B-2 Spirit Bombers, F-22s Show of Force By the US In The Pacific – The US Air Force conducted a small show of force over Hawaii when two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers conducted integrated operations with an F-22 Raptor stealth fighter in a recent exercise designed to keep American air power ready across the Pacific.
Part of a rotating Bomber Task Force deployment, the joint operation at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam paired long-range strike assets with the premier air-superiority fighter to test regional deterrence and interoperability.
Defence Industry Europe wrote that “The F-22s, flown by the Hawaii Air National Guard, joined the two B-2 Spirits in coordinated maneuvers over the islands. The pairing brought together two of the Air Force’s most capable — and most different — aircraft: a long-range stealth bomber built to penetrate enemy defenses and strike from deep inside contested territory, and an air superiority fighter designed to clear the skies ahead of it.”
Stealth Aircraft Exercise: A Message To US Potential Enemies
The recent exercise, conducted last month, paired two of the US’s oldest but stealthiest airframes to optimize the synergy between the US Air Force’s deep-strike capabilities and its air dominance over the Pacific.
The B-2 stealth bombers are stationed at Whiteman AFB but were deployed to Hawaii for this exercise. B-2s also flew in support of Operation Epic Fury and the air campaign against Iran.
Maj. Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, performs at the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth, N.H., Sept. 11, 2021. The mission of the F-22 Demonstration Team is to showcase the unmatched maneuverability of the Air Force’s 5th generation air dominance stealth fighter, highlight the history of the Air Force’s service though heritage formation flights, and interact with local communities through outreach events. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Steven Tucker)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, above the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 14, 2022. The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation aircraft that combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, integrated avionics, and is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances, and deter regional aggressors while deployed in the USCENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Frank Rohrig)
It sends a message of strategic deterrence by the Air Force against any potential enemies in the Indo-Pacific.
B-2 Spirit Bombers Conducted “Hot Pit” Refueling Operations
After the B-2s made the long flight from Whiteman AFB to Hawaii, they then took part in a “hot pit” refueling exercise, where the aircraft were refueled immediately after landing with one engine still running.
A hot pit refueling exercise teaches military teams to refuel aircraft immediately after landing while keeping at least one engine running. This practice cuts ground turnaround time by up to 66 percent, eliminates full engine shutdown and restart procedures, and maximizes the number of flights (sorties) an air wing can generate.
Hot-pit refueling can reduce the time on the ground for the aircraft to just 60 minutes – down from four to six hours. This allows the Air Force to generate sorties faster and provide more effective power projection capabilities; however, it is much more dangerous than traditional shut-down refueling.
“This experience has been incredibly valuable, as opportunities to collaborate with professionals from such diverse career fields toward enhancing the 380th AEW’s operational capabilities are rare,” said the 380th AEW A4 Quality Assurance chief inspector.
“Additionally, certifying hot pits at the 380th AEW has given us institutional knowledge which we can use to facilitate certifying hot pits at other locations if deemed necessary.”
The Operation Took Place During RIMPAC 2026
The deployment of the bombers and fighters took place during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 international exercises. The 30th iteration of the world’s largest international maritime exercise has drawn participants from approximately 30 nations and concluded on July 31.
It included 40 surface ships, five submarines, and more than 30,000 personnel training to improve collective readiness and regional security.
A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base completes a fly-over during the Sound of Speed Airshow at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, May 1, 2021. The air show was hosted by the city of St. Joseph and 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard to thank the community for their support. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Janae Masoner)
The RIMPAC exercise provides a large-scale training environment that builds international relationships, enhances tactical skills, and improves cooperation among global naval forces to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During this exercise, U.S. and partner-nation forces can test high-end warfighting proficiencies, from live-fire events and anti-submarine warfare to amphibious operations.
The nations will train their air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and missile exercises. Support Missions include humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and mine clearance. Additional specialized operations include explosive ordnance disposal, diving, and salvage.
The exercise involving the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter provided the crews with invaluable joint training. The bomber crews of the B-2s, B-1Bs, and B-52s are constantly deployed all over the world, but conducting training over Hawaii sends a not-so-subtle message to the US’s potential enemies in the Indo-Pacific: regardless of what is going on in the Middle East, the Pacific is not forgotten or lightly defended.
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About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications
