The North American bomber was refueled on Tuesday and its engines were running at the Lajes base, the US Embassy said this Thursday, saying it was a way for Portugal and the US to ward off potential threats and strengthen NATO.
The B2 Spirit bomber, designed to stealthily penetrate dense air defenses, took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in the US state of Missouri and made its first stop at Lajes Air Force Base in the Azores.
The refueling process, known as a “hot pit,” saves time because the aircraft “does not have to be completely stopped to refuel before restarting the engines,” the US Embassy explained in a statement released Thursday.
The operation was “an important demonstration of cooperation at the NATO level.” [Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte] which “underscores the strong commitment of the United States and Portugal to deter potential threats and strengthen the NATO Alliance,” the embassy said.
Moreover, he added, “it serves as a testament to the strong bonds of this vital international partnership.”
After refueling in the hot pit, the bomber returned to Whiteman after spending a month at Keflavik Air Base in Iceland.
“The ability of U.S. forces and equipment to work harmoniously with allies and partners is fundamental to building a broad network of alliances and partnerships that can decisively address the multifaceted challenges of today and the future,” he concluded.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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