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Press Release | Nov. 10, 2022

U.S. Central Command Bomber Task Force

USCENTCOM

Nov. 10, 2022

Release Number 20221110-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar – U.S. Central Command conducted a Bomber Task Force mission, Nov. 10, 2022.

“This Bomber Task Force mission demonstrates our commitment to regional security and the collective capabilities of our military partners in the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “CENTCOM has the ability to very quickly put a significant amount of combat power in the air alongside our partners. We can do the same on the ground and at sea to meet any challenge decisively.”

This BTF marked the first multilateral use of Transverse, a program on the CENTCOM Partner Network that enhances partner nations’ operational situational awareness. Seven nations monitored the BTF on Transverse and will apply the lessons they learned to future operations. Programs like Transverse are a critical step to achieving a world class common operating picture in the CENTCOM AOR.

“This Bomber Task Force is a clear reflection of enduring U.S. commitment to the region,” said Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander. “Together with our partners, we can rapidly inject overwhelming combat power into our common operating area. In this dynamic environment, no one can go it alone, and each BTF we execute allows us to deepen interoperability and practice key operational tasks with our allies and partners.”

During the BTF, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, integrated with 13 partner nation air forces, showcasing the ability to rapidly deploy global airpower alongside coalition and regional partner forces and ensuring the security of this critical region.

“The 609th Air Operations Center has witnessed an exponential increase in partner nation integration and cooperation with respect to day-to-day operations as a result of the coalition teamwork derived from the execution of BTF missions,” said Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Col. Terry Wong, Canadian senior national representative.

“We are both enthusiastic and optimistic that future BTF missions will continue this trend of collaboration and solidarity.”

 

 

 

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