The recent US bombing mission that targeted three nuclear sites in Iran was a highly ambitious undertaking that showcased the extreme capabilities and endurance of the United States military. Pilots flying the B-2 bombers were pushed to their limits during a grueling 37-hour mission. This operation stands as one of the most extended air raids in modern military history, elevating the standards of aerial warfare.
Seven stealth bombers, with two members each in their crews, embarked on this significant mission, managing to fly nonstop halfway across the globe and back. The scale of coordination was immense, incorporating over 125 aircraft, which not only featured the seven bombers deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri but included additional B-2 bombers executing feints, alongside fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and refueling tankers that were strategically positioned along the bombers’ flight paths. This meticulous orchestration underscored the military’s operational planning capabilities.
Retired Air Force Colonel Melvin G. Deaile, one of the few individuals to have experienced similar lengthy missions firsthand, reflected on the operation as an “incredible feat.” Deaile himself was part of a record-setting 44-hour bombing mission over Afghanistan in 2001, a record that still stands today. He expressed admiration for the fact that all seven jets over the target area executed separate bomb runs within only 30 minutes, an unprecedented achievement illustrating advanced tactical execution in real time.
Deaile, now serving as the director of the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies at the Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College, was careful to delineate his experiences from the recent mission. He emphasized he was sharing insights based solely on his personal experiences rather than any official knowledge relating to the mission against Iran.
His long-duration mission, executed during the early days of Operation Enduring Freedom, required precise planning and mental conditioning for crews as long-duration training simulators typically lasted only 24 hours. Deaile had flown missions as long as 25 hours before his groundbreaking flight. The selected crews for the mission were briefed ahead of time, but specifics of the operation remained unpredictable. In preparation, flight doctors assisted by providing sleeping aids to ensure the crews were rested.
On the day of the mission, Deaile prepared thoroughly by waking early to participate in briefings with his crew. They took off aboard the “Spirit of America,” a B-2 stealth bomber. Throughout the execution of their operations, protocols dictated that both crew members stay seated during critical phases including takeoff and landing. While in-flight, they took turns resting in a modified cot—a rudimentary means of coping with the demands of the ultra-long mission.
Pilots faced unique challenges during these lengthy flights with high altitudes leading to dehydration. Ensuring they had enough water was vital, as Deaile and his crew consumed about a bottle of water every hour. They had devised a system using “piddle packs,” much like Ziplock bags, to manage their bodily needs in-flight, adding an element of humor to the ordeal of long hours spent in the cockpit.
Crew members utilized their time calculatedly, even engaging in humor, such as determining the volume of their accumulated waste. As the mission progressed, they moved over the Pacific Ocean before positioning themselves toward Afghanistan. The complexity of their mission was compounded by mid-air refueling processes needed to sustain their operational capabilities.
As night fell over their target area, Deaile consumed an upper provided by their flight doctor to remain alert. The mission ended with the crew successfully dropping their payload and returning after being ordered back for additional strikes—a true testament to the endurance required for such operations. Following their return to Diego Garcia, the pilots were debriefed, reflecting the rigorous and unpredictable nature of modern air combat.
The civilian and military partnerships during missions like these can often involve moments that transcend mere technical execution. Retired Lieutenant General Steven Basham remarked on the surreal experience of taking off on such a secretive mission with relatively few individuals aware of the operations unfolding. Equally notable was the payload carried by each B-2 bomber—the newly used 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, specifically engineered to penetrate into fortified targets.
The significance of this mission lies not only in the advanced tactical accomplishments displayed but also in the awareness of the growing demands placed on military personnel in the throes of contemporary warfare. Their experiences encompass a unique blend of high stakes, advanced technology, and human endurance—highlighting the evolving nature of military engagement on a global scale.
