Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised the mission’s impact, saying, “I want to thank the heroism of our men and women in the military, what they accomplished is truly historic, setting back the Iranian nuclear program an untold number of years. It was a devastating attack.”
Codenamed “Midnight Hammer,” the operation was directed by U.S. Central Command and aimed to dismantle vital elements of Iran’s advancing nuclear infrastructure. It marked one of the most significant combat operations involving the Air National Guard in recent times.
“This was the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history, and the second longest B-2 mission ever flown,” said Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Exceeded only by those in the days following 9/11.”
More than 125 U.S. aircraft were involved, including B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Aircrews from the 131st Bomb Wing joined forces with active-duty personnel to deliver 14 massive ordnance penetrator bombs on Iranian targets.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, acting director of the Air National Guard, highlighted the unit’s contribution: “The Air National Guard, including the exceptional Airmen of Missouri’s 131st Bomb Wing, continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our regular Air Force counterparts in delivering decisive combat power when called upon.”
The strike showcased the strength of years of joint training, validating the Air National Guard’s role as a fully integrated and combat-ready component of national defence. This Total Force approach has long been central to the Air Force’s global strategy and operational success.
“We are incredibly proud of our Airmen,” said Maj. Gen. Charles Hausman, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General. “Their discipline and exceptional proficiency are paramount in accomplishing the mission. The collaboration between our Missouri Air National Guard Airmen and their active-duty partners was essential to achieving this outcome.”
