B-2 stealth bombers deploy to Europe

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Airman 1st Class Austin Sawchuk, a crew chief assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, marshals in a B-2 Spirit on the flight line at RAF Fairford, England, Aug. 27. A bomber task force deployment of the stealth bomber aircraft, airmen and support equipment from the 509th at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, arrived in the U.S. European Command area of operations for a deployment to conduct theater integration and flying training. (Staff Sgt. Kayla White/Air Force)

The Air Force on Tuesday announced that it has deployed a task force of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, airmen and support aircraft to RAF Fairford in England.

The bomber task force is from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa said in the release.

During the bombers’ deployment, the airmen will conduct theater integration and flying training, including joint and allied training in Europe, to improve bomber interoperability, USAFE said.

“Training with partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to our readiness and enables us to build enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges,” USAFE said in the release.

The deployment will also help RAF Fairford practice its role as USAFE’s forward operating location for bombers.

About 

Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations.