B-52H 5BW
Approximately 300 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortresses from the 5th BW at Minot AFB are deployed to RAF Fairford to conduct theater integration and flying training.
The purpose of the deployment of Air Force Global Strike Command’s B-52s to RAF Fairford is to exercise a state of readiness at United States Air Forces in Europe’s forward operating location for strategic bombers.
“The B-52s are instrumental in providing basic bomber assurance and deterrence, supporting the widest array of mission sets of any bomber platform,” said Capt. Matthew, 23rd EBS assistant director of operations for logistics and aircraft commander. “We can support anti-sea maritime missions, close air support and precision strike, and wind-corrected munitions.”
This 2018 deployment of bombers in Europe will also include joint and allied training to improve bomber interoperability.
“We have the versatility to work with many allied nations, giving them an opportunity to work with bombers that they normally don’t get,” said Matthew. “Ultimately, it’s good for everybody. In addition to other countries, it allows us to train in the region to maintain a state of readiness and ability to deploy with no notice.”
The AFGSC bomber presence in Europe is a visual representation of the U.S. Air Force’s ability to utilize long-range, precision air power.
“While at RAF Fairford, we’ll execute one of AFGSC’s primary missions – to deter and assure,” said Col. Michael Maginness 23rd EBS commander. “Our presence here deters any potential adversaries in the region, while assuring our allies of the U.S.’s iron-clad commitment to the region.”
B-52H 5BW
Approximately 300 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortresses from the 5th BW at Minot AFB are deployed to RAF Fairford to conduct theater integration and flying training.
The purpose of the deployment of Air Force Global Strike Command’s B-52s to RAF Fairford is to exercise a state of readiness at United States Air Forces in Europe’s forward operating location for strategic bombers.
“The B-52s are instrumental in providing basic bomber assurance and deterrence, supporting the widest array of mission sets of any bomber platform,” said Capt. Matthew, 23rd EBS assistant director of operations for logistics and aircraft commander. “We can support anti-sea maritime missions, close air support and precision strike, and wind-corrected munitions.”
This 2018 deployment of bombers in Europe will also include joint and allied training to improve bomber interoperability.
“We have the versatility to work with many allied nations, giving them an opportunity to work with bombers that they normally don’t get,” said Matthew. “Ultimately, it’s good for everybody. In addition to other countries, it allows us to train in the region to maintain a state of readiness and ability to deploy with no notice.”
The AFGSC bomber presence in Europe is a visual representation of the U.S. Air Force’s ability to utilize long-range, precision air power.
“While at RAF Fairford, we’ll execute one of AFGSC’s primary missions – to deter and assure,” said Col. Michael Maginness 23rd EBS commander. “Our presence here deters any potential adversaries in the region, while assuring our allies of the U.S.’s iron-clad commitment to the region.”