Airmen from the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings recently participated in Red Flag 25-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Red Flag is an annual exercise that gives warfighters an opportunity to train their capabilities in the most realistic environment possible. US Air Force troops also integrate with Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force units during the exercise, strengthening our ability to cooperate with key allies and enhancing our global deterrence mission.

"Red Flag for us is an opportunity to take the skill sets that we hone back at home station and the things we train on every day and bring those competencies to the Joint Force in a dynamic environment,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Manglitz, 393 Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and 13th Bomber Squadron commander.

The B-2 Spirit’s capabilities make it a unique asset, and exercises like Red Flag provide air crews with simulated real-world conditions to enhance their operational effectiveness.

“The B-2 is a striker platform that brings a unique capability to penetrate deep into enemy air defenses,” Manglitz said. “Operating in contested environments and holding high-value targets at risk in a way that other platforms simply cannot.”

During Reg Flag, the B-2 operates out of an airfield away from its home station, giving air crews and maintainers the opportunity to practice operations using only a minimal footprint.

“Exercises like Red Flag and Bamboo Eagle give our maintenance team the chance to operate outside of our comfort zone,” said Captain Gabrielle Franze, maintenance officer in charge 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. “With fewer resources and less manpower. It challenges us to think critically, plan creatively, and become more independent, forcing our leaders and maintainers to adapt and execute under pressure.”

This mindset fosters both individual growth and team cohesion, allowing Airmen to perform with confidence in any future challenge, especially under high stress environments.

"The high ops tempo here at Red Flag forces us to work harder with fewer resources, making every minute and every team member count," Franze said. “The relentless pace and limited resources challenge teams to become more resourceful and efficient.”

Exercises like Red Flag send a message to allies and adversaries alike that the Air Force and its allies are ready and capable to bring the fight anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice, Manglitz said.

“As our Airmen return from these exercises, they do so with enhanced skills, strengthened alliances, and a renewed understanding of their role in the greater strategic picture all while being prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow, today,” he said.