RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, currently deployed to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom for Bomber Task Force 24-1, conducted a cross-combatant command flight over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East during a previously planned BTF mission, Wednesday.
The long-planned BTF mission through multiple combatant command areas of responsibility demonstrates the Department of Defense’s ability to command and control its conventional bomber forces for assigned missions anywhere in the world, at any time.
"The ability to dynamically employ our conventional bombers is a strong, clear demonstration of the United States’ ability to rapidly project power and a signal of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners," said Lt. Gen. Johnny Lamontagne. "Bomber task force operations also provide invaluable training opportunities with our allies and partners, improving interoperability and strengthening integrated deterrence."
Planning for Wednesday’s mission included coordination with international allies and partners to pre-approve the flight path through their respective airspaces. The bombers executed the mission without incident and returned to RAF Fairford the same day.
Planning and executing globally integrated BTF missions underscores that the U.S., its allies, and partners possess credible military capabilities to preserve peace. Furthermore, BTF missions demonstrate the flexibility of combined forces to address today's complex, dynamic, and unpredictable global security environment.