Four B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers from the 9th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) recently arrived at Morón Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 24-2.
This is the first time that B-1B Lancer bombers have participated in a BTF mission at Moron Air Base, a base of great importance for U.S. operations in Europe within the NATO framework.
“This BTF is unique because this is the first time the B-1s have ever been on a BTF to Morón,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Stillwell, 9th EBS commander. “That is important to us because Morón is a strategic location for U.S. forces, and it’s also a special demonstration that the B-1 and our bomber fleet in the U.S. remains flexible and agile. We don’t want to send the message that we are locked into certain bases and capabilities. We can go various places around the world at a time and place of our choosing and this BTF is demonstrating just that.”
The U.S. Air Force Europe and the Pacific Air Force frequently mount BTFs throughout the year using the B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit. USAF Global Strike Command bombers support U.S. and NATO global deterrence operations while maintaining a ready and positioned force.
“Ensuring global deterrence is critical especially at a time of heightened security tensons across the world,” said Stillwell. “It’s important to deter that from escalating into further conflict and it’s imperative to demonstrate in a message that the allies and partners of the U.S. are stronger together, we are united and we will ensure small security concerns don’t become bigger security problems.”.
See also: First flight of B-1B BEAST strategic bomber
The 7th Bomber Squadron directly supports the American global deterrent (nuclear and conventional) by maintaining a fleet of B-1 Lancer capable of combat anywhere on the globe at short notice, and until full implementation of the B-21 Raider, will remain one of the major assets of the U.S. long-range bomber force.
