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US Air Force B-1B Lancer arrive in Norway for Bomber Task Force Europe

by U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
August 22, 2025
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer prepares for takeoff in support of Bomber Task Force Europe at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 8. In support of the BTF-Europe 25-4B deployment, three active-duty and reserve B-1s were deployed from Team Dyess. Photo by Staff Sgt. Leon Redfern

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and arrived at Ørland Air Base, Norway, on Aug. 9, to begin Ally-led training operations as part of the latest Bomber Task Force Europe.

The deployment empowers U.S. Air Force aircrews to refine tactics, increase flexibility and strengthen coordination with Allies by exercising and operating together increasing warfighting capabilities and readiness.

While in theater, the bomber aircrews will conduct a series of Ally-led training missions in complex, high-threat airspace. Aircrews will train on key elements of the find, fix, track and target process – honing the speed and accuracy with which bombers and fighters are able to act against threats in real time. As aircrews practice these skills, they simultaneously train against ground and air-based threats designed to deny their freedom to maneuver, requiring them to act decisively to counter threats and gain air superiority.

U.S. Air Force B1-B Lancers enroute through the Arctic, were escorted by Spanish Air Force EF/A-18M Hornets from Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in support of NATO’s Air Policing mission, Aug. 9. Operating alongside NATO air policing builds trust, sharpens joint tactics and ensures Allied forces can respond together with speed and precision in any environment. Courtesy photo

“This deployment allows us to train the way we fight — integrated with our NATO Allies, ready and adaptive,” said Lt. Col. Eric Alvarez, 345th Bomb Squadron deployed commander. “It’s about building experience and trust together, enhancing readiness, and staying sharp in dynamic environments.”

This is the 5th Bomber Task Force Europe deployment in 2025 and reflects the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to maintaining a ready and capable forward presence across the region.

For more information, please contact the USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs office at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil.

U.S Air Force Capt. Gavin Gartner, 9th Bomb Squadron pilot, prepares for a pre-flight brief at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 8. Three B-1B Lancers deployed from Dyess AFB to support Bomber Task Force Europe. Photo by Staff Sgt. Leon Redfern
Gunnar Oksvold, a Norwegian Aviation Fuels specialist, discusses refueling a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer in support of Bomber Task Force Europe at Ørland Air Base, Norway, Aug. 9. These bilateral trainings deepen trust, build interoperability, and expand regional capability. Photo by Tambri Cason
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