In the early hours of the 27th August three B-2A Spirits flown by crews from the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron arrived at RAF Fairford under the callsigns ‘DEATH 11/12/13’ in support of a three week European Bomber Task Force deployment.  Airmen and support equipment from the 509th Bomb Wing based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri arrived at RAF Fairford in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility (AOR) for the deployment to conduct theater integration and flying training with allied partners. During their deployment the 509th Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) conducted hot pit refuelling.

The aircraft operated out of RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for just over a three week period. The deployment of the stealth bombers to the UK helps exercise RAF Fairford as U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s forward operating location for bombers which highlights just how important the base is. “Bomber Task Force missions represent our ability to project air power around the globe and provide an opportunity to train and integrate with our allies and partners in the region,” said Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham, deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa. “These missions are key to proving the combat capability of the aircraft, while also serving as an important symbol of assurance for our allies, and deterrence against potential adversaries.” Training with partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to the readiness and enabled the 509th Bomb Wing to build enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges.