My first trip to RAF Fairford during Operation Epic Fury—the US/Israel–Iran conflict—coincided with a pivotal moment, ultimately becoming the final day of operations before a two-week ceasefire was declared.

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 85-0088 DL taxies out at RAF FAirford during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 85-0088 DY departing RAF Fairford, UK during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 86-0108 EL departing RAF Fairford, UK during Operation Epic Fury

The day began early. By 05:30, B-1 Lancers were already running on the ramp, their presence impossible to ignore even in the half-light. At around 07:30, they began taxiing out toward Runway 09, and the sound was something else entirely. Even with ear defenders firmly in place, the sheer intensity was overwhelming. When the afterburners lit on departure, the deep roar transformed into a raw, thunderous blast—felt as much through your chest as heard. Locals reported that homes miles away were shaking as the aircraft powered into the climb, a testament to the sheer force being unleashed.

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 86-0108 EL departing RAF Fairford, UK during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 86-0120 EL departing RAF Fairford, UK during Operation Epic Fury

Compared to the opening days of the operation, the atmosphere was noticeably calmer. It wasn’t as crowded, with plenty of parking still available, and a steady flow of visitors arriving and leaving throughout the day rather than the earlier peak surges.

Despite the reduced crowds, activity in the air remained constant. The day saw numerous resupply movements, including three 747 cargo flights alongside a steady stream of C-130 Hercules aircraft operating in from Ramstein and Aviano, keeping the logistical chain moving.

Atlas Air Boeing 747-4B5(F) N446MC arriving at RAF Fairford as GIANT 5072 from Hill AFB (KHIF) during Operation Epic Fury

Kalitta Air Boeing 747-446(BCF) N745CK departing RAF Fairford CONNIE 9766 to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (ZHSC) during Operation Epic Fury

Kalitta Air Boeing 747-481F N766CK arriving at RAF Fairford as CAMBER 505 from Ellsworth AFB (KRCA) during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force 06-3171 Lockheed C-130J Hercules arriving at RAF Fairford during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force 06-8611 Lockheed C-130J Hercules arrivig with supplies at RAF Fairford during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force 06-8611 Lockheed C-130J Hercules taxies out at RAF Fairford during Operation Epic Fury

At around 16:00, attention turned to what would be the final bomber departure of the day—a lone B-52H Stratofortress. It taxied out carrying a visible load of cruise missiles mounted on its external hardpoints, a striking and sobering sight. In a twist that underlined the rapidly changing situation, the aircraft returned the following morning with its loadout still attached, the ceasefire having been agreed while it was still airborne.

United States Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 61-0035 MT departing from RAF Fairford during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 61-0035 MT taxies out at RAF Fairford during Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 61-0035 MT taxies out at RAF Fairford during Operation Epic Fury

In the days that followed, operational flying paused. After roughly a week without missions, activity gradually resumed in the form of training and currency sorties, with between two and six aircraft launching on most days as things settled back into a more routine rhythm.

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 85-0064/DY taxies out at RAF Fairford during a training sortie for Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 85-0064/DY lines up to depart from runway 09 at rAF Fairford during a training sortie for Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 85-0108/EL taking off at RAF Fairford during a training sortie for Operation Epic Fury

United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 86-0107/WA sits on the pan at RAF Fairford receiving attention during Operation Epic Fury. This air frame flew very little during the operation.