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B-2 Spirit in Iceland

131st and 509th Bomb Wing crew chiefs prepare to launch a B-2 Spirit bomber as part of a Bomber Task Force Europe deployment to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, Aug. 31, 2021. U.S. forces enjoy mutually beneficial military cooperation with Nordic allies and partner countries with respect to the Arctic region, continually coordinating together on operations and exercises. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John E. Hillier)

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Photo by: Master Sgt. John Hillier 

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509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Aircraft maintainers assigned to the 110th Expedition Bomb Squadron routinely service a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, Sept. 2, 2021. Operating out of forward locations allows Airmen to enhance combat credible capabilities of the stealth bomber. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Hommel)

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Photo by: Airman 1st Class Victoria Hommel 

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, currently based out of Keflavik Air Base, Iceland completed a Bomber Task Force mission with Norway over the North Sea on Sept. 8, 2021.

The bomber aircraft integrated with F-35 fighter aircraft in an advanced mission designed to test escort procedures, stand-off weapon employment and the suppression and destruction of air defenses. The participating countries were able to align tactics, techniques and procedures and employ 5th generation aircraft data sharing capabilities. 

The strong and strategic relationships between our allied and partner countries ensures a collective defense posture that is ready and prepared to respond and support global operations. Bomber Task Force missions like this one highlight strategic bomber readiness and U.S. capabilities and to work closely with our allies and partners to deter any potential adversary.

“The mission demonstrates the value of our continued presence and relationships,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander. “What our collective Airmen accomplish on these missions is vital to our alliance and maintaining agility as we move into the future.”

Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective defense of NATO and contribute to stability in the European theater. These missions display the credibility and readiness of our forces to successfully operate in a global security environment that is more challenging and uncertain than at any other time in our history.

Continuing coverage of this deployment will be available on this website and on the DVIDS hub at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.