The B-2 bombers will be honored for their role in the strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility—and the pilots on that mission will attend a private reception at the White House.
The United States Air Force’s Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers did not participate in the flyover during last month’s military parade in Washington, DC. The parade, the first through a major city since 1991’s events to mark the United States military’s victory in the Gulf War, was meant to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States Army.
However, the B-2 Spirit may get its moment in the spotlight on Friday, as it was announced that a flyover of the nation’s capital for the Fourth of July will include the bomber, along with Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation stealth fighters. In addition to marking the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the aircraft will be recognized for their role in destroying Iran’s nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer, the White House announced.
More than half a dozen of the B-2 Spirits were employed to drop 14 30,000-pound GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which is located deep within a mountain and reinforced with concrete. President Donald Trump has stated that the enrichment facility was utterly “obliterated.”
White House to Honor “Operation Midnight Hammer” Pilots
The B-2 pilots who flew the CONUS-to-CONUS mission from Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Missouri, and back will likely not be at the controls of the aircraft that may take part in the flyover. Instead, it was announced that the aviators will visit the White House and meet with President Donald Trump.
Air Force officials have sought to downplay the event, and there are currently no plans for a public ceremony. The pilots’ identities have not been disclosed due to security fears.
“Our adversaries are skilled at exploiting the digital realm, collecting and analyzing open-source information, and leveraging advanced technologies to target US military personnel, operations, and activities,” the Air Force said in a statement, ABC News reported.
“Airmen involved in sensitive missions are briefed on the risks and vulnerabilities posed by the changing information environment to assist in managing the public release of information in a manner that protects the safety and security of personnel and assets,” the statement continued.
A total of 14 pilots aboard seven B-2s are reported to have flown the 36-hour round-trip mission from Whiteman AFB.
Lawmakers Are Calling for the B-2 to Be Sent to Israel
The US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit is the only aircraft in service today capable of carrying the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bomb, the only ordnance that was believed capable of damaging the Fordow site. The US Air Force maintains a fleet of just 19 flying wing stealth bombers, which are set to be retired in the coming decade as their replacement, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, enters service.
There is now a bipartisan call from lawmakers that the United States should consider transferring the aging B-2s to Israel if Iran continues with its nuclear program.
Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced the “Bunker Buster Act,” which called for the aircraft to be supplied to Israel. The Middle Eastern state and long-time US ally had carried out its own strikes on multiple Iranian sites, including the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities, while several top military officials were also targeted. More than 200 Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft were involved in the “Operation Rising Lion” attack, which came a week before Operation Midnight Hammer.
The B-2 could significantly enhance the IAF’s capabilities to strike Iran if it becomes necessary.
“Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror, and one of America’s top enemies, can never have a nuclear weapon. That’s why I strongly supported our military actions earlier this month. Iran has killed scores of Americans, including our service members, and repeatedly attacked our key democratic ally, Israel. Israel must be able to defend herself against Iran, and ensure that Iran cannot rebuild its nuclear capabilities,” Rep. Gottheimer said in a statement.
“This bill gives the President the authority to equip Israel with the tools and training they need to deter Tehran and make the world a safer place,” added Rep. Lawler.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has also recommended supplying the B-2s to Israel when the aircraft is retired from service.
Even with bipartisan support, the proposal may not gain traction. Past calls for the transfer of the F-22 Raptor, America’s most advanced fighter aircraft, to the Jewish state failed to gain traction. More importantly, the United States never exported the Spirit bomber. While the B-21 Raider is far more advanced, it is unclear whether any technology, stealth materials, or other details from the B-2 could compromise the security of the Raider if Iran or another nation were to shoot one down and examine it.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Shutterstock / Jim Barber.
