Resolution Honors Troops Behind 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' Detailing Historic B-2 Strike on Iran

This isn't a bill that changes tax law or builds a new bridge; it’s a Congressional resolution aimed at giving a massive, formal shout-out to the service members, analysts, and families involved in a specific military operation called 'Operation Midnight Hammer.' The resolution focuses on a highly complex strike conducted on June 21, 2025, detailing how seven B-2 Spirit bombers launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to hit Iran’s Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities with fourteen 30,000-pound GBU-57 MOP bunker buster bombs.

The Logistics of the Strike

If you ever wondered what goes into a high-stakes, long-haul military mission, this resolution spells it out. The B-2 bombers flew for 18 hours, requiring multiple mid-air refuelings where the massive planes had to fly within 100 feet of each other—a maneuver that demands incredible precision from the pilots and refueling crews. To ensure the bombers got in and out safely, the operation included a full 'strike package' of support aircraft and high-speed weapons designed to suppress any surface-to-air threats at three key sites. This wasn't just a bombing run; it was a tightly synchronized, low-communication ballet of air power.

The Submarine and the Coordinated Attack

Adding another layer of complexity, the resolution notes that as the strike package entered Iranian airspace, a U.S. submarine in the region launched over two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles. These missiles were timed to hit key surface infrastructure at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center after the main bombing run, ensuring maximum surprise and effect. The resolution highlights this operation as the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history and the second-longest B-2 mission ever flown, underscoring its strategic significance.

Why This Matters to Regular Folks

While resolutions don't create new laws or budget lines, they serve a crucial purpose: formal recognition. For the thousands of people involved—from the pilots who flew the mission to the maintainers who kept the stealth bombers ready at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri, and the intelligence analysts who planned the targets—this is Congress officially saying, "We see you, and we appreciate the sacrifice." The resolution specifically commends the families of the service members, acknowledging the unique burdens and sacrifices they make so their loved ones can focus on national security duties. Think of it as a formal, documented 'thank you' for a high-risk job well done, providing a morale boost and institutionalizing the recognition of this specific, complex military achievement.