Bomber Task Force Europe: B-52s join long-range strategic deployment

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  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Minot Air Force Base’s 5th Bomb Wing join the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron’s B-1B Lancers to support the Bomber Task Force Europe mission series, Nov. 10, during a targeting mission throughout the North Sea region.

Air Force Global Strike Command’s strategic bomber platforms were joined by Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, RAF Lakenheath’s F-15D Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles, and RAF Mildenhall’s KC-135 Stratotankers, combining a force capable of executing super and sub-sonic strike capabilities with a range of conventional and precision guided munitions.

“Our ability to strike air, land, and sea targets with a coalition fighting force goes unmatched,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa commander. “Combining unique bomber strike packages with ally and partner capabilities offered within the European theater builds brings a force, which can counter any threat to our collective safety and security.”

Bomber Task Force rotations have brought all three of U.S. Strategic Command’s strategic bomber assets to the European and African theater since the mission series began in 2018.The series demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s unique ability to rapidly deploy to unfamiliar airfields and integrate with NATO allies and coalition partners.

Coverage of BTF deployments will be continuously available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at:https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.

For media interested in engagement opportunities, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs as +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.