B-1 Lancers deploy to the Land of the Rising Sun
U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers deploy to Misawa Air Base, Japan for a Bomber Task Force rotation.
Article: Jaryd Stock
Images: Jaryd Stock & PACAF
A Bomber Task Force deployment of U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft, Airmen and support equipment from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (9th EBS), Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, nicknamed the ‘Bats’ arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on April 15, 2025, to support U.S. Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with Allies, partners, and joint forces and strategic deterrence missions to reinforce regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
This marks the first time a BTF and B-1’s, affectionately known as Bones by its crews, has been stationed in Japan, with B-1’s having only on the ground for the first time in Japan conducting Hot Pit refuelling at Misawa earlier in the year.
“These deployments continue the enduring security cooperation with Japan and support our combined capability to quickly and decisively respond to any challenge presented in the Indo-Pacific” PACAF told APD.
A 9th EBS B-1B Lancer conducting a BTF mission in the Indo-Pacific. Jaryd Stock.
Bomber Task Force deployments familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different Geographic Combatant Commands’ areas of operations. This deployment to Japan showcases the United States’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and our Allies and partners.
“BTF 25-2 showcases the U.S. commitment to deterring threats and maintaining regional stability,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Travelstead, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations.
“These missions in the Indo-Pacific ensure our B-1 crews are highly trained and ready to respond anytime, anywhere, to defend U.S. interests and support our allies, securing a stable Indo-Pacific—where all nations operate freely under a rules-based order while promoting global peace and prosperity.”
The U.S. remains committed to the shared vision of a secure, free, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and we will continue to take opportunities to train with Allies and partners to demonstrate interoperability and build lasting relationships.
The deployment comes as six B-2A Spirits from the 509th Bomb Wing are deployed to Diego Garcia and are currently employing strike mission against Houthi rebel groups in Yemen. Nearly one, third of the B-2 fleet are currently deployed to the tiny Island in the Indian Ocean.
Proudly flying the flag, 9th EBS Lancer flying in the Indo Pacific AoR. Jaryd Stock
The deployment of the Bones to Japan highlights Pacific Air Forces ability to project power in its own area of responsibility, as well as support operations carried out on the other side of the world, as B-2 aircraft were supported by PACAF and 15th Wing based at Hickam.
After the 9th EBS B-1’s launched from Dyess a pair of Lancers conducted a training mission along with the Republic of Korea Air Force F-35 and KF-16 fighter aircraft and flew over the West Coast of Korea and conducted a flyby of Osan Air Base, before continuing on and arriving in Misawa.
The government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America are committed to reinforcing deterrence to promote regional stability and deter the outbreak of conflict.
9th EBS B-1B Lancer departs Dyess AFB bound for Japan. PACAF
Jaryd Stock is based in Sydney Australia. He has been a die-hard aviation enthusiast from a young age when he was chauffeured around by his father to various airshows and airports around Australia. At his first Airshow he witnessed the awesomeness of a General Dynamics F-111C and immediately fell in love with aviation.
Jaryd picked up a camera at a young age and has never looked back. He now combines photography and writing to highlight “Downunder” aviation; especially U.S. DoD units. Jaryd uses Nikon cameras and lenses.