Strategic Bombers Deploy to Europe to Train, Exercise Capabilities

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – Three B-52 Stratofortresses flew to the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) area of operations today to train and integrate with U.S. and allied military forces in the region.

During this short-term deployment, the multi-role heavy bombers will conduct training flights in the USEUCOM area of operations, providing opportunities for aircrews to sharpen skills in several key operational sets and become familiar with airbases and operations in the region. Additionally, in recognition of the legacy of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II, a B-52 will take part in the 70th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Graignes, France, June 7.

“This deployment of strategic bombers provides an invaluable opportunity to strengthen and improve interoperability with our allies and partners,” said Adm. Cecil Haney, commander, U.S. Strategic Command. “The training and integration of strategic forces demonstrates to our nation’s leaders and our allies that we have the right mix of aircraft and expertise to respond to a variety of potential threats and situations.”

USSTRATCOM routinely conducts training missions in support of geographic combatant commands to ensure the U.S. has a credible and flexible capability to provide the President a variety of options he may need to protect the nation or its allies and partners.

Two of the forward-deployed B-52s are assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and one is assigned to Minot Air Force Base, N.D. The B-52 is a long-range, multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. B-52s can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.

High resolution imagery is available online at www.stratcom.mil. For more information, contact USSTRATCOM Public Affairs, (402) 294-4130, or via email: pa@stratcom.mil.