The U.S. Air Force 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Morón Air Base, Spain, recently for Bomber Task Force 24-2. BTF 24-2 is the first time the B-1B Lancer has deployed to Morón AB as part of a BTF showcasing the Air Force’s ability to deploy to any place around the world at a moment’s notice and the B-1’s capability to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Pacific Air Forces frequently host BTFs throughout the year utilizing the B-1B, B-52H Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit. Operating bomber aircraft from across Air Force Global Strike Command supports U.S. and NATO global deterrence operations while maintaining a ready and postured force.
“This BTF is unique because this is the first time the B-1s have ever been on a BTF to Morón. That is important to us because Morón is a strategic location for U.S. forces, and it’s also a special demonstration that the B-1 and our bomber fleet in the U.S. remains flexible and agile. We don’t want to send the message that we are locked into certain bases and capabilities. We can go various places around the world at a time and place of our choosing and this BTF is demonstrating just that. Ensuring global deterrence is critical especially at a time of heightened security tensons across the world,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Stillwell, 9th EBS commander.
The 7th Bomb Wing directly backs global deterrence by maintaining a combat capable and credible B-1 fleet certifying the B-1 as the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force. BTF 24-2 will further build partnerships with U.S. allies while providing U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic knowledge of potential adversarial threats across Europe and around the world. It takes a village to execute any effective mission in the military and the 9th EBS is no exception to that. With more than 40 career fields across the Air Force and Army, and support from allies and partners across Europe, the personnel of BTF 24-2 are ready to dominate in global deterrence at any time, anywhere.
The 9th Bomb Squadron is a squadron of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to the 7th Operations Group, Global Strike Command, stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The squadron is equipped with the Rockwell B-1B Lancer bomber. The 9th Bomb Squadron maintains combat readiness to deliver rapid, decisive airpower on a large scale in support of conventional warfare taskings. Squadron experts provide warfighting commanders with the best in maintenance support, operational aircrews and Rockwell B-1B Lancer aircraft. The squadron repairs, services, launches, recovers and inspects 15 B-1B Lancer aircraft capable of sustained intercontinental missions and worldwide deployment/employment from forward operating locations.
Two B-1B Lancers with the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, taxi on the taxiway at Moron Air Base, Spain, in support of Bomber Task Force Europe, March 26, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Wright)
