WC Missouri News

The 509th and 131st Bomb Wings recently showcased their readiness during Exercise Spirit Vigilance, culminating in a mass fly-off of 12 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers at Whiteman Air Force Base. The exercise, part of routine training for Air Force Global Strike bases, aims to evaluate and enhance U.S. deterrence capabilities.

Colonel Keith Butler, 509th Bomb Wing commander, commended the dedication of the Airmen and civilians involved in the exercise, stating, “Exercises are both critical to our readiness and a powerful tool to demonstrate to the world that the B-2 is a credible and reliable strategic deterrent.”

Highlighting the significance of the B-2 aircraft in global power dynamics, Colonel Geoffrey Steeves, 509th Operations Group commander, emphasized, “The 509th and 131st Bomb Wings are charged with delivering the nation’s most powerful weapons, and the B-2 is the only aircraft on the planet that combines stealth, payload, and long-range strike.”

Chief Master Sgt. Frank Espinoza, 509th Maintenance Group wing weapons manager, underlined the importance of exercises like Spirit Vigilance in enhancing readiness and promoting deterrence and interoperability among allied nations.

Steeves further acknowledged the crucial role of Airmen in the mission, stating, “Our Airmen are responsible for making this platform lethal... Our Airmen set us apart from our adversaries. We trust and empower them to creatively solve problems and ensure mission success.”

With the Air Force's increasing focus on great power competition, the mission at Whiteman AFB, particularly with the B-2 stealth bomber, plays a vital role in the nation’s defense strategy. Steeves noted, “The B-2 stealth bomber has never been more relevant than it is right now... the B-2 is fulfilling the role for which it was created: great power competition.”

In conclusion, Colonel Butler reiterated the importance of the B-2 in deterring near-peer competitors, stating, “The American public and our international partners can rest assured that we possess unparalleled air power to support them... showcasing our ability to deliver overwhelming global strike capabilities anytime, anywhere.”