December 29, 2024

U.S. Air Force: 501st Combat Support Wing powers BTF 25-1 mission success

By Defence Industry Europe

Over the past month, the 501st Combat Support Wing (CSW) has successfully hosted the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) and four U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses as part of Bomber Task Force (BTF) 25-1. This deployment further solidified RAF Fairford’s position as Europe’s premier forward bomber base and a critical hub for U.S. and NATO operations.

The 501st provided seamless support, enabling essential functions such as passenger and cargo movement, lodging, food, and equipment handling. “The 501st absolutely keeps this place ready to go for the bombers when they arrive,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jared Patterson, 20th EBS commander. “We’re able to do this mission and integrate with our partners and allies because of the support that we’re getting from the folks here at the 501st.”

RAF Fairford’s strategic location and specialised infrastructure make it uniquely equipped to host bomber aircraft. “RAF Fairford is built for bombers,” stated U.S. Air Force Maj. Richard ‘Dive’ Mutari, assistant director of operations for the 420th Air Base Squadron, highlighting the base’s experienced team and advanced capabilities.

BTF missions play a pivotal role in enabling strategic bomber operations while forward-deployed from the U.S. These missions also enhance deterrence and cooperation with NATO allies in the European theatre. This iteration of BTF included extensive integration with Norwegian and UK forces, such as participating in Exercise APEX Buccaneer and a live-fire Arctic drill with F-35s.

In a historic first, the deployment featured a simulated live weapons drop in Finland, marking a milestone in U.S. bomber interoperability with the new NATO ally. Additional training missions spanned multiple countries, including Sweden, Lithuania, Italy, and Morocco, strengthening multinational readiness and cooperation.

The 501st’s efforts extended beyond bomber operations, demonstrating its agility and capability to support a wide range of missions. “RAF Fairford is a key player in our UK Agile Combat Employment operations, not only for BTFs but for other exercises as well,” said Maj. Mutari, referencing previous deployments by other units such as the 352nd Special Operations Wing and the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron.

This deployment underscores RAF Fairford’s vital role in supporting U.S. and NATO objectives. By enabling intelligence, surveillance, and global strike missions, the Pathfinders of the 501st Combat Support Wing continue to “Light the Way” for enduring success.

Source: 501st Combat Support Wing (CSW) / U.S. Air Force.