Written by: Senior Airman Evan Lichtenhan, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND — After over a month of being overseas, the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a Bomber Task force (BTF) mission based out of RAF Fairford, England and returned to Minot Air Force Base, Sept. 23, 2022.
“The BTF was most definitely a success,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Loucks, 23rd Bomb Squadron commander. “Our objective was to strengthen relations with NATO allies and partners and to demonstrate our shared pledge to global security and stability.” Throughout the BTF, the 23rd EBS built essential relationships across Europe and Southeast Asia. “Working side by side with our NATO allies is fantastic,” said Loucks. “It allows us training opportunities that we can’t necessarily get back in the states. It allows us to fight through some of the subtle nuances and friction that come with allies and partners working together.”
The BTF flew alongside a variety of NATO allies and partners, to include the Royal Bahraini, Royal Saudi, Danish, Swedish, Italian, German and Belgian Air Forces. BTFs are routinely flown across Europe and Africa with partner nations, to help build the defense capability and capacity of their security forces.
Airmen from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron receive their Staff Sergeant select promotion certificates at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 24, 2022. During their deployment, the Senior Airmen received their promotion while overseas and received their formal promotion upon their return. U.S. Air Force photo I Senior Airman Zachary WrightAirmen from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron wing greet their families after returning from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sep. 27, 2022. The 23rd Bomb Squadron Airmen deployed to RAF Fairford, England to integrate with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham)Airmen from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron wing greet their families after returning from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sep. 27, 2022. The 23rd Bomb Squadron Airmen deployed to RAF Fairford, England to integrate with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham)Airmen from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron disembark a jet and are greeted by base leadership on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 24, 2022. The 23rd BS personnel were deployed to RAF Fairford, England in support of United States in Europe and Air Forces Africa command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Wright)
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