文章基本信息

标题：Air Force elated at B-2s' performance
作者：CHRIS CLARK
期刊名称：The Topeka Capital-Journal
印刷版ISSN：1067-1994
出版年度：1999
卷号：Mar 25, 1999
出版社：Morris Multimedia, Inc.

Air Force elated at B-2s' performance

CHRIS CLARK

- Wednesday's bombings were the first time the B-2 stealth bomber have been used in combat

The Associated Press

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Elated Air Force leaders said America's B-2 stealth bomber "did everything it advertised, and then some" during raids over Yugoslavia on Wednesday. In their first combat test, two B-2s left Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., late Tuesday on a 15-hour trip to Yugoslavia. Each plane dropped its full load of 16 2,000-pound, satellite-guided bombs on targets in Yugoslavia, the exact locations of which weren't released. "I've got to tell you, the crews in these jets performed magnificently," said Brig. Gen. Leroy Barnidge, commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman. "It says to the critics that this plane did everything it advertised, and then some. I think elation is a good word." The radar-evading planes took off early Wednesday from Whiteman, flew 11 hours with several midair refuelings, spent several hours loitering over and then attacking multiple targets and then began the return flight directly back to Whiteman. The B-2 attack came only minutes after a barrage of Tomahawk cruise missiles fired by NATO forces in the Adriatic Sea. "I'm proud not only of our crew but of all our air power efforts over there," Barnidge said. The planes, which cost $2 billion each, were expected to land at Whiteman sometime early today. Base officials didn't identify the pilots and said they wouldn't speak publicly after their return. "More than likely, (the pilots) will be exhausted" from the 30- hour flight, base spokesman Maj. Bruce Sprecher said. The B-2 carries only a pilot and copilot. Nine B-2s, including the two that flew the mission, are on operational status at Whiteman of a planned fleet of 21. Air Force officials have said the B-2 would be useful in conventional warfare because of its ability to attack multiple targets. Barnidge wouldn't comment on whether B-2s would make additional strikes on Yugoslavia.