More "Bones" to Europe after Iran strikes #FreeIran
--- Operation EPIC FURY ---
Once again, a flight of 4 B-1B "Lancer" bombers from the US crossed the Atlantic last night, with one aircraft 86-0140 "MOLT14" arriving into RAF Fairford. The remaining 3 jets flew to Iran to bomb targets, then flew back through Europe towards RAF Fairford earlier today.
Unfortunately, due to very poor visibility at the base, the 3 bombers elected to divert to Ramstein Airbase (ETAR) in Germany for a temporary rest stop & refuel, and should head to RAF Fairford later today to join the 5 other bombers already there.
The full list of B-1Bs now at / expected to arrive at RAF Fairford are:
B-1B 86-0120 #AE6BFA "Whiskey Pete" (EL)
B-1B 86-0108 #AE6BF0 "Aliens with Attitude" (EL)
B-1B 86-0139 #AE6C0A "Drifter" (EL)
B-1B 86-0121 #AE6BFB "Symphony of Destruction" (EL)
B-1B 85-0064 #AE6BD3 "Eliminator" (DY)
B-1B 85-0088 #AE6BE1 (DY)
B-1B 86-0107 #AE6BEF "Dragon Slayer" (WA)
B-1B 86-0140 #AE6C0B "Last Lancer" (DY)
Shout out once again to local spotters and @MATA_osint team members for assisting with data and photos!
Breaking news: The Army abruptly canceled a major training exercise, officials said, fueling speculation within the Defense Department that soldiers specializing in ground combat and a range of other missions may be sent to the Middle East. https://t.co/1nuTFn8acH
A fairly unique bomber mission #FreeIran
--- Operation EPIC FURY ---
Yesterday, a total of 4x B-1B "Lancer" bombers departed the USA heading towards Europe. 1 airframe, which used the callsign "PIKE72" (86-0120 #AE6BFA) went to RAF Fairford, while the other 3 aircraft (seemingly also using "PIKE72" as one of their callsigns, along with "PIKE73" and "PIKE74") continued to Iran to hit targets.
These 3 bombers have arrived into RAF Fairford a short while ago having completed their bombing mission, and will likely fly all of their future missions from the UK. As I'm unsure what tankers supported this operation this time, I have included all the major tanker bases in the EUCOM/CENTCOM area on this map.
Shout-out to @Andyyyyrrrr@MilMonWorld@jamjake01@ArmchairAdml@Saint1Mil@MATA_osint