On Thursday, June 26th, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held a press conference at the Pentagon. He not only praised the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for their outstanding work in researching Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility but also shared a touching moment when B-2 bomber pilots returned triumphantly after executing a high-risk mission.
President Trump’s “Operation Midnight Hammer” began at 6:45 pm EST last Saturday, June 21st. Seven US B-2 “Spirit” bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and dropped 12 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators on Iran’s Fordow underground uranium enrichment facility, postponing Iran’s nuclear program by several years.
Caine emphasized that the weapons used in the mission were manufactured, tested, and delivered with precision to ensure they were deployed on time and within parameters. Additionally, all weapons were guided to their intended targets and performed according to design specifications.
“The fighter jets following behind witnessed the effect of the first penetrating bomb,” said Caine, “‘It was the brightest explosion I’ve ever seen, it looked like daylight,’ said the pilot.”
He attributed the success of “Operation Midnight Hammer” to the hardware and expertise of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), as well as the collective efforts of the aircrew who flew continuously for 36 hours, covering over 13,000 miles round trip to carry out a high-risk mission, along with thousands of unsung scientists and support staff.
Caine mentioned that the B-2 bomber team comprised active-duty pilots and Missouri Air National Guard pilots.
“When the aircrew reported to work on Friday, they said their goodbyes to loved ones — not knowing when they would return home or if they would return safely,” Caine said. “It wasn’t until late Saturday night that their families learned what had happened.”
After enduring anxiety and anticipation, all US aircraft returned safely.
“On Sunday, as these aircraft returned to Whiteman Air Force Base, their families were there to welcome them — waving flags and tears streaming down their faces,” said the seasoned military leader. “Just talking about it, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with emotions.”
Caine stressed that the US military’s joint department is “constantly thinking, developing, training, exercising, testing, and evaluating.”
“When the call to action comes, we act promptly. Standing here today, I am immensely proud of our joint forces,” he added.