US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers return home after month-long Europe deployment

by AvioBlog · 25 Aprile 2024

After a month-long deployment across Europe, US Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers and supporting personnel have returned home to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

The deployment, part of Bomber Task Force 24-2, commenced on March 24, 2024, and saw the B-1Bs operated by the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducting various missions alongside Allies and partners in the European region.

Throughout their deployment, the B-1Bs engaged in training exercises in countries such as the Czech Republic, Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, showcasing the United States’ ability to operate seamlessly alongside its allies.

“This deployment was another excellent opportunity for U.S. forces to demonstrate our ability to operate in conjunction with our Allies and partners to enhance our combined strength,” said General James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command. “It’s critical to bolstering our extended deterrence and defense network and capable of decisively meeting the security challenges of today and tomorrow.”

During their time in Europe, the B-1Bs integrated closely with Typhoon aircraft from the United Kingdom, engaging in escort training exercises. The bombers also demonstrated their ability to operate globally from any allied air base.

🇺🇸 B-1B bombers integrated with 🇬🇧 Typhoons, they conducted escort training with their Allies

During the month-long deployment the 🇺🇸 B-1Bs were flying alongside #NATO Allies across the European region, including 🇨🇿🇬🇷🇹🇷

Read more: https://t.co/nmpEzAfuwK #BomberTaskForce pic.twitter.com/7IU3rKOXQb

— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) April 25, 2024

“The Agile Combat Employment framework, in partnership with our Allies, enables us to swiftly respond to any adversary aggression,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Stillwell, commander of the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.

Bomber Task Force missions aim to enhance the interoperability and trust among the US Joint Force and its allies.

“Through these missions, the United States enables dynamic force employment in the European theatre, providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries,” US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa explained in a statement.

In a recent demonstration, the USAF 20th Bomb Squadron demonstrated its ability to adapt to deteriorated conditions by landing B-52 bombers at Chennault International Airport (CWF) in Lake Charles, Louisiana.