A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing, 13th Bomb Squadron Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., flies over the Pacific Ocean during a mission exercise. The long-range, strategic bombers are part of the continuous rotating bomber presence deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The rotating bomber units promote security and stability in the region as well as provide unique aircrew training opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) released
A B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress perform a flyover during the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base air show, May 6, 2017. Air Force pilots flew their combat-capable airframes in honor of the 8th Air Force, as Airmen and their families celebrated the unit’s storied heritage which dates back to 1942. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
A B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress fly in formation over Shreveport, La., May 10 during the open house and air show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The air show featured modern day bombers, and commemorated the 75th anniversary of the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Rogers)
A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, F-15C Eagle, and F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, fly in formation during a Bomber Task force mission over the North Sea, Aug. 25, 2021. U.S. forces routinely operate across the globe to forward locations, remaining flexible and agile for rapid response to changes in the operational environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)
Joint training at Valiant Shield A B-2 Spirit, two F-16 Fighting Falcons and an F-18 Hornet sit on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for Exercise Valiant Shield on Thursday, June 22. The exercise, which concludes June 23, focuses on integrated joint training in a variety of mission scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)
A U.S. Air Force B-2A Spirit assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and a Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II conduct aerial operations in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over the North Sea, March 18, 2020. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with NATO allies and theater partners in combined and joint operations and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Matthew Plew)
Air Force officials have awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation to provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components as part of a radar modernization program for the for the B-2 Spirit bomber. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)
A 509th Bomb Wing B-2 Spirit conducts a fly-by during the Scott Air Force Base 2017 air show and open house June 11, 2017, which celebrates the base’s 100th anniversary. The B-2 is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions and represents a major milestone in the bomber modernization program. With a crew of two pilots, this aircraft brings a massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristin English)
The B-2 “Spirit of Missouri” taxis on the north ramp Aug. 10 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., as part of the wing’s nuclear operational readiness exercise. The multiple aircraft fly-off tests the skills and operations of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jason Huddleston)
A B-2 Spirit, two F-16 Fighting Falcons and an F-18 Hornet sit on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for Exercise Valiant Shield on Thursday, June 22. The exercise, which concludes June 23, focuses on integrated joint training in a variety of mission scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)
An aircrew flies a B-2 Spirit over the airfield as part of an aerial demonstration for the 2010 Airpower Over the Midwest Air Show Sept. 11, 2010, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The B-2 is assigned to Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol)
A B-2 Spirit flies to the North Pole Oct. 27, 2011, on a test mission from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The polar flight helped ensure that the B-2 maintains its global combat power capability in all environments with new computers for future growth and sustained contributions to the greater Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)
The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo)
A 509th Bomb Wing B-2 Spirit flies over the United Kingdom during the Bomber Task Force training exercise, Aug. 29, 2019. Training with partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to global readiness and strengthens enduring and strategic relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Castelan)
A B-2 Spirit assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., prepares to take off at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, March 20, 2020. The aircraft is deployed as part of Bomber Task Force Europe, which tests the readiness of Airmen and equipment, and their ability to operate at forward locations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott)
A B-2 Spirit deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., began flying operations Oct. 16 at Andersen AFB, Guam. The B-2 is a multi-mission capable, state-of-the-art platform equipped with low-observable stealth technology. The stealth bomber Airmen deployed here will be fully integrated with the rest of the 36th Wing to take full advantage of integrated training opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Kimball)
A B-2 Spirit, deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is staged on the flightline at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 30, 2019. Three B-2s and more than 200 Airmen deployed to JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam in support of U.S. Strategic Command’s Bomber Task Force mission. During the BTF mission, 37 sorties were flown for a total of 171 hours, with eight of the missions including F-22 Raptor integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas Barley)
A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, prepares to transfer fuel to a B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., off the coast of Spain, June 13, 2017. Two B-2s deployed to the U.K. to participate in theater bomber assurance and deterrence operations. Bomber deployments enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)
FILE PHOTO — A B-2 Spirit bomber is followed by two F-117 Nighthawks during a mission. The B-2 is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Stealth bomber Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, Air National Guard director, taxis a B-2 Spirit out of its hangar at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 14, 2022. Loh visited Whiteman AFB to observe training and operations involving total force integration and combat readiness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Kelly C. Ferguson)
Barksdale bombers arrive at Andersen A B-2 Spirit takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the redeployment June 2 to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. B-52 Stratofortresses replaced the B-2s as part of the continuous bomber presence in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christopher Bush)