SRES 437119th CongressIntroduced

A resolution honoring the pilots, maintainers, analysts, sailors, support aircraft, and families, among various other essential groups involved in the success of Operation Midnight Hammer.

Introduced: Oct 6, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO] (R-Missouri)

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This is a Senate resolution honoring the people involved in Operation Midnight Hammer. It recognizes the bravery, technical skill, and dedication of pilots, maintainers, analysts, sailors, and support aircraft teams, as well as the families who support them. The resolution outlines the high-stakes nature of the operation — including a long-range bombing mission by B-2 Spirit bombers, aerial refueling, coordination with support aircraft, and the use of precision-guided munitions against Iranian nuclear facilities — and notes the mission’s strategic significance as a historic U.S. airstrike. It is a non-binding expression of Congress’ gratitude and support for the service members and their families.

Key Points

1The resolution commends all personnel involved in Operation Midnight Hammer and acknowledges their bravery, technical expertise, and dedication to keeping the United States safe, including the families who supported them.
2It describes the operation as a major airstrike using B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, including a decoy element and the deployment of 14 massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs (MOPs) aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow and Natanz, with involvement of the Isfahan facility).
3The mission required extensive in-flight refueling and close, precise formation flying, with aircraft operating in tightly timed, complex airspace and limited communications.
4The strike package included high-speed suppression weapons to neutralize potential Iranian air defenses and support from escort and other aircraft to ensure safe passage for the strike elements.
5A U.S. submarine launched Tomahawk cruise missiles in the area to target surface infrastructure, contributing to the element of surprise and the overall mission impact; Whiteman Air Force Base houses the active-duty 509th Bomb Wing and the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing, which train, fly, and maintain the B-2 fleet.
6The Senate recognizes the operation as the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history and the second-longest B-2 mission, underscoring its strategic significance and the sacrifices of service members and their families.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: U.S. military personnel directly involved in Operation Midnight Hammer (pilots, maintainers, analysts, sailors, and support aircraft crews) and their families.Secondary group/area affected: Whiteman Air Force Base communities (including the 509th Bomb Wing and the 131st Bomb Wing) and broader defense personnel who support long-range precision strike operations.Additional impacts: Congressional acknowledgment signals national appreciation and can influence morale, public perception of military operations, and future discussions about personnel honors and family support programs. It does not authorize policy changes or funding.

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