Trailblazing Triumphs: Celebrating Unprecedented Achievements in the Pacific Air Forces

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. —

Since the year 2018, U.S. strategic bomber task force operations have offered theater familiarization for aircrew and aircraft integration opportunities with Allies and partners worldwide.

As of 2024, the B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirits, and B-52 Stratofortresses of the 8th Air Force have collaborated with 23 percent of the globe’s military as part of Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations and missions.

“On any given day, we are actively involved through bomber task force missions,” stated U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, commander of the 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center. “In fact, about 60 percent of the year we are deployed to a theater or conducting continental U.S. (CONUS) -to-CONUS flights to support theaters or in support of U.S. Strategic Command and the Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”

Bomber aircraft support to the Indo-Pacific region

Throughout 2024, the 8th Air Force has facilitated strategic deterrence missions aimed at upholding the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region from various sites including Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory; and Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia.

“Our primary goal is to consistently demonstrate our commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region and to our allies there, showcasing our dedication to these international relations,” remarked Lt. Col. Vanessa Wilcox, commander of BTF for the NSF Diego Garcia deployment.

In 2024, for the first time during a BTF mission from RAAF Amberley, Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35 Lightning IIs operated alongside the B-2.

“It’s been remarkable to see interoperability between our two great nations, and our capacity to integrate together has made this mission very effective,” declared U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Justin Meyer, commander of the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. “The operations we executed have enhanced collective force lethality and proven our ability to function globally.”

The Indo-Pacific BTF operations confronted significant logistical challenges, including lengthy flights surpassing 30 hours, testing and ultimately strengthening the crew’s endurance and operational preparedness.

“Flying for more than 24 hours, approaching the 30-hour mark, posed a difficulty,” stated Wilcox. “It enhances our readiness, training to the capacities we need to access various regions of the globe, particularly across the Pacific.”

Bomber aircraft support to the Euro-Atlantic region

BTF missions continued to achieve multiple first-ever missions in the U.S. European Command’s (USEUCOM) area of responsibility (AOR).

In February, B-1 aircraft, aircrews, and maintainers from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, were deployed to Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, as part of BTF 24-2.

During this deployment, the B-1s took part in a unique operation named Vanguard Adler, aimed at integrating the U.S. bombers with Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters and joint terminal attack controllers in the Arctic and Baltic regions. 

“The U.S. is one of our most vital partners, and having them here at our base provides excellent logistics training for us,” commented Swedish air force Col. Peter Greberg, commander of Norrbotten Wing. “Serving as a bomber escort is not something we do frequently, so this was exceptional training.”

On March 6, a B-1 and a B-52 conducted a flyover of Stockholm, Sweden, as the nation was nearing the final stages of becoming NATO’s newest member.

“As Sweden prepares to join NATO as its 32nd member, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with our Swedish Allies,” stated U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command at that time. “Initiatives like this joint flyover are just the beginning as we work together to promote international stability and security.”

In May, B-52s from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB, North Dakota, arrived at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, commencing BTF 24-3.

During this deployment, U.S. Airmen and aircraft collaborated with NATO Allies and additional international partners to synchronize capabilities and ensure security commitments throughout the USEUCOM AOR. Most notably, the B-52s integrated with the air forces of the British, Swedish, French, Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Spanish. 

“The NATO Alliance is stronger than ever,” said Hecker. “Integrating with our Allies enhances our collective lethality, preparing us to counter aggression at a moment’s notice.”

In July, B-52s from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu AB, Romania, for BTF 24-4.

BTF 24-4 signified the first time U.S. strategic bomber aircraft have operated from Romania.

“Our historic deployment signifies the strength and resilience of the U.S.-Romania alliance and our mutual dedication to the security of the region and NATO’s collective defense,” remarked U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jared Patterson, commander of the 20th EBS. 

The BTF showcased the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Romania and their shared commitment to maintaining freedom of movement and navigation across the area. 

“We are demonstrating the proof of interoperability, showing that together, we are stronger,” stated Romanian air force commander Cosmin Macsim, deputy commander of Mihail Kogălniceanu AB.

In November, B-52s from the 2nd BW were deployed to RAF Fairford, marking the commencement of BTF 25-1. During this deployment, the strategic bombers executed a simulated weapons drop training mission in Finland for the first time ever.

This mission highlighted Finland’s growing role within the NATO Alliance and signified another achievement in fortifying NATO’s collective defense.

Looking ahead

As 2025 approaches, strategic bombers and Airmen from the Mighty Eight will persist in breaking boundaries and enhancing interoperability globally, showcasing the U.S. commitment to strategic deterrence, global security, and stability.  

(Editor’s Note: Contributions to this article were made by U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, Pacific Air Forces, the 2^nd Bomb Wing, and 509^th BW Public Affairs.)