The US Bomber Task Force has commenced operations, with over 150 U.S. Air Force Airmen and three B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base, USA, landing at Keflavik Air Base in Iceland on 13 August 2023.
Their primary objective is to “improve NATO forces’ ability to integrate and enhance collective defence objectives,” thus bolstering their readiness for diverse military operations.
Highlighting the role of the Bomber Task Force (BTF) Europe operation, the press release mentioned, “BTFs provide U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure, deter and defend against adversary aggression against the Alliance, throughout Europe, and across the globe.”
Notably, several members of the 501st Combat Support Wing are present to offer base operations support for the missions undertaken by the aircrews and ground personnel of the three B-2 Spirits.
Lt. Col. Eric Rambo, 420th Air Base Squadron commander, was quoted as saying, “This is the first time the 501st CSW has deployed to a NATO base to provide Base Operating Support-Integrator to a Bomber Task Force.” He added that under such a framework, the 501st CSW takes charge of BOS-I functions, enabling the deployed unit to concentrate on BTF operations.
Highlighting the pivotal roles played by the 501st CSW in the BTF, their responsibilities encompass Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, Transportation Management Operations, force support, security forces, logistics, communications, and chaplain services. Rambo further added, “The 501 CSW is postured to provide BOS-I in support of bomber operations anywhere in the European Command Area of Responsibility.”
Still secretly hoping we get a small buy of B21 in conjunction with Australia as part of AUKUS. A fleet of 7 flying out of the UK, Cyprus or Diego Garcia would be a major strategic uplift for the UK for just a few billion quid.
As the Queen Elizabeths put the RN into the premier league of navy’s, a fleet of Stealthy strategic bombers would do the same for the RAF.
Wishful thinking Jim, but I agree with you 100%
The ability to traverse long distances and unleash long-range stand-off missiles is the way forward given the advances in radar technology.
Keep hoping, would take a huge jump in spending for that to happen unfortunately.
Perhaps a stealth tanker/missile launcher maybe possible in the future. The A330 won’t last forever.
The long range missile carrier was meant to be nimrod MR4. Unfortunately nothing has replaced that role so far.
🤔👍🤞 A squadron+ of B-21s, development/purchase of next gen nuclear weapons for air delivery, and, in addition, substantial investment in GBAD, may just convince Mad Vlad and the slobbering Orcs, as well as the scum-bag, slimeball ChiComs to ‘not tread on me’ (coiled snake on state flag of (CA?)). Really, even the densest members of the animal kingdom generally give porcupines a reasonably wide berth in the course of normal ops.
I think we are more likely to get a redesigned bayonet
I happened to be driving in Town a few years back when a B2 flew over escorted by a couple of F15s really impressive sight. I can only presume that the F15s where there for a radar return