ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing launched early Feb. 1, 2024, from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, as part of airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups.
U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from the United States.
According to U.S. Central Command officials, the airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions. The facilities that were struck included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicle storages, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces.
"Our Airmen demonstrated once again our ability to conduct long range precision strike missions when tasked to do so,” said Col. Derek Oakley, 28th Bomb Wing commander. “Teaming with our fellow Strikers at Dyess to accomplish the mission is a testament to what we are able to do while further enhancing interoperability and improving our collective readiness.”
Ellsworth and Dyess B-1 crews routinely conduct long duration CONUS-to-CONUS missions as a part of strategic Bomber Task Force missions undertaken by Air Force Global Strike Command across the globe. These missions are designed to develop the ability to operate from various locations and integrate with allies and partners – anytime, anywhere.
"The mission we conducted validated that we can respond to any threat anywhere on the globe,” Oakley added. “All of the units involved have become familiar with operations in different regions because of the BTF missions we have done. We continuously train and prepare for these types of situations and we are always ready to answer the call when it comes.”
In a statement after the strikes, Gen. Alex Grynkewich, commander of Air Force Central Command, stated, “I'm extremely proud of the discipline and professionalism with which our Airmen executed tonight's mission. These defensive strikes highlight America's commitment to defending our troops anytime, anywhere.”