News - Tag 2nd Bomb Wing

Nov. 24, 2025

Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1 concludes, demonstrating global reach and Allied integration

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany. — U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft departed Spain, Nov. 24, returning to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and concluding Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1, a two-week deployment exercising the U.S. Air Force’s ability to project power globally. During the deployment, the B-52 aircrews executed a series of complex, high-end training scenarios with Allies and partners across the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, lands on the runway for Exercise Prairie Vigilance 25-1 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 9, 2025. As a routine training mission, Prairie Vigilance enhances the safety, security and reliability of the bomber leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

April 21, 2025

Team Minot Airmen demonstrate strategic readiness during Prairie Vigilance 25-1

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB took part in Exercise Prairie Vigilance 25-1 (PV 25-1) here. Exercise PV 25-1 is a routine training operation designed to bolster the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s bomber-based strategic deterrence mission. The exercise supports readiness across AFGSC by sharpening operational proficiency and validating long-range, global strike capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kaden Brewer, 96th Bomb Squadron weapons load crew member, transfers a CBU-105, or cluster bomb unit, from a munitions trailer to a MJ-1 “jammer” for loading onto a B-52H Stratofortress

April 19, 2025

Lethality Tested, Mission Perfected: 2nd Bomb Wing Sharpens Lethal Edge During Combat Hammer

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — As part of the Air Force’s premier weapons system evaluation program, the 2nd Bomb Wing participated in Combat Hammer from March 10 to 21, testing its ability to deliver conventional airpower in a contested environment.

Operations Airmen from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron stand together in front of a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1 Dec. 4, 2024, at RAF Fairford, England. BTF missions familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant command areas of operations to enable strategic access and integration with coalition forces in an effort to deter global conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

Dec. 13, 2024

Bomber Task Force 25-1 advances interoperability with NATO partners and Allies

RAF FAIRFORD, England — The 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 4 – Dec. 12, 2024 for Bomber Task Force 25-1.

People stand around a B-52 Stratofortress that has a covered engine.

Nov. 20, 2024

New B-52 engine cover prototype testing protects Minot’s bomber fleet

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — AFGSC pilots and maintainers have secured new B-52 Stratofortress engine covers that prevent icing in extreme cold thanks to support from STRIKEWERX and the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist.

U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 307th Maintenance Squadron, and a U.S. Air Force civilian employees assemble a B-52 Stratofortress towbar prototype during a demonstration of its capabilities at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Sept. 10, 2024. The new prototype was created in response to a request for a towbar that can meet the speed and readiness requirements inherent in Agile Combat Employment efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Ted Daigle)

Sept. 26, 2024

AFGSC tests new B-52 Stratofortress towbar prototype

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — AFGSC recently demonstrated a prototype of a potential new B-52 Stratofortress towbar at Barksdale AFB, La. B-52 maintainers from the 307th Bomb Wing and the 2nd Bomb Wing tested the new prototype under real-world conditions during the week leading to the demonstration.

Airmen from the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile onto a B52H Stratofortress during Exercise Bayou Warrior at Barksdale Air force base, June 10, 2024. Exercise Bayou Warrior tests the wing’s ability to generate, load, and deliver conventional weapons in a simulated environment. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Nia Jacobs)

June 20, 2024

2nd Bomb Wing’s Bayou Warrior Exercise Tests Combat Readiness

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The 2nd Bomb Wing conducted Exercise Bayou Warrior from June 10-13, 2024, to evaluate its ability to execute conventional missions.

June 13, 2024

Team Barksdale highlights interoperability, ACE concept during exercise

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Airmen from the active-duty 2nd Bomb Wing and Air Force Reserve 307th Bomb Wing teamed up with Nebraska Air National Guardsmen and Army Reserve soldiers to practice remote refueling capabilities on a B-52 Stratofortress during the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise (QLLEX) June 6, 2024, at Lincoln Airport and Air National Guard Base,

B-52H Stratofortresses receive maintenance during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 3, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

April 15, 2024

Barksdale Conducts Exercise Bayou Vigilance 2024

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Airmen from the 2nd and 5th Bomb Wings trained together while evaluating response and combat operation skills during exercise Bayou Vigilance April 3-12, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

March 13, 2024

Sharpening SOUTHERN EDGE: 343rd Bomb Squadron leads innovative TFI effort

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — SOUTHERN EDGE 24, and Air Force Reserve-led exercise, provided realistic training to enhance coordination between B-52 Stratofortress aircrews and special forces troops from the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.