Latest news with #B-2Spirit


The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Iran vows to press on with nuke enrichment despite Trump's threats and ‘serious damage' done by stealth bombings
IRAN has vowed to push on with nuclear enrichment - in a stark warning to the west following Trump's stealth blitz on Tehran's nuke plants. The pariah state pledged to enrich uranium at weapons-grade levels, despite the 11 Iran has vowed to push on with its nuclear enrichment programme 11 It comes after Trump's nuclear plant blitz during the 12-day war Credit: The Mega Agency 11 The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni's pariah state vowed to keep aiming for a nuclear weapon Credit: EPA 11 B-2 Spirit drops a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb (stock) Credit: US Airforce 11 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News that his country would not give up on its nuclear programme. He added that the US and Israel's bid to prevent The chilling threats came despite threats of intense international sanctions against the Araghchi said: "We READ MORE WORLD NEWS "And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride ." The Foreign Minister also said: "Enrichment is so dear to us." Aragchi confirmed that the damage done by Donald Trump's Operation Midnight Hammer on Iran's nuclear sites had been "serious". But he stopped short of commenting on whether any enriched uranium survived the Most read in The US Sun "Our facilities have been damaged – seriously damaged," Araghchi said. "The extent of which is now under evaluation by our atomic energy organisation." Iran's aging & paranoid Ayatollah is hanging by a thread - I know how it will all come crashing down, says ex-ambassador He did confirm, however, that all enrichment capabilities in Iran had been ceased as a result of the facilities being "seriously damaged". Last week, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission told Mehr News Agency: "We will never give up our legitimate right to enrich uranium. "Enrichment is a sovereign right that we will continue to pursue based on our national needs. "Bombing cannot erase this knowledge — it will only come back stronger." The 11 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News Iran would keep pushing forward with the programme 11 The moment the US missile hit Iran's facility in the test footage 11 A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex after the US bombings on June 21 The Israelis also orchestrated Operation Red Wedding - which saw 30 top Iranian military chiefs killed in a near-simultaneous blitz as Tel Aviv sought to root out the Even Masoud Pezeshkian was wounded in the leg and forced to flee a Iran retaliated by launching daily salvos of ballistic missiles across Israel , but failed to hit any strategic targets. Less than a fortnight later, Trump joined the Israeli bombing campaign against Iran with The US military 's flagship The The Don celebrated his sophisticated blitz on the Iranian regime - and said that the US bombs went through enemy nuclear sites " Iran, which vowed to hit US military bases across the Middle East, sought its revenge by But Tehran seemingly Trump dubbed the expected response "weak" before announcing that a ceasefire deal had been reached between the Israelis and Iranians. 11 Israeli Iron Dome air defence system intercepts missiles over Tel Aviv 11 President Donald Trump and his national security team meeting in the Situation Room in June Credit: White House 11

Time Business News
5 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
Kristin Goodwin Turns Military Background Into a Career Coaching High-Performance Teams
When Brig Gen Kristin Goodwin spots a B-2 stealth bomber in the news, she doesn't just see an aircraft. She notices the formation, the timing, and the coordination behind it. During the early 2024 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—the longest B-2 flight since 2001—she could tell right away how much work and preparation had gone into the mission. While most news stories focused on the weapons and flight path, her attention went to those flying the aircraft. Even though the pilots weren't named, Goodwin later learned that one of them was a woman. This detail didn't make the headlines, but it brought back memories of her own time in the military—long before most people expected to see a woman in that seat. Now retired from the Air Force, Goodwin has taken on a different kind of challenge, working with executives, boards, and senior teams instead of pilots and command centers. Through her company, The Delta-v, she draws from over two decades of leadership experience to help organizations perform under pressure, all without losing sight of their people. Leading From a Place Few Women Had Gone Before Goodwin is one of only a few women to have flown the B-2 Spirit, a stealth aircraft known for its long-range precision and classified flight plans. In 2012, she became Vice Commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, the B-2's home. Two years later, she took command of the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, becoming the first woman in Air Force history to lead a U.S. bomb wing. Still, her time in the cockpit was just one part of a larger story spanning more than 20 years and multiple mission areas. She has over 3,000 flight hours, including 187 in combat, and has led organizations across space, cyber, nuclear deterrence, and joint operations. In each role, she was responsible for ensuring readiness and supporting her teams under demanding conditions. First Lessons in Leading Without Fear In 1997, long before she held a general's rank, Kristin Goodwin was the 25-year-old commander of an EC-130 aircraft on a mission over Bosnia. Her crew included 15 people—all men, many older than her. During the flight, they encountered multiple emergencies. There was an in-flight engine fire, a medical emergency, a sudden decompression requiring oxygen masks, and an enemy fighter jet that launched to intercept them. Although the mission was a success, what stood out to Goodwin wasn't the outcome, but how everyone showed up for each other when it counted. 'It began with me getting to know my crew and building trust; by knowing them… I mean truly knowing them,' she said. 'I came to know their superpowers and how best to leverage them. They came to trust that I would clearly communicate the mission, empower them and lead them to coherence.' She remembers the team gathering afterward to debrief over coffee and cookies, brewed and baked on the flight home. No one overreacted or lost focus, trusting one another to handle the situation effectively. That early experience changed her view of leadership, showing her that pressure is best met with trust and preparation. Bringing Humanity to the Highest Levels Over the next two decades, Goodwin moved into senior roles across the Air Force and, eventually, the newly formed U.S. Space Force. As Chief of Staff for Space Operations Command, she was responsible for 4,100 personnel operating across 134 sites worldwide. She also led the development of the first field command structure, advised on defense planning, and helped establish systems for intelligence, infrastructure, and operations. At the U.S. Air Force Academy, Goodwin served as Commandant of Cadets, where she designed a 47-month leadership curriculum and launched programs to improve retention, mental health, and cadet connection. Among those programs was SAFE HAVEN, a mobile app offering real-time support, and the 'Safe to Report' policy, which allowed cadets to seek help without fear of backlash. Throughout her career, Kristin Goodwin has led with the belief that people do their best work when they feel valued, supported, and understand their purpose. 'Everything really comes down to relationships,' she said. 'Get to know people, care about them, ask questions, develop rapport. We all need connection.' Coaching Others Through the Fog After retiring from active duty, Goodwin founded The Delta-v, a leadership and strategy firm that helps senior leaders operate effectively through moments of uncertainty and change. As CEO and founder, she works directly with Fortune 500 companies, technology startups, nonprofits, and defense contractors, offering personalized guidance on strategy, operations, AI transformation, and culture. Her background in aerospace, healthcare, cybersecurity, and defense gives her a clear understanding of what it takes to lead in high-pressure industries. Rather than rely on theory, she draws on her operational background to help teams improve clarity, cohesion, and performance. At BAE Systems, she advises on electronic warfare strategy, and at Capitol Defense Consulting, she's helped roll out critical systems for the Department of Defense. Whether she's guiding a company through AI adoption or helping a board reset direction, her approach is grounded in lived experience and built for real-world complexities. Tools, Trust, and the Time to Use Them In addition to coaching, Goodwin designs and leads custom board retreats through The Delta-v. These sessions give senior leaders space to pause, reflect, and work through challenges that shape the future of their organizations. Retreats are built around each board's priorities—whether that's governance, alignment, or collaboration at the executive level. Her facilitation style is hands-on and people-centered, helping teams solve problems, build trust, and move forward together. 'Extraordinary things happen when talented people unite behind a common mission,' she said. Goodwin also shares her insights through speaking engagements, delivering talks on topics like 'The Soul of Leadership,' 'Human-Centric AI Transformation,' and 'Strategic Navigation Through Chaos.' Her presentations combine practical tools with reflection, encouraging leaders to think more deeply about their impact on others. Where Leadership and Life Move in Tandem Kristin Goodwin may not spend her days flying anymore, but she still starts them early. Most mornings, she's up at 5:00 a.m. for a workout before jumping into coaching calls, planning sessions, and team workshops. She now serves as COO of TechWise, a defense consulting firm that works in training, systems integration, and new technology. Previously, she worked as interim COO of Caribou Thunder, where she helped drive a 67% revenue increase by improving its structure and culture. Outside of work, Goodwin stays active in her community. She serves on several boards, mentors others through professional women's organizations, and is deeply involved with Home Front Military Network, a nonprofit that helps active-duty service members and veterans access financial and mental health resources during times of need. Most of her personal time is spent outdoors, whether it's long-distance biking, running, or hiking. The rest is devoted to her greatest accomplishment: being a mom to her two school-aged daughters. Her schedule may be full, but 'work-life balance' isn't part of her vocabulary. 'I prefer the term 'Life Harmony,'' she said. 'As a mom and professional, it is not so much 'balance' as learning to live in the moment, clarifying priorities, and never taking myself too seriously.' Impact That Can't be Quantified Titles and roles offer a glimpse into Goodwin's career, but they don't tell the whole story, leaving out much of what makes it meaningful. Her impact shows up most in the people she's supported—whether in the military or in executive circles. One reminder sits framed on her desk: a letter from Staff Sgt. Desmond Awadzi, a young airman from Ghana who served under her command at Barksdale. She saw his potential early and nominated him for Officer Training School, where he was later accepted. In his letter, he thanked her for believing in him, for noticing where he came from, and for helping him see what was possible. Goodwin keeps that letter not as a symbol of achievement, but as a personal reminder of the lasting influence leaders can have when they invest in others. 'Helping others write their next great chapter, opening doors that may otherwise remain closed, that is the type of leadership I work to always embody.' TIME BUSINESS NEWS


Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'B-2 pilots told me...': Trump's latest claim on Iran strikes; US president credits himself for decision
Donald Trump Patting his own back, Donald Trump claimed on Sunday (local time) that the B-2 pilots who carried out Operation Midnight Hammer in Iran had told him that no previous US president had the courage to order such a mission. Also Read | 'Great American pilots very upset': Trump slams 'fake news' over Iran strikes "...you had a tremendous success with the strike that we had getting rid of nuclear weapons in Iran. When the pilots came to my office, they were there with some of the other people having to do with that strike. They said something very interesting. They said, 'You know, we've been practicing this for 22 years, but no President had the guts to tell us to do it," he told reporters on the first anniversary of his assassination attempt. Trump also hailed the operation as a major success. "I would say that from 0 to 10, with 10 being the best, that attack was a 15," he stated. US B-2 Spirit bombers conducted airstrikes on three key nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22, amid the conflict between the United States' close ally Israel and their common rival Iran. Also Read | 'Half the size of a refrigerator door': Trump says B-2 pilots had to hit small target from 50,000 ft The Israel-Iran conflict began on June 13, with a surprise Israeli operation on the Islamic Republic's nuclear and military facilities. The 12-day war ended the day after US strikes, after Trump brokered a ceasefire between the Asian rivals, but not before Iran carried out a retaliatory missile strike on an American military base in Qatar, Washington's largest in the region.


Daily Express
13-07-2025
- General
- Daily Express
B-2 or not B-2? Netizens debate mystery aircraft
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: A photo taken near a longhouse in Sarawak has sparked a speculation on the r/Malaysia subreddit. — Pic via Anubiroz | Reddit KUALA LUMPUR: A photo taken near a longhouse in Saratok has sparked speculation on the r/Malaysia subreddit about whether a B-2 Spirit bomber was seen flying over the area. Reddit user Anubiroz posted the image, saying it was taken by a friend in the afternoon and showed a shape that looked a bit suspicious 'for a kite or a drone.' 'Taken by a friend near his long house at Saratok in the afternoon... Zoom in... does it look like a kite or a stealth bomber. He said it made a swish sound.. Hmmmm. Looks kinda sus [sic] for a kite or a drone. Any ideas?' Anubiroz wrote on Reddit . Another user, Monsta_Owl, commented that it looked like a 'B2 bomber by the looks of it,' a view echoed by several others in the thread. The B-2 Spirit bomber is a long-range stealth aircraft used by the United States Air Force, capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons while remaining difficult to detect on radar. The aircraft, which has been operational since the 1990s, was used in strikes in Iran in 2025, underscoring its continued role in US precision missions. There has been no official confirmation of military aircraft activity in the Saratok area, and it remains unclear whether the object in the photo was a B-2 bomber, a drone or a kite. - Malay Mail * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Photo of 'B-2' over Saratok sparks speculation, but CAAM says no such flight
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no record of any flight resembling a stealth bomber over Saratok, Sarawak, following viral claims of a sighting, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said. Its chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said no application or clearance had been granted for such an aircraft in the area. "However, there is drone activity in the Saratok and Pantu areas, for which a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued," he told the New Straits Times. It was reported that images circulated online appeared to show the silhouette of an aircraft some likened to the American B-2 Spirit. The photo, taken near a longhouse in Saratok, has sparked speculation on the r/Malaysia subreddit as to whether a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber was seen flying over the area. The B-2 Spirit is a long-range, heavy stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force. Designed to penetrate dense anti-aircraft defences, the aircraft is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear weapons. Its distinctive flying-wing design and radar-absorbing materials make it difficult to detect by radar, giving it a significant advantage in modern warfare. Introduced in the 1990s, the B-2 remains one of the most advanced and expensive military aircraft ever built, with only 21 units produced. It has been deployed in multiple combat operations, including in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, typically flying from bases in the United States to targets across the globe. It recently played a key role in striking Iran's nuclear sites, specifically the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan facilities. These strikes, part of Operation Midnight Hammer, were carried out with precision and aimed at neutralising Iran's nuclear programme.