U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers returned to Royal Air Force Fairford on May 23, 2023, for Bomber Task Force Europe 2023-3 to conduct a long-planned bomber rotation in support of U.S. European Command and NATO deterrence initiatives.
Two of the Texas-based supersonic bombers from the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base entered the theater first by integrating with Allies and partners conducting NATO Air Policing and Air Shielding missions throughout the Baltic Sea region. The Baltic Sea serves as a critical economic corridor, and consistent coalition surveillance of the international air and maritime space preserves safe and secure passage for all.
The highly agile aircraft’s 12-hour mission from North America to Europe demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s rapid ability to deploy anywhere, anytime, and provide lethal precision and global strike options to U.S. and Allied commanders.
Alongside other military operations and exercises in the region, Bomber Task Force missions enable crew readiness and provide opportunities to work with Allies and partners toward a shared commitment for global security and stability.
This Bomber Task Force iteration will include four B-1B strategic bombers; the remaining two bombers arrived in Fairford on May 25.
Coverage of Bomber Task Force deployments will be continuously available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.
