Aircrews flying the B-1B bomber, known as the Bone, in Southwest Asia say it is the “backbone of America’s long-range bomber force.” Air Force journalist Maj. Ann Knabe reports on one Bone mission over Afghanistan, quoting Lt. Col. David Been, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander, who said the B-1 is “wicked fast,” making it possible to “respond anywhere in Afghanistan within minutes.” That time is crucial when the bomber crew must answer a “troops in contact” request, which means friendlies are under attack and “there’s no time to spare,” said Been. The B-1 can put precision munitions on target or simply rout an enemy force by its presence. Capt. Craig Morrison, weapons systems officer, describes the B-1 as “great for showing power, [because] we fly low, we fly fast and let the enemy know we are there.”
PHOTOS: Air Force Shows Off Second B-21 in New Images
Sept. 12, 2025
On Sept. 12, the Air Force released half a dozen new photos of the second B-21 bomber to fly, giving observers and aviation enthusiasts another glimpse of the secretive Raider.