USAF B-2A Spirit Stealth Bombers visit RAAF Amberley

[hardyakka]

At least four nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers flew almost 14,000 kilometres from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to land at RAAF Base Amberley this week.

While in Australia, the B-2s will conduct training and “strategic deterrence missions” with the Royal Australian Air Force and other allies that the US Air Force said was “in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific”.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kousgaard, US Air Force 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander, said the visit was more than just about training.

It was also about sending a message.

“This deployment of the B-2 to Australia demonstrates and enhances the readiness and lethality of our long-range penetrating strike force,” Lieutenant Colonel Kousgaard said.

“We look forward to training and enhancing our interoperability with our RAAF teammates, as well as partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific as we meet [Pacific Air Forces Bomber Task Force] objectives.”

The 393rd Bomb Squadron remains the only unit to have deployed nuclear weapons in combat, with the bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II both conducted by the 393rd.

Courtesy of Sydney Morning Herald

Stuff Article with content from the SMH