ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (KELO) — Two Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) B-1B Lancers arrived at Luleå-Kallax Air Base in Sweden on Friday for a bomber task force deployment.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Kennedy, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft noncommissioned officer in charge, marshals a B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, to the landing pad during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 23, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

The bomber crews and Ellsworth support personnel will integrate with the Swedish
Armed Forces, NATO Allies and other international partners to coordinate capabilities and assure security commitments across the U.S. European Command.

“Once again the Raiders of Ellsworth have validated our ability to conduct long range precision strike and provide global reach for America,” said Col. Derek Oakley, 28th Bomb Wing commander. “This BTF mission clearly demonstrates the U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and partners.”

U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa enables dynamic force employment in the
European theater, providing strategic predictability and assurance for allies.

The air force routinely operates across the globe and remains flexible and agile to respond to the changes in the operational environment. This provides critical training with allies and strengthens a coordinated response while deterring potential adversary aggression across the globe.

For more information about BTF 24-2, contact the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs office at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or, after hours, at usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil. For more information on Ellsworth Air Force Base.