RETRO 4

Published in Issue 45, March 2017, this story holds the record for the most widely read items on our web site, downloaded more than 100,000 times

SPIRIT

IN THE SKY

PHOTOS BY CHRISTABEL MIGLIORINI

Two United States Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were spotted heading in to RAAF Base Amberley in July by CONTACT’s Queensland stringer Christabel Migliorini.

The combat aircraft were from the 509th Bomb Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

Its stealth characteristics give it a unique ability to penetrate very sophisticated defences.

Introduced into service in 1997, the aircraft remains a cutting-edge technology, providing a strong and effective deterrent and combat force.

July’s visit was only the second time B-2 Spirits have visited Amberley – the first time being March this year. 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kousgaard said the B-2 deployment to Australia demonstrated and enhanced the readiness and lethality of US long-range penetrating strike forces.

“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 PACAF objectives,” Lieutenant Colonel Kousgaard said.

A US DoD spokesperson said the US Strategic Command routinely conducted Bomber Task Force operations across the globe as a demonstration of US commitment to collective defense and to integrate with Geographic Combatant Command operations and activities.

“This deployment is in line with the National Defense Strategy’s objectives of strategic predictability and operational unpredictability.

“Bomber Task Force enables different types of strategic bombers to operate forward in the Indo-Pacific region from a broad array of overseas and continental US locations with greater operational resilience.”

The Australian Department of Defence added that several PACAF KC-135 Stratotankers supported the B-2 Spirits, providing refuelling capability for the visiting bombers while they integrated with the Royal Australian Air Force to conduct various training exercises and activities.