Through a “Forward Mission Based Program” cell to Nellis AFB, the 9th Bomb Squadron flew a complex strike mission within the test and firing range of Nevada.
When participating in red flags for the first time in three years, B-1B Lancer Bombers of the 9th Bomb Squadron (9th BS) from Days AFB, Texas, fly daily to Nevada for testing and shooting ranges from July 21 to July 25, 2025. Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) function.
The defining feature of the exercise is that the Mission Planning Team (MPC) is located in Nellis AFB, Nevada, rather than the base of dye AFB, complicating logistics and operations. The Red Flag Nellis 25-3, held at Nellis AFB from July 21-31, is the latest version of the premiere large-scale combat training exercises in the U.S. Air Force, enhancing “integration and readiness across joint and allied forces in a controversial environment.”
Exercises create a realistic threat environment release from the Seventh Bomb Wing (7th BW). In one model, more representing the practical large-scale exercises within a wide range of DFE, the B-1B crew also coordinated with units from other bases, with which they would deploy in actual operation.
As Aeronautician Already noticed The previous one Reports about the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog and F-22 Raptors The deployment of DFE at the Indo-Pacific Theater involves strategically unpredictable through sudden deployment to other or confederate bases, which undermines the adversary’s ability to respond quickly and coherently.
practise
According to the press release, the “hybrid operational model” involves dyes'B-1B, “flying out of the host every day, while the mission cell is running forward as Nellis runs forward.” According to Colonel Ashley Cook, the 9th BS commander, the latest red flag is a milestone, not only because it was their first red flag in three years, but also because they flexibly fired combat power from Dyess while seamlessly integrating with the joint and joint forces initiated by Nellis.
Dyess'B-1B first conducted a familiar flight to 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land in Nevada testing and shooting range. These flights then performed a daily mission overview during the “vuls” (time of vulnerability) in their hybrid operational model. Mission Planning Cell (MPCA) operates from Nellis as the bombers flew from their home field.
At one point, on a flight to NTTR, B-1B landed at Nellis AFB for hot spot refueling. “Middle through the exercise, the B-1 landed at Nellis for hot-spot refueling and crew swaps, allowing the second MPC team to plan and execute the final stages of the exercise,” the release said.
This is similar to the US Air Force’s concept of “hub and spokes”, which envisages units that operate on a primary basis, serving as “hubs” (in this case Dyess AFB), while fanning out a fan at smaller airports or other bases to serve as “spokesmen” (in this case, Nellis AFB). “Spokes” can be found in the theater's operating area, on the opponent's A2/AD (Reverse Access/Area Denied) weapon umbrella. It must be noted that this version does not make any explicit references to “hubs and spokes.”
It is not clear whether any real-time fire components are involved, and the published images do not show the weapon being loaded into the internal bracket of the B-1B. However, due to the simplification and Hard training The logistics end of the strike mission has always been the main one Focus US Air Force practiseit may be that the maintenance squadron and ammunition Air Force play a bigger role in the preparations for Dyess AFB.
come on Now is a regular feature in USAF exercises, usually as Agile combat employment operations. The plane refuels quickly without reducing the engine's power, reducing turnaround time to return to the air, while also reducing the vulnerability of standoff strikes against ground planes.
The total force integration element is represented by B-1B of 345 BS, and the Air Force Reserve Deputy Division of Dyess AFB also participated in the exercise.
Walls and Independent Task Planning Cells
“Dye crews flew from Texas to Nevada every day during the Red Flag to perform simulated strike missions in a controversial high-threat environment,” the statement explained. “The VUL period refers to the most vulnerable phase of the mission, which is when the aircraft contacts simulated enemies to participate or actively carry out strike operations.”
B-1B Lancer leaves Dyess AFB for a 25-3 red flag. Any maintainer stands out! #Lottery pic.twitter.com/f3kq7kvhul
– Saint1 (@Saint1mil) August 4, 2025
“While dislocated MPC teams performing advanced programs, the ability to fly from home shows how we develop to meet future combat scenarios,” said Lt. Col. Cook. “This practice makes us more agile to practice how we take advantage of today’s threats.”
The 9th BS flight commander Captain Nicole Sorrells explained that relying on prospective MPC means that bomber crews and ground personnel must take into account everything from mission summary, flight time, airspace control while performing gas from dye AFB. “Hybrid models with home site and remote MPC support require precise task timing and coordination between dye and Nellis,” the release added.
“While dislocated MPC teams performing advanced programs, the ability to fly from home shows how we develop to meet future combat scenarios,” Cook said. “This practice makes us more agile to practice how we take advantage of today’s threats.”
“This is the initial opportunity for our new pilot to experience a real large-scale power practice,” Captain Sorrel added, explaining the importance of red flags. “It's like driving locals; we're face-to-face with other squadrons and partners. That's where the real integration takes place.”
Art: Even in the bright city lights, the powerlifter stands out.
B-1 is powered from Nellis AFB, Nevada. 📷: NAFBpic.twitter.com/nbcgbrlsj0
– Francisco Cunha (@ondisasters) by Air Safety #OTD August 4, 2025
The release added that the Red Flag 25-3 gives dye pilots the opportunity to fly “blue air” and “red air” together, alternating between friendly strike roles and simulated opponent missions. This suggests that the B-1B may have played the role of Russian or Chinese bombers, carrying out a stalemate air force cruise and ballistic missile strike at allied bases.
