Team Whiteman commemorates 30 year anniversary of B-2 test flight
By Staff Report, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
/ Published July 15, 2019
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- This year, Whiteman AFB commemorates the 30th anniversary of the B-2 Spirit’s inaugural test flight on July 17, 1989, from Palmdale to Edwards AFB, California.
For three decades, B-2 crews have participated in five major military operations and countless training engagements. The bomber has completed missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and most recently Libya. The B-2 was also the first aircraft over Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 attacks, for which aircraft and crew hold the record for longest combat mission at 44.3 hours. The stealth bomber has been a vital component of America’s National Defense and stands as a symbol of the Air Force’s global strike capabilities.
“The combination of range, payload, and stealth is really what makes the B-2 unique in all these fights,” said Col. Jeffrey Schreiner, 509th Bomb Wing commander, a command pilot now responsible for the combat readiness of the Air Force’s only B-2 base. “Our adversaries don’t know when a conflict is going to heat up, or when Whiteman is going to be called into the fight.”
B-2 expertise and dedication is shared here at Whiteman AFB following the 2008 total force integration of the 509th Bomb Wing and the 131st Bomb Wing, a Missouri Air National Guard Unit. This shared responsibility includes training, maintenance and combat operations around the globe and is necessary for the success of this program.
“At the heart of the stealth enterprise are the men and women in uniform and civilian experts who work tirelessly to provide an asset of unmatched capability,” Schreiner said. “With their expertise and dedication, the B-2 will remain an invaluable asset to our nation for years to come.”
With its unique flying wing design and advancing avionics systems, the B-2 Spirit is more lethal and innovative today as it was 30 years ago. Our world-class Airmen conduct daily testing and maintenance, long-duration training missions, and readiness exercises to keep the B-2 Spirit operational. The stealth bomber is a vital component of America’s National Defense and stands as a symbol of the Air Force’s Global Strike capabilities, 30 years from its inaugural test flight.
If you would like to know more about the B-2 Spirit or Whiteman AFB, please visit www.whiteman.af.mil or follow us on Facebook. For specific questions, please contact the 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs at (660) 687-5727 or 509bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.