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News | Feb. 23, 2023

B-52 Stratofortresses to flyby part of Estonia Independence Day celebration events

USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

 Two B-52 aircraft assigned to 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota is scheduled to conduct a low approach flyby to help celebrate Estonia’s Independence Day February 24.

"Today we celebrate with our friends from Estonia 105 years of independence. The United States and Estonia are close Allies and share a strong partnership based on a common commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We remain steadfastly committed to the freedom and sovereignty of Estonia and all our Baltic allies as we deter and defend against any threats to our shared security," said U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, and NATO Allied Air Command. 

As NATO Allies, the United States and Estonia work together to strengthen and assure the Baltic nations, support counterterrorism operations, and fortify Europe’s eastern flank. The U.S.-Estonia security cooperation is one of the most prominent parts of this relationship.

The flyby is scheduled to take place over Tallinn Estonia following the Independence Day parade in Freedom Square. The flyby will include various aircraft to include French Rafales, Polish F-16s and German Eurofighters.

Please note these fly-bys may be cancelled at any time due to weather, or other mission requirements with little to no notice.

The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. It can carry precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

A B-52 fact sheet can be found at: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104465/b-52h-stratofortress/

For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mi.