Long-range Training Flight Exercises Capabilities

A B-2 Spirit takes off at dawn from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo, April 2, 2014. Two B-2 Spirit strategic bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and two B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., flew nonstop from their respective home stations to training ranges within the vicinity of Hawaii and conducted long range training operations and low approach flights at Hickam AFB. These training flights, which were approximately 21 and 20 hours respectively, ensure U.S. strategic bomber forces maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate U.S. Strategic Command’s ability to provide a bomber force that is flexible, credible and always ready to respond to a variety of threats and situations around the world. This ensures that the President of the United States has capable, credible and scalable military options to meet national security obligations to the U.S. and its Allies and partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mary-Dale Amison/Released)