Additionally, the B-1 Lancer conducted a “warm-pit refuel” at Bodo Air Force Station, Norway.
For the first time ever, a B-1 Lancer strategic bomber landed in the Arctic circle.
According to the US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Facebook page, during the flight, the B-1 provided critical support to Norwegian and Swedish joint terminal attack control training.
Additionally, the B-1 conducted a “warm-pit refuel” at Bodo Air Force Station, Norway, during which the crew stayed in the cockpit while the B-1 received fuel so that it could return to the mission more rapidly.
The B-1 also integrated with four Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft.
Two B-1s and aircrew assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) were deployed to Europe on Mar. 3, 2021 to conducta Bomber Task Force (BTF) Europe mission, codenamed Bone Saw.
During Bone Saw, the 9th EBS integrated with multiple nations over the North and Baltic Seas.
Bomber missions provide aircrew opportunities to train and work with ally and partner forces in joint and coalition operations and exercises.
A large part of this mission and the BTF is showcasing US commitment to NATO. In this case, the 9th EBS did so by integrating with ally fighters in and around the North and Baltic Seas.
The B-1 Lancer is a swing-wing bomber intended for high-speed, low-altitude penetration missions. Carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force. It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.
The B-1B holds 61 world records for speed, payload and distance. The National Aeronautic Association recognized the B-1B for completing one of the 10 most memorable record flights for 1994.
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
