U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa
Published September 03, 2020
A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, refuels a B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, while escorted by Norwegian F-16s over the Norwegian Sea, Sept. 2, 2020. Currently deployed to RAF Fairford, England, the B-52s integrated with NATO allies and regional partners during several missions, ensuring interoperability, enhancing readiness and building relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges. (Courtesy of Royal Norwegian Air Force)
Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft conducted multi-domain training flights over international waters in the vicinity of the Norwegian Sea, Sept. 2, 2020.
During the flights, B-52s integrated with Norwegian F-35 and F-16 fighter aircraft as well as Norwegian frigates. Training with NATO allies like Norway enhances the capabilities and readiness of the alliance and strengthens our shared commitment to global security and stability.
“Yesterday, marks 18 completed out of 18 planned Bomber Task Force missions since August 22 with many more to come,” said Lt. Col. Michael Middents, 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. “This milestone proves the U.S. Air Forces’s ability to project sustainable long-range strike in support of our allies and against our adversaries across the globe. It proves that we don’t just make promises to respond, we will respond.”
The flight was coordinated in support of U.S. Strategic Command’s Bomber Task Force in Europe which is a series of missions developed to allow aircrews to train and familiarize themselves with different geographic locations and allies.
The B-52s, part of the Bomber Task Force currently deployed to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, are from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The aircraft arrived in theater Aug. 22 and are temporarily operating out of RAF Fairford.
Continuing coverage of this deployment will be available on this website, and on the DVIDS hub at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.