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A United States Air Force (USAF) B-2 Spirit stealth bomber touched down in RAAF Base Amberley for the first time, flying to the Queensland base from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
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The long-range strike platform’s visit supported interoperability training between the USAF’s 509th Bomber Wing and the RAAF’s No. 2 Security Forces Squadron.
The joint force ensured the combat aircraft remained protected throughout the visit, providing constant patrols at Amberley as well as a static guard for the B-2.
Leading Aircraftwoman Mairead Nash was among the cohort tasked with securing the stealth bomber.
“Our work requirements and procedures aligned very well with the visiting USAF security forces as they follow a very similar routine,” LACW Nash said.
“The opportunity allowed us to gain new experiences and perspectives from our coalition friends.
“The opportunity to provide security for a significant USAF asset helped build both respect and rapport between the two partners’ security teams.”
Aircraftman James Lunney welcomed the opportunity to work with USAF counterparts.
“They were easy to get along with and maintained an easygoing yet highly professional demeanour,” AC Lunney said.
The B-2 Spirit is billed as a multi-role bomber designed to deploy both conventional and nuclear munitions.
The B-2 Spirit was the world’s first stealth strategic bomber and continues to serve as both a deterrent and combat force.
The bomber’s visit to RAAF Base Amberley comes just months after USAF B-1B Lancer bombers joined RAAF crews in the Top End for emergency diversion familiarisation training at RAAF Base Darwin.
The B-1B aircraft linked up with P-8A Poseidon and KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft, rendezvousing with crew from Number 33 Squadron over the Timor Sea.
The air-to-air refuelling exercise helped to maintain the B-1B bomber’s global reach capability.
Article courtesy of Defence Connect.
