance with federal government aviation directives.