ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England -- Two B-1B Lancer bombers, deployed in support of U.S. European Command’s Bomber Task Force 22-1 mission series, integrated with Allied Joint Terminal Attack Controllers over Lithuania today ahead of their hot pit refueling at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The BTF Europe series supports the European Deterrence Initiative and actively pursues opportunities to integrate with coalition forces throughout the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa theaters.
“BTF rotations allow our coalition to closely integrate and employ new and advanced tactics across two continents,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. “Our joint and multinational forces must be ready to respond to any threat in order to maintain the global security environment.”
Coalition JTACS from Lithuania and Air Force Special Operation Command’s 352nd Special Operations Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England, coordinated with the bomber aircrews and identified simulated ground targets. The mission focused on enhancing readiness and interoperability for the controllers responsible for coordinating airstrikes to support ground forces.
Spangdahlem’s 52nd Fighter Wing executed a hot pit refueling, employing the new Versatile Integrating Partner Equipment Refueling (VIPER) kit.The VIPER kit system, an Agile Combat Employment capability, enables the bombers’ ability to land and operate from austere airfields at any forward staging location.
U.S. Strategic Command bomber missions within U.S. European Command’s theater build capacity and readiness, strengthen international defense institutions, and counter a multitude of threats.
Coverage of the BTF deployment will be continuously available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at:https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.
For media interested in engagement opportunities, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs as +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.