More than 100 Airmen and B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, on October 12 for Bomber Task Force (BTF) Europe 24-1.
The long-planned European BTF deployment provides U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure Allies and Partners, while also deterring potential adversary aggression throughout Europe and across the globe.
“In today’s challenging and dynamic security environment, the significance of these missions cannot be overemphasised,” said General James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Command. “We’re not only demonstrating our commitment to collective defence but also strengthening our ability to respond to potential challenges. This underscores the enduring commitment of the United States to our Allies and partners,” he added.
“We’re excited about building and solidifying critical partnerships throughout the region and demonstrating the ability to hold potential adversaries at risk at anytime, anywhere in the world,” said Lieutenant Colonel Philip Atkinson, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa routinely hosts and supports a variety of U.S. Air Force aircraft and units for training among other with European NATO Allies and Partners. Operating a variety of aircraft and units across Europe helps maintain a ready and postured force prepared to support regional and global operations.
For European Allies, such deployments offer training and integration opportunities to refine and enhance common tactics, techniques and procedures. Through these strategic deployments, NATO and the Allies demonstrate cohesion and interoperability and their strong commitment to deterrence and defence.
