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        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders      U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tony Nogales, left, and Airman 1st Class Byron Humphrey, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, conclude preflight checks in support of a Bomber Task Force at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, March 16, 2021. The B-2 Spirit’s low-observable, or “stealth,” characteristics give it the ability to penetrate an enemy’s most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most-valued, heavily defended targets while avoiding adversary detection, tracking and engagement. Its participation in recurring Bomber Task Force operations and engagements with our allies and partners demonstrate and strengthen our shared commitment to global security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)B-2s land at Lajes Field to join BTF mission
                        
                        
                        Senior Airman Tony Nogales and Airman 1st Class Byron Humphrey, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, conclude preflight checks on a B-2 Spirit in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., March 16, 2021. The B-2’s low-observable, or “stealth,” characteristics give it the ability to penetrate an enemy’s most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most-valued, heavily defended targets while avoiding adversary detection, tracking and engagement. Its participation in recurring Bomber Task Force operations and engagements with allies and partners demonstrate and strengthen our shared commitment to global security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)
                
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        Three B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, arrive at  Lajes Field, Azores, for a bomber task force mission, March 16, 2021. Strategic bomber missions are conducted periodically to enhance the readiness necessary to respond to challenges around the world.B-2 Spirit arrives at Lajes Field, Azores
                        
                        
                        A B-2 Spirit assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., arrives at Lajes Field, Portugal, March 16, 2021 for a bomber task force mission. Strategic bomber missions are conducted periodically to enhance the readiness necessary to respond to challenges around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar)
                
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        Active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., deployed to Lajes Field in support of Bomber Task Force Europe.B-2 Spirit arrival at Lajes Field
                        
                        
                        Three B-2 Spirits assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., hot-pit refuel at Lajes Field, Portugal March 16, 2021. The stealth bombers refilled prior to supporting bomber task force missions in the Arctic region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar)
                
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        Three B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, depart Lajes Field, Azores, March 16, 2021. The B-2s refueled at Lajes prior to supporting bomber task force missions in the Arctic region.B-2 Spirit arrives at Lajes Field AFB, Azores
                        
                        
                        A B-2 Spirit assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., prepares to depart Lajes Field, Portugal March 16, 2021. The aircraft refueled at Lajes Field prior to supporting bomber task force missions in the Arctic region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar)
                
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B-2s land at Lajes Field to join BTF missionPublished March 17, 2021
                    
                    By U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
            **LAJES FIELD, Portugal (AFNS) --**U.S. Air Force **B-2 Spirit** aircraft from the **509th Bomb Wing**, **Whiteman Air Force Base**, Missouri, arrived at Lajes Field in support of upcoming Bomber Task Force missions March 16.
Airmen from the 509th BW will conduct a hot-pit refuel of the B-2s and a crew swap with engines running before the aircraft return to the sky to continue the mission. The B-2s will rely on the strategically-located Lajes Field to perform mission-essential tasks during several upcoming BTF sorties.
“These missions will add even more depth to this already historic Bomber Task Force iteration,” said **Gen. Jeff Harrigian**, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander. “B-2s joining the B-1s in theater offers unique opportunities to advance our readiness as we continue to work with and learn from our allies.”
Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective defense of the NATO alliance and are a visible demonstration of the U.S. capability of extended deterrence.
Continuing coverage of this deployment will be available on this website, and on **DVIDS**.AFWN 



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