B-2 Spirit Bombers Deploy from Whiteman Air Force Base to Korea

U.S. Strategic Command sent two B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., to the Republic of Korea March 28, for a long-duration, round-trip training mission as part of the ongoing bilateral Foal Eagle training exercise, demonstrating the commitment of the United States and its capability to defend the Republic of Korea and to provide extended deterrence to our allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

The two B-2 Spirit bombers, assigned to 509th Bomb Wing, demonstrated the United States' ability to conduct long-range, precision strikes quickly and at will, flying more than 6,500 miles to the Korean Peninsula, dropping inert munitions on the Jik Do Range, and returning to the continental U.S. in a single, continuous mission.

The United States is steadfast in its alliance commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea, to deterring aggression and to ensuring peace and stability in the region. The B-2 bomber is an important element of America's enduring and robust extended deterrence capability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 509th Bomb Wing is part of the Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for long range global strike and nuclear deterrence to support the President of the United States and Combatant Commanders.

B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman Air Force base have participated in four combat operations since they arrived at Whiteman AFB in 1993: in Operation Allied Force, they were the first unit to attack targets in Serbia. In 2001, they were the first aircraft to destroy Taliban targets in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In 2003, they participated in the "Shock and Awe" phase of the campaign to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein, and in 2011 they destroyed the Libyan Air Force as part of the enforcement of a no-fly zone in order to protect Libyan civilians.

The B-2 Spirit is a long-range nuclear and conventional stealthy bomber. The bomber can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes that can reach 50,000 feet. Its unrefueled range is at least 6,000 nautical miles. The B-2 brings massive firepower, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through the most challenging defenses.

Press Release provided by 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs at Whiteman Air Force Base.