WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- A B-2 Spirit, tail number 82-1070, also known as the Spirit of Ohio, returned to operations after completing programmed depot maintenance (PDM) in Palmdale, California on June 23, 2026.
"Every single B-2 is a strategic asset, making the return of the Spirit of Ohio critical to national security,” said Col. Jason Shirley, B-2 System Program Manager with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Bombers Directorate. “Returning the aircraft to the flight line directly bolsters the number of bombers available and ensures that combatant commanders have the assets required to meet global deterrence missions, while also providing the necessary flight hours to train and maintain the readiness of our bomber aircrews."
Without this depot-level restoration, the B-2 fleet would face severe degradation in both survivability and safety. Forgoing the work done at PDM, the aircraft would lose its Low Observable edge, rendering it vulnerable to radar and air defense systems.
Additionally, missing the structural inspections and the replacement of aging components, that take place at PDM, would drastically increase the risk of structural fatigue and system failures.
Now fully restored, the Spirit of Ohio returns an unmatched, penetrating long-range strike capability to the warfighter. Its unique combination of Low Observable (stealth) technology, massive payload capacity, and range allows it to bypass sophisticated enemy air defenses and strike heavily defended, high-value targets anywhere in the world.
As a dual-capable bomber, the aircraft can deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions, making it a credible deterrent and a cornerstone of the nation's nuclear triad.