Air Force modernization takes B-2 to North Pole

A B-2 Spirit flies to the North Pole Oct. 27, 2011, on a test mission from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The polar flight helped ensure that the B-2 maintains its global combat power capability in all environments with new computers for future growth and sustained contributions to the greater Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

B-2 crews prepare for mission

A B-2 Spirit returns to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., March 20, 2011, after a mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kenny Holston)

B-2 crews prepare for mission

Maintainers and crew chiefs from the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., prepare B-2 Spirits March 19, 2011, for Operation Odyssey Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kenny Holston)

B-2 crews prepare for mission

Maintainers and crew chiefs from the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., prepare B-2 Spirits March 19, 2011, for Operation Odyssey Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kenny Holston)

Scott AFB air show

An aircrew flies a B-2 Spirit over the airfield as part of an aerial demonstration for the 2010 Airpower Over the Midwest Air Show Sept. 11, 2010, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The B-2 is assigned to Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol)

Spirit in the sky

A B-2 Spirit prepares to land March 23, 2010, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The aircraft is deployed here from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., in support of Andersen's continuous bomber presence in the Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Julian North)