Conserative Morality wrote:Imperializt Russia wrote:The 31st Fighter Wing has two squadrons of F-16s, aircraft designed to accept the B-61 gravity bomb.
Other way around.American fighter wings in NATO nuclear-sharing states (Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and at least one other) are there to train the local air forces in the delivery of the B-61.
You make this claim in the face of the far more likelyTo do that, the 31st Fighter Wing must therefore itself be capable of delivering the B-61.
It's not the Wing's purpose. This is like saying that Air Force technicians are combat troops because they have military training - yes they can fire a rifle and conduct themselves in a military manner, but they aren't 11-B US Army Infantry - it's not their job to go out and get shot at.
If it were just the local air forces who were intended to operate the B-61s stored at European air bases, the US Fighter Wings would not be required. The Munition Support Squadrons and maintenance trucks would be all that were required, plus advisors for training exercises.
This is probably the case for Turkish B-61 bases, since strike units are apparently not permitted to be stationed there.
Though certainly not conclusive, we're beyond reasonable doubt, here.