News

A B-52H Stratofortress deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrives at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, to conduct Bomber Task Force operations, June 14, 2020. Strategic bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a diverse and uncertain security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Miller)

June 15, 2020

B-52s deploy to Alaska, demonstrate global agility

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers returned to the Indo-Pacific region June 14 to conduct bomber task force operations out of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Lt. Col. Nicola Polidor, the Det. 5, 29th Training Systems Squadron commander and B-2 Spirit stealth bomber pilot, are greeted by 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs prior to a familiarization flight for Barrett during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s critical role of global deterrence as part of the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)

June 15, 2020

Team Whiteman Airmen share their role in strategic bomber mission with SECAF

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett visited Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 11, 2020, to familiarize herself with Team Whiteman’s mission in maintaining global support and combat readiness.During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation.“It was an honor to showcase

From left, the British Royal Navy Duke-class frigate HMS Kent (F78), the Supply-class combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), the Royal Danish Navy Absalon-class support ship HDMS Esbern Snare (L17) and the Swedish Royal Navy Visby-class corvette HMS Karlstad (K35) sail in formation in the Baltic Sea while a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress long-range bomber flies overhead during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2020, June 15, 2020. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 49th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations.

June 15, 2020

B-52s participate in BTF, BALTOPS 2020 exercise

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Two B-52H Stratofortresses from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted a long-range, long duration strategic Bomber Task Force mission throughout Europe and the Baltic region, June 15, 2020, while also supporting the Baltic Operations exercise.

A 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 27, 2020. In continued demonstration of the U.S. Air Force’s dynamic force employment model, two U.S. Air Force B-1Bs flew from Guam and conducted training in the Sea of Japan with the Koku Jieitai, or Japanese Air Self-Defense Force, as part of a Bomber Task Force mission. BTF supports Pacific Air Forces’ strategic deterrence mission and its commitment to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman River Bruce)

June 10, 2020

US Air Force B-1s, JASDF fighters complete several training missions in one month

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Over the past several months, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses conducted bilateral training with Koku-Jieitai, or Japanese Air Self-Defense Force assets.

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Force Base, South Dakota, receives fuel from a Turkish air force KC-135 Stratotanker during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Black Sea May 29, 2020. Bomber missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, and validate our always-ready global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Magbanua)

June 4, 2020

Aerial refueling: Backbone of long-range Bomber Task Force missions

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — The key to any long-range, long-duration Bomber Task Force mission is ensuring aircraft, both U.S. and NATO, have the proper amount of fuel throughout the flight.

9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer mechanics take selfies as a B-1B flies overhead at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 21, 2020. In continued demonstration of the U.S. Air Force’s dynamic force employment model, two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers flew from Andersen AFB and conducted training in Alaska and near Misawa Air Base, Japan.

The 9th EBS deployed to Guam from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, along with 200 Airmen assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, as part of a Bomber Task Force and is supporting Pacific Air Forces’ strategic deterrence missions and commitment to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman River Bruce)

May 22, 2020

B-1s complete 24-hr sprint from Guam to train in Alaska, Japan

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — In continued demonstration of the U.S. Air Force’s dynamic force employment model, two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers flew from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and conducted training in Alaska, and Japan May 21.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright participate in a Zoom meeting in the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 14, 2020. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright’s visit centered around the efforts of Team Minot to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully execute the Global Striker mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jesse Jenny)

May 19, 2020

CSAF and CMSAF see first-hand the readiness of Minot AFB

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 14, 2020. They saw how Team Minot has remained mission-ready and resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “There is no more important mission than what’s going on right here at Minot. We know that we are not going to get relief from this critical, nuclear mission despite COVID-19 challenges,” said Goldfein. “And I couldn’t be prouder of Team Minot, and what we’ve seen here today.”

May 15, 2020

Collecting and storing JASSMs, another MUNS mission

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — In January of 2020, missile attacks from Iran to U.S. installations in Iraq brought tensions between the two countries to a point that was feared to trigger a full scale war. In response to this, AGM-158 Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., were sent down range to be used if needed to counter any future threats.

The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) returns to its homeport, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, May 9. The ship was forward deployed for more than 800 days, providing the U.S. Navy with one of the most versatile and clandestine platforms in the fleet. Guided-missile submarines are capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and host up to 66 Special Operation Forces. Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is homeport to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines.

May 9, 2020

USS Florida Returns to Kings Bay After Extended Forward Deployment

KINGS BAY, Ga. — The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) returned to its homeport of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, May 9, after operating forward deployed for more than two years supporting the U.S. Africa, Central and European Combatant Commands.

May 5, 2020

DOD Remains Flexible, Agile in Face of Coronavirus

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the latest Defense Department response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a news conference at the Pentagon.