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U.S. Air Force B-2s return to Europe

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  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

A Bomber Task Force deployment of B-2 Spirit stealth bomber aircraft from the 509th Bomb Wing and the 131st Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Base, Missouri, arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, on Mar. 9, 2020 for a deployment to conduct theater integration and flying training. KC-10 Extenders from 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst provided aerial refueling capability in support of the transit across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Bomber forces regularly conduct combined theater engagements with allies and partners, demonstrating the U.S. capability to command, control and conduct bomber missions across the globe. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility and flexibility of our forces to address today's complex, dynamic and volatile global security environment. 

The aircraft will operate out of various military installations in the U.S. European Command’s area of responsibility. Strategic bomber deployments to Europe provide theater familiarization for aircrew members and demonstrate U.S. commitment to allies and partners. 

Integrating with NATO allies and theater partner nations, as well as other U.S. Air Force and joint units, contributes to ready and postured forces and enables the U.S. Air Force to build enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges.

The 65th Air Base Group at Lajes Field is strategically located to provide support in combat operations by enabling the expeditionary movement of war fighters, warplanes and global communications to combatant commanders and supporting Joint, Coalitions, and NATO operations.