B-2 Bomber Crews Identified in Iran Strike

Air Force and Air National Guard aviators completed the mission.

Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11:37 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Steve Spears

An R-12 hydrant service vehicle refuels a B-2 Spirit during hot-pit refueling operations at Whiteman Air Force Base. [Credit: U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force carried out "Operation Midnight Hammer," a 37-hour B-2 Spirit bomber strike against Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities, involving both active duty and Air National Guard personnel.
The mission covered over 7,000 miles, deploying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busters for the first time in combat, and utilized sophisticated tactics including decoy bombers and a 125-aircraft support package.
Crews reported observing a "brightest explosion" over the target, though post-strike damage assessments remain disputed by U.S. officials.
The aviators, including both male and female personnel, received an emotional welcome from their families upon their return to Whiteman Air Force Base.

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The U.S. Air Force has provided new details about the bomber crews involved in the recent strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, confirming participation from both active duty and Air National Guard personnel flying the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

According to General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the aviators came from units including the Missouri Air National Guard and represented a wide range of experience, from captains to colonels.

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