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B-1s conduct Bomber Task Force mission in Baltic region

A B-1B Lancer launches for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility May 4, 2020. U.S. Strategic Command first conducted these missions in 2014 as demonstrations of the United States’ commitment to collective security.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

A B-1B Lancer launches for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility May 4, 2020. U.S. Strategic Command first conducted these missions in 2014 as demonstrations of the United States’ commitment to collective security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

A 34th Bomb Squadron aviator writes mission information for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Bomber deployments and operations enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)

A 34th Bomb Squadron aviator writes mission information for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Bomber deployments and operations enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)

Aircrew from the 34th Bomb Squadron don their flight gear prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Evaluating readiness and forward positioning bombers ensures the Department of Defense can maintain operational and support capabilities to meet U.S. security obligations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

Aircrew from the 34th Bomb Squadron don their flight gear prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Evaluating readiness and forward positioning bombers ensures the Department of Defense can maintain operational and support capabilities to meet U.S. security obligations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

Airmen assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Unit inspect a B-1B Lancer prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. The Department of Defense maintains command and control of its bomber forces for any mission, anywhere in the world, at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

Airmen assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspect a B-1B Lancer prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. The Department of Defense maintains command and control of its bomber forces for any mission, anywhere in the world, at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

A 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief talks to 34th Bomb Squadron aviators in the cockpit of a B-1B Lancer prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. These bomber missions are representative of the U.S. commitment to integrating with NATO and allied partners, and ensuring regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

A 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief talks to 34th Bomb Squadron aviators in the cockpit of a B-1B Lancer prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. These bomber missions are representative of the U.S. commitment to integrating with NATO and allied partners, and ensuring regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

An Airman assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Unit inspects a B-1B Lancer prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of U.S. forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

An Airman assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspects a B-1B Lancer prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of U.S. forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

The 28th Bomb Wing weapons officer briefs 34th Bomb Squadron aircrews prior to departure on a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 3, 2020. The B-1B Lancer demonstrates the global strike capacity and ability of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command to forward deploy, and deliver precision-guided ordnance against any adversary anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

The 28th Bomb Wing weapons officer briefs 34th Bomb Squadron aircrews prior to departure on a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 3, 2020. The B-1B Lancer demonstrates the global strike capacity and ability of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command to forward deploy, and deliver precision-guided ordnance against any adversary anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

Airman 1st Class Wendi Mueller, a 28th Operations Support Squadron weather apprentice, reviews radar imagery for a weather report at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. This weather report was used to inform aviators in preparation for a non-stop deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hailey Staker)

Airman 1st Class Wendi Mueller, a 28th Operations Support Squadron weather apprentice, reviews radar imagery for a weather report at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. This weather report was used to inform aviators in preparation for a non-stop deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hailey Staker)

A 34th Bomb Squadron aviator attends a mission planning brief for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility May 3, 2020. The U.S. maintains the capability, readiness, and will to defend interests globally, and will work closely with allies and partners to quickly and decisively respond to threats and malign activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

A 34th Bomb Squadron aviator attends a mission planning brief for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility May 3, 2020. The U.S. maintains the capability, readiness, and will to defend interests globally, and will work closely with allies and partners to quickly and decisively respond to threats and malign activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

An aviator from the 34th Bomb Squadron prepares his flight equipment prior to a more than 25-hour non-stop mission from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Bomber Task Force deployments enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)
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An aviator from the 34th Bomb Squadron prepares his flight equipment prior to a more than 25-hour non-stop mission from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Bomber Task Force deployments enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

Wing leaders assist aviators assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron unload their gear after successfully completing a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 5, 2020. During the Bomber Task Force mission to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, B-1B Lancers integrated with NATO and allied partners for operations and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)
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Wing leaders assist aviators assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron unload their gear after successfully completing a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 5, 2020. During the Bomber Task Force mission to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, B-1B Lancers integrated with NATO and allied partners for operations and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

An Airman assigned to the 28th Operations Support Squadron tests equipment for aviators prior to a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility May 4, 2020. The B-1B Lancers integrated with NATO allies and partner nations for joint training activities to improve effectiveness and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)
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An Airman assigned to the 28th Operations Support Squadron tests equipment for aviators prior to a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility May 4, 2020. The B-1B Lancers integrated with NATO allies and partner nations for joint training activities to improve effectiveness and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

An aviator assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., heads to the squadron following a more than 25-hour non-stop mission May 5, 2020. Bomber deployments and operations enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)
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An aviator assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., heads to the squadron following a more than 25-hour non-stop mission May 5, 2020. Bomber deployments and operations enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

A B-1B Lancer taxis on the flightline at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., after returning from a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment to the Baltic Sea May 5, 2020. Evaluating readiness and forward positioning bombers ensures the Department of Defense can maintain operational and support capabilities to meet U.S. security obligations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)
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A B-1B Lancer taxis on the flightline at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., after returning from a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment to the Baltic Sea May 5, 2020. Evaluating readiness and forward positioning bombers ensures the Department of Defense can maintain operational and support capabilities to meet U.S. security obligations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

Aircrew from the 34th Bomb Squadron attend a step brief for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020.  U.S. Strategic Command Bomber Task Force operations provide opportunities to work and train with U.S. allies and partners, and strengthen capabilities by familiarizing aircrew with airbases and operations in different parts of the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)
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Aircrew from the 34th Bomb Squadron attend a step brief for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. U.S. Strategic Command Bomber Task Force operations provide opportunities to work and train with U.S. allies and partners, and strengthen capabilities by familiarizing aircrew with airbases and operations in different parts of the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)

A B-1B Lancer sits on the flightline prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. These flights are not in direct response to specific actions taken by any nation. Alongside other military operations and exercises in the region, Bomber Task Force missions enable crews to remain ready to respond with lethal capability to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)
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A B-1B Lancer sits on the flightline prior to a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. These flights are not in direct response to specific actions taken by any nation. Alongside other military operations and exercises in the region, Bomber Task Force missions enable crews to remain ready to respond with lethal capability to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)

A B-1B Lancer launches for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. U.S. Strategic Command first conducted these missions in 2014 as demonstrations of U.S. commitment to collective security.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)
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A B-1B Lancer launches for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. U.S. Strategic Command first conducted these missions in 2014 as demonstrations of U.S. commitment to collective security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin Marx)

A B-1B Lancer assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., returns from a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment to the Baltic Sea, May 5, 2020. The mission is not in direct response to specific actions taken by any nation, but rather supported allies and partners in preserving regional security and stability all while improving effectiveness and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)
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A B-1B Lancer assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., returns from a more than 25-hour non-stop deployment to the Baltic Sea, May 5, 2020. The mission is not in direct response to specific actions taken by any nation, but rather supported allies and partners in preserving regional security and stability all while improving effectiveness and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

A B-1B Lancer launches for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. U.S. Strategic Command routinely conducts Bomber Task Force operations across the globe as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to collective defense and to integrate with Geographic Combatant Command operations and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)
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A B-1B Lancer launches for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. U.S. Strategic Command routinely conducts Bomber Task Force operations across the globe as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to collective defense and to integrate with Geographic Combatant Command operations and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

Aircrew assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron step to a B-1B Lancer for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)
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Aircrew assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron step to a B-1B Lancer for a non-stop deployment from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 4, 2020. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicolas Z. Erwin)

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth conducted a long-range strategic Bomber Task Force mission to the Baltic region, May 5, 2020.

The flight, which lasted more than 25 hours, included integration and interoperability training with Danish F-16s overflying Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea. The B-1s also worked with Estonian Joint Terminal Air Controllers to provide training with inert devices at Tapa Range.


The recent pivot to the U.S. European Command’s area of responsibility from the Indo-Pacific region showcases the B-1’s long-range global strike capability, readiness and proficiency of 28th Bomb Wing aircrews to integrate with U.S. allies and partners. Additionally, aircrews are able to familiarize themselves with air bases, procedures and operations in different Geographic Combatant Command areas of operation.

“Our crews gain valuable experience operating in a region that some had not seen previously,” said Col. Richard Barksdale, the 28th Operations Group commander. “This mission honed integration with NATO allies and regional partners, and demonstrated our ability to effortlessly shift operations from one area of the globe to another in a short period of time.”

Forward bomber presence demonstrates the Air Force’s ability to execute flying missions, sustain readiness, contribute to stability in the European theater and sends a clear deterrence message to any potential adversary. These missions also allow the U.S. Department of Defense to meet global security objectives.

“Integrating bomber missions with our NATO allies and partners build enduring relationships that are capable of confronting a broad range of global challenges,” said Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander. “When you see the capability and integration first hand, it is clear we have a force that stands ready to execute the mission.”

The B-1 can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.

Last time it was in Europe was October 2018.

Continuing coverage of this deployment will be available on this website, and on the DVIDS hub at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.