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US B-1, B-2s meet up for bomber task force mission in the Arctic

B-2 Bomber
B-2 bombers departing Lajes Field, Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, for the bomber task force mission on March 16, 2021. Photo: US Air Force

Two US Air Force B-2 Spirit bombers based at Whiteman Air Force Base teamed up with B-1 bombers currently based in Norway for a bomber task force mission in the Arctic, off the coast of Ireland.

The mission was the latest in a series of evolutions carried out by B-1B Lancers from the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, which arrived in Norway in February.

The mission with two types of strategic bombers is being seen as a signal to Russia and China who are also making inroads into the thawing Arctic regions. The air force said the long-range integration in the high north refined the skills necessary to fly effective night operations in a new environment.

“Bomber task force missions are critical to maintaining our global competitive edge,” said Lt. Gen. Stephen Basham, US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa deputy commander. “The importance of providing airmen the opportunity to train in unique environments can’t be overstated.”

Prior to this mission, B-1B Lancers already achieved a number of “first time” milestones operating out of Norway. These include attending anti-submarine warfare drills in the Barents Sea, landing in the Arctic Circle, and first hot-pit refuels in the European theater.