B52 bombers conducted a 15-hour long-range mission over Europe and the Mediterranean sea on Tuesday as the war in Ukraine continued to rage. The United States Air Force planes were escorted by aircraft from Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and United Kingdom.
Two of the bombers from the 5th Bomb Squadron with call-signs OKIE01 and OKIE02 left their temporary base at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire at around 9am returning a little before midnight. The bombers' long-planned presence in England is not directly linked to the war in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, but such missions are designed to demonstrate NATO's readiness to defend its territories from any aggressor
“The readiness of our strategic bomber force plays a critical role in our unwavering support to NATO,” said Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa deputy commander. “Missions like this provide invaluable training opportunities to improve our interoperability alongside our allies and partners. When we work together, our forces are capable of adapting to today’s complex security environment.
During the sortie the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft also took part in Close Air Support training alongside the Greek Hellenic F4s. These aircraft, along with the B-52s played a pivotal part in the Vietnam War.
“The B-52 and the F-4 epitomized air power during the Vietnam War and Cold War”, said Lt Col Bryson Ayers, 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Commander. “To see two historical aircraft fly together, possibly for the last time, pays homage to the past as we look forward to the future.”
The USAF said the United States remains dedicated to the security commitment with their NATO alliance and global partners. Bombers routinely operate across the globe and are flexible and agile to respond to the changes in the operational environment. It said BTF missions offer unique opportunities for allies and partners to strengthen collective deterrence and security throughout the regions.
