Bomber Task Force conducts Icelandic mission with Norwegian F-35s, US F-15s.

Two U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft from the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and the 131st Bomb Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, operating out of RAF Fairford, U.K., conducted an Icelandic Air Policing mission March 16, 2020.

 A B-2A Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing is escorted by F-15C Eagles assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing and Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35A aircraft in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over Keflavik, Iceland, March 17, 2020. Bomber missions enable aircrews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, and validate U.S. global strike capability (Picture source: US Air Force)

The flight included integration and interoperability training with F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the Norwegian air force, and F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, U.K.

“The world expects that NATO and the U.S. continue to execute our mission with decisiveness, regardless of any external challenge,” said U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, Gen. Jeff Harrigian. “Missions like these provide us an opportunity to assure our allies while sending a clear message to any adversary that no matter the challenge, we are ready.”

Airmen from the 509th Bomb Wing are deployed to RAF Fairford, U.K., to conduct training in a joint environment with partners and allies during this BTF rotation which began on March 9, 2020.

 Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35A aircraft and a U.S. Air Force B-2A Spirit bomber conduct aerial operations in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over Keflavik, Iceland March 17, 2020  (Picture source: US Air Force)