Bomber Task Force deployments are strategic air missions overseen by Air Force Global Strike Command - Air Forces Strategic-Air.
Bomber Task Force missions involve the regular and routine deployment of AFGSC’s bomber forces worldwide that are designed to allow the Department of the Air Force to support National Defense Strategy objectives. BTF missions demonstrate that the United States is committed to working alongside its Allies, Partners, and the Joint Force in strengthening deterrence and promoting peace and stability by providing safe, secure, and lethal combat-ready forces for nuclear and conventional global strike, anytime and anywhere.
The three types of bomber aircraft comprising AFGSC’s fleet are the B-52 Stratofortress, the B-1 Lancer, and the B-2 Spirit; with plans for the B-21 Raider to first supplement, and then eventually replace, the B-2 beginning in the mid-2020s. While all three bombers are capable of delivering conventional payloads, only the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-2 Spirit are nuclear-capable.
While the missions for each BTF may vary, the overall goal remains the same:
Assure allies and deter adversaries.
History
Before the BTF mission was created, the DAF utilized the Continuous Bomber Presence construct in allied and partner nations. The CBP strategy had been in place since 2004 and included the rotation of heavy bombers through the Western Pacific Island of Guam, undertaking the Bomber Assurance and Deterrence mission in 2014, until it was discontinued in 2018. In its place, the BTF mission was implemented with the intent to develop Dynamic Force Employment for the DAF.
The development of the BTF mission has allowed the Department of Defense to demonstrate its ability to command and control bomber forces anywhere in the world while increasing its agility. The 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron assumed the first BTF mission in January 2018. During that mission, four B-52s were deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, from Minot AFB, N.D. In the same year, additional BTFs rolled out, integrating the USAF bomber forces with allied nations and partners.
Recent Missions
As allied and partnering nations continue to look to the United States for mutual cooperation, the U.S. conveys its commitment to security and rules-based order in accordance with international law. BTF missions play a huge role in demonstrating that commitment, while also advancing overall readiness for itself, Allies, Partners, and Joint Forces. Recent missions display the effectiveness of the DAF's efforts as well as the importance of AFGSC's BTF mission.
The latest news regarding AFGSC's Bomber Task Force missions can be found here.
July 2024 - Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, for Bomber Task Force 24-4, July 21. While flying in international airspace and in accordance with international law, the U.S. B-52 aircraft were intercepted by two Russian aircraft over the Barents Sea at approximately 8 a.m. Central European Time. The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident, allowing the B-52s to perform their pre-planned mission which included integration alongside NATO fighter aircraft before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. This marks the first time U.S. strategic bomber aircraft have operated out of Romania.
“In today’s global environment, it is vital that we be postured to deliver a range of sustainable capability from great distances. This iteration of Bomber Task Force offers an excellent opportunity to refine our agile combat employment tactics, techniques, and procedures,” said Gen. James Hecker, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. “Through collaborative efforts with our allies, the U.S. enables our forces to combat current and future threats.”
June 2024 - Airmen from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, June 25, 2024, following the successful completion of Bomber Task Force 24-6 at Andersen AFB, Guam. This mission, conducted with Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, achieved significant milestones in strengthening partnerships and advancing strategic objectives.
“The presence of B-1s, long-range strategic bombers, is a crucial demonstration of our commitment to the U.S. National Defense Strategy,” said Lt. Col. Christian Hoover, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. “Training and operating in highly contested environments enable superior tactics, techniques, and procedures for our Joint and Combined Forces. We are confident in our ability to quickly deploy anytime, anywhere, conducting integrated deterrence to dissuade and defeat aggression.”
May 2024 - A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a routine Bomber Task Force mission over the South China Sea, May 31, 2024
May 2024 - Four U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron began flying missions in support of Bomber Task Force 24-3 at RAF Fairford, England, May 24, 2024. The B-52 strategic bomber aircraft assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, arrived as part of a routine deployment to the U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa area of responsibility.
“The main objective for us being here is to show support to our allies, NATO, and provide training to our aircrews on certain aspects of what the B-52 can provide,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Parnel Brim, 69th Aircraft Maintenance Unit production superintendent.
May 2024 - B-1 Lancers assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of a routine Bomber Task Force deployment, 23 May. Members from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron will integrate and train with Allies, partners, and the Joint Force to enhance readiness and reinforce the rules-based international order in the Pacific.
“When the 37th trains alongside Allies and partners, we gain the opportunity to strengthen our bomber deterrence capabilities and demonstrate interoperability to collectively bolster our ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Christian Hoover, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander.
April 2024 - U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, returned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, as they concluded Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Morón Air Force Base, Spain, April 23. During their mission home, the bombers integrated with Typhoons from the United Kingdom. They conducted escort training with their Allies before leaving the theater. All training objectives were achieved.
“This deployment was another excellent opportunity for U.S. forces to demonstrate our ability to operate in conjunction with our Allies and partners to enhance our combined strength,” said Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command. “It’s critical to bolstering our extended deterrence and defense network and capable of decisively meeting the security challenges of today and tomorrow.”
March 2024 - Members of the 496th Air Base Squadron are hosting Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Morón Air Base, Spain, beginning March 20, 2024, to help integrated training efforts between Spanish and American militaries. Four U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft, Airmen and equipment assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, are forward deployed to Morón AB for the BTF, which provides an opportunity to build Ally and partner capacity while improving effectiveness and interoperability across the European theater.
“The BTF allows us to deploy to forward locations to integrate with local forces so we can learn local procedures, airspace, integrate with our Allies and partners and understand the operational environment better,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Stillwell, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. “We integrate with our Allies and partners in the area of responsibility to practice some of the key skill sets that we would need in future conflict, to prevent that conflict and to assure our allies that we will be there for them.”
March 2024 - The 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Morón Air Base, Spain, recently for Bomber Task Force 24-2. BTF 24-2 is the first time the B-1B Lancer has deployed to Morón AB as part of a BTF showcasing the Air Force’s ability to deploy to any place around the world at a moment’s notice and the B-1’s capability to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.
March 2024 - Two B-52 Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, landed at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, Mar. 22. This deployment aims to enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe, demonstrating the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history.
“Bomber task force missions showcase our capability for rapid deployment in support of the combatant commander’s objectives," said Maj. Joshua Dawkins, 96th Bomb Squadron director of operations. "Operating and training in theater enables our crews to maintain proficiency and readiness, while also demonstrating our commitment to our Allies and partners."
February 2024 - U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, conducted a cross-combatant command mission from their deployed location at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, in support of Global Guardian, Feb. 29, 2024. The aircraft departed from Sweden, crossed into the U.S. Northern Command area of responsibility and completed their deployment by returning to Ellsworth AFB, where the B-1Bs are permanently stationed. The bombers and their crews were operating as part of the Bomber Task Force deployment 24-2, where the U.S. was engaged in combined strategic opportunities with NATO Allies and partners, synchronizing capabilities and assuring security commitment in the area of operations.
"This serves as a stellar illustration of NATO's collective deterrence and air defense capabilities," remarked Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command. "In the face of today's uncertain global security landscape, preparedness for any scenario is paramount. Through this exercise, we enhance interoperability within the NATO Alliance, reinforcing our commitment to collaborative efforts that foster international security and stability."
February 2024 - U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, launched from their deployed location at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, to train alongside Swedish Air Force aircraft Feb. 26, 2024. The mission, dubbed Vanguard Adler, was conducted as part of Bomber Task Force 24-2 and designed to integrate the U.S. bombers with Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters and joint terminal attack controllers operating in the Arctic and Baltic regions. The exercise included surface attack, air interdiction, and close air support scenarios, all aimed at building partnerships and increasing readiness.
“This timely opportunity for our crews to exercise our collective defense capabilities with our Swedish partners, soon to be NATO Allies, in the Artic region is incredible,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin Jamison, 37th Bomb Squadron director of operations and BTF 24-2 lead. “It demonstrates our ironclad commitment to our partners and Allies, demonstrates our expansive reach, and sends a strong deterrent message to potential adversaries.”
November 2023 - Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing returned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, after completing a Bomber Task Force Mission to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam Nov. 19, 2023, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. BTF missions strengthen the relationships between U.S. Air Force personnel and our partners in the Indo-Pacific region, enabling collaborative training and demonstrating the United States's commitment to the region's security.
November 2023 - A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, after completing Bomber Task Force mission 24-1 from at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Nov. 10, 2023. BTF missions provide opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and combined operations and exercises.
October 2023 - 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 long-planned bomber task force training mission. A hot-pit refuel refers to the tactic of refueling aircraft while engines are still running. This marks the first time that U.S. Air Force B-1s were hot pit refueled at Incirlik Air Base. The aircraft were on base for under two hours before departing for a training mission with the Turkish air force.
"The teamwork with our Turkish air force partners showcased the interoperability and professionalism of NATO aviators," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Stillwell, and the 489th Bomb Group command deputy commander. "Thank you to the 10th Tanker Base and the 39th Air Base Wing Team Titan for their expert support and hospitality."
October 2023 - 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.”
August - September 2023 - Two B-2 Spirit Bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., made history by refueling for the first time in Ørland Air Station, Norway, Aug. 29. The B-2s are currently operating out of Iceland, as part of the Bomber Task Force Europe. During the BTF, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is actively integrating with several NATO Allies to train as a single force.
“It is extremely important that we participate in the Bomber Task Force and train alongside our U.S. Partners,” said Royal Norwegian Air Force Col. Martin Tesli, 132 Air Wing commander. “Being unified in our mission to protect NATO airspace and territories provides a credible deterrence in our mission.”
August 2023 - Throughout the first week of RED FLAG-Alaska 23-3, 20 units based out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base have trained alongside each other. During this particular iteration of the exercise, a B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, also took part in the exercise over the Joint Pacific-Alaska Range Complex. The bomber flew from Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, where a total of three B-2 aircraft are currently carrying out Bomber Task Force Missions. BTF missions are representative of the U.S.' extended deterrent commitment to allies and partners while enhancing regional security. They also familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant command areas of responsibility. The aim is to enable strategic access and integration with coalition forces in an effort to deter global conflict.
"The B-2 is the most feared and respected weapons system in the world. The world watches when we deploy, and our Allies and adversaries take equal notice,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen Bressett, 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations.
July 2023 - More than 60 Airmen and two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, completed a bilateral interoperability exercise in Indonesia. The exercise, which lasted about a week and was supported by various U.S. Pacific Air Forces units, marked the first time U.S. Air Force B-52s landed on and operated from Indonesian soil.
“Enhancing interoperability between U.S. and Indonesian air forces contributes to the long-term advancement of our nations’ shared interests,” explained U.S. Air Force Capt. Justin Kinker, 23rd Bomb Squadron weapons officer and exercise team lead. “This was a great opportunity for us to train alongside our partners to bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Point of Contact
Air Force Global Strike Command
Air Forces Strategic-Air
Public Affairs
245 Davis Ave. E Suite 198
Barksdale AFB, La. 71110
DSN 781-1305 or 318-456-1305
E-mail: AFGSC.PAworkflow@us.af.mil
(Current as of October 2024)