RAAF BASE AMBERLEY, QUEENSLAND, Australia –
More than 180 Airmen assigned to the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and three B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base arrived last month at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia to conduct Joint and multilateral Bomber Task Force missions across the Indo-Pacific region.
The 110th EBS logged more than 295 flight hours during the BTF, resulting in 34 sorties flown. They integrated with fourth and fifth generation RAAF aircraft including F-35 Lightning IIs, F-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, KC-30A multi-role tankers, E-7 Wedgetail and more. Additionally, B-2 aircrews integrated with U.S. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers and RAAF Marine Rotational Force-Darwin for inert bombing runs.
The RAAF was not the only allied air force to unite with the B-2 and 110th EBS, for the first time ever, Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35 Lightning IIs flew with the B-2. Additionally, the 110th EBS completed 2 hot pit refuels within the Indo-Pacific to include Diego Garcia and Guam. Other U.S. Air Force aircraft that integrated with the B-2 included F-22 Raptors, KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker.
“It was incredible to see such dedication and skill from our team. Their hard work and professionalism was absolutely vital to the success of this BTF deployment,” said Lt. Col. Justin Meyer, 110th EBS commander. “The presence of the B-2 and our Airmen highlights the ongoing commitment to security and stability in this region. It’s been great to see interoperability between our two great countries and our ability to integrate together has made this mission very successful. The operations we conducted have helped to enhance joint force lethality and demonstrated our ability to operate globally while also maintaining readiness for any potential crisis.”
The 110th EBS consisted of Airmen from the 509th Bomb Wing, 131st BW and other support personnel from bases within U.S. Pacific Air Forces. They worked closely with RAAF personnel and equipment enhancing engagement with regional partner air forces to enhance collective capabilities, interoperability and the ability to respond to regional crises.
“The Aussie’s were great to work with. Their commitment to bilateral operations with the B-2 and our Airmen were crucial to the success of this BTF,” said Chief Master Sgt. Adam Hufty, 110th EBS senior enlisted leader. “We couldn’t have asked for a better host for this deployment and I believe this has made the connection, not only between our nation’s stronger, but between our personnel and the Amberley personnel stronger as well.”
Bomber missions are crucial for maintaining the readiness and proficiency of aircrews and personnel. These missions allow U.S. personnel to familiarize themselves with various air bases and operations across different Geographic Combatant Commands. By doing so, they validate the United States’ global strike capability and ensure a high state of readiness.
“Our Airmen crushed it, it’s always incredible to see our young folks come out in a different environment with minimal resources to accomplish their job,” said Hufty. “It’s a testament to their capabilities, their skills, and just absolutely set the bar for future BTFs.”