B-2s arrive at RAF Fairford to train, exercise capability

2nd Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

6/8/2014 - RAF FAIRFORD, England -- Two B-2 Spirit flew to the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) area of operations June 8 to train and integrate with U.S. and allied military forces in the region.

During this short-term deployment, the multi-role heavy bombers will conduct training flights in the USEUCOM area of operations, providing opportunities for aircrews to sharpen skills in several key operational sets and become familiar with airbases and operations in the region.

"This deployment of strategic bombers provides an invaluable opportunity to strengthen and improve interoperability with our allies and partners," said Adm. Cecil Haney, commander, U.S. Strategic Command. "The training and integration of strategic forces demonstrates to our nation's leaders and our allies that we have the right mix of aircraft and expertise to respond to a variety of potential threats and situations."

USSTRATCOM routinely conducts training missions in support of geographic combatant commands to ensure the U.S. has a credible and flexible capability to provide the President a variety of options he may need to protect the nation or its allies and partners.

The forward-deployed B-2s are assigned to 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. Its low-observable, or "stealth," characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation provides a strong, effective deterrent and combat force well into the 21st century.