A B-1B aircraft on a flight out of Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. Photo: USAF via Getty Images
U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers arrived in Norway from Texas' Dyess Air Force Base on Monday for a training mission in Europe.
Why it matters: It's the first time American bombers have operated out of Norway, per a statement from the U.S. Air Force. Officials told CNN the move sends a "clear message" to Russia about the strategic importance of the Arctic region.
- Gen. Jeff Harrigian, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, said in the statement, "Training with allies like Norway enables us to hone our deterrence and defense capabilities while also enhancing regional stability."
Of note: A pair of Russian Tu-160 Blackjack strategic missile carriers performed a mission in international air space over neutral waters of the Norwegian, Greenland and Barents seas earlier this month, per The Aviationist.
For the record: All U.S. Air Force personnel were medically screened before traveling to Norway, the statement said.
- They immediately entered "restriction of movement" upon arrival in order to comply with the Scandinavian country's COVID-19 requirements.
Go deeper: