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:

U.S. Air Force active duty and Air National Guard B-2 Spirit crews conducted "Operation Midnight Hammer," a 37-hour, 7,000-mile strike on Iran's Fordow and other nuclear facilities.
The mission involved B-2 stealth bombers deploying GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busters for the first time in combat against deeply buried targets, supported by a 125-aircraft package and decoy tactics.
Diverse crews, including male and female aviators from the Missouri Air National Guard, were celebrated upon their return, though the precise extent of damage to Iran's nuclear facilities remains contested.

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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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