Show-Me State Times

Airmen from the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings participated in Red Flag 25-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This annual exercise allows warfighters to train in a realistic environment, integrating with Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force units to enhance cooperation with key allies.

"Red Flag for us is an opportunity to take the skill sets that we hone back at home station and the things we train on every day and bring those competencies to the Joint Force in a dynamic environment,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Manglitz, commander of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and 13th Bomber Squadron.

The B-2 Spirit's capabilities are highlighted during these exercises, providing air crews with simulated real-world conditions to improve operational effectiveness. “The B-2 is a striker platform that brings a unique capability to penetrate deep into enemy air defenses,” Manglitz stated.

During Red Flag, the B-2 operates away from its home station, allowing crews and maintainers to practice operations with minimal resources. “Exercises like Red Flag and Bamboo Eagle give our maintenance team the chance to operate outside of our comfort zone,” said Captain Gabrielle Franze, maintenance officer in charge of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.

This approach promotes individual growth and team cohesion under high-stress environments. "The high ops tempo here at Red Flag forces us to work harder with fewer resources," Franze noted.

These exercises demonstrate readiness and capability to allies and adversaries alike. Manglitz emphasized that returning Airmen gain enhanced skills, strengthened alliances, and a renewed understanding of their strategic role.

“As our Airmen return from these exercises, they do so with enhanced skills, strengthened alliances, and a renewed understanding of their role in the greater strategic picture all while being prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow, today,” he concluded.