USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer approaches to start aerial refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron while conducting a Bomber Task Force mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 8, 2023. The BTF mission was designed to build agility and interoperability between the U.S. and coalition partners while demonstrating the rapid deployment of combat power to deter regional aggression while promoting regional stability in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

U.S. Air Force B1-B Lancers are escorted by coalition fighters over Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, during a Bomber Task Force June 8, 2023. Bomber Task Force rotations support U.S. National Defense Strategy objectives through strategic predictability and operational unpredictability, and the steady rotation of strategic bombers into the theater enables interoperability and enhances operational readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer)

USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

A B-1B Lancer takes off at Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, June 7, 2023. Bomber Task Force rotations support U.S. National Defense Strategy objectives through strategic predictability and operational unpredictability, and the steady rotation of strategic bombers into the theater enables interoperability and enhances operational readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown)

USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

Staff Sgt. Sean Merrick, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer crew chief, left, and Airman First Class Jackie Breeden, 9th EBS B-1B Lancer egress apprentice, prepare the B-1 for launch at Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, June 7, 2023. Bomber Task Force rotations support U.S. National Defense Strategy objectives through strategic predictability and operational unpredictability, and the steady rotation of strategic bombers into the theater enables interoperability and enhances operational readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown)

USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

Senior Airman Joe Hance, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons load crew member, drives the AGM-158 into the aft weapons bay at Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, June 6, 2023. Strategic bomber missions enhance readiness and provide lethal precision and global strike options to the U.S. and coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown)

USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

Senior Airman Romallis Lewis, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons load crew member, performs munitions preparation on the AGM-158 at Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, June 6, 2023. Strategic bomber missions enhance readiness and provide lethal precision and global strike options to the U.S. and coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown)

USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

A truck transports AGM-158 live munitions to the B-1B Lancer at Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, June 6, 2023. Strategic bomber missions enhance readiness and provide lethal precision and global strike options to the U.S. and coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown)

USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF

Published June 8, 2023
By Master Sgt. Amanda Sampson
Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --

Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) aircraft joined 2 B-1B Lancers over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, along with five partner nations and other coalition forces, during a Bomber Task Force mission, June 8.

This particular BTF mission was historic in that it was the first time AFCENT flew multiple weapons types and practiced employment against multiple simulated targets during a single bomber task force mission.

The B-1B Lancers, assigned to Dyess Air Force Base’s 9th Bomb Squadron and currently forward deployed to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, took off from Royal Air Force Fairford in the United Kingdom to join various fighter coalition forces throughout the CENTCOM region.

During the BTF, the bombers employed live GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, as well as a live AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile.

“These bomber missions represent the U.S.’s commitment to our partners and showcase our ability to deliver overwhelming power at a moment’s notice,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, and Combined Forces Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command. “Together, we are operationalizing concepts designed to make us more agile in our execution, more strategic in our deterrence, and more resilient in our capability.

“Today was a demonstration of that capability and the strength of our partnerships.”

Exercises like the BTF enhance U.S. interoperability with partner nations to deter regional aggression while promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.