#20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron

[usafphantom2]

Two U.S. B-52 Bombers Make Historic First Deployment To Romania

On their way to Romania, the two strategic bombers were intercepted by Russian MiG-31 and MiG-29 aircraft.

David Cenciotti

B-52 Romania

A B-52H Stratofortress from the 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., makes its initial landing at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, in support of Bomber Task Force Deployment 24-4, July 21, 2024. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Seth Watson)

On Jul. 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4.

The deployment was somehow spoiled by the presence of several KC-135 tankers from the 100th ARW (Air Refueling Wing) out of RAF Mildenhall, tracking online as they supported the BUFFs (Big Ugly Fat Fellow – as the B-52 is nicknamed among the pilots community) on their way to Romania.

In fact, the B-52s were escorted by Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornets and German Air Force Eurofighters over the Gulf of Finland.

During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.

This is a translation of the statement released by the Russian MOD:

To identify an air target and prevent violation of the State Border of the Russian Federation, MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighters from the air defense forces on duty were scrambled into the air.

Russian fighter crews identified the aerial target as a pair of US Air Force B-52H strategic bombers.

As Russian fighters approached, American strategic bombers made a turn from the State Border of the Russian Federation.

Russian aircraft returned safely to their home airfields, and no violations of the State Border of the Russian Federation were allowed.

The flight of Russian fighters was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters and in compliance with safety measures.

As per standard BTF deployments, while in Europe, the strategic aircraft will operate as an Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (the 20th EBS in this case) engaging in joint operations with NATO Allies and other international partners to enhance capabilities and reinforce security commitments within the U.S. European Command’s jurisdiction.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, refuels a B-52H Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., while escorted by a Finnish F/A-18C Hornet during Bomber Task Force deployment 24-4, July 21, 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

This deployment marks the first instance of U.S. strategic bombers operating from Romanian territory.

General James Hecker, commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA, emphasized the importance of being positioned to deliver a range of capabilities globally. He stated that Bomber Task Force missions provide valuable opportunities to improve agile combat employment tactics, techniques, and procedures. Hecker highlighted that these collaborative efforts with Allies enable U.S. forces to address current and future threats effectively.

According to the U.S. Air Force, regular deployments of U.S. strategic bombers underscore the U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and partners. These missions enhance dynamic force employment in the European theater, providing strategic assurance to Allies while deterring potential adversaries with operational unpredictability.

Two B-52H Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., fly in formation with fighter jets from Romania and Finland as they arrive at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, in support of Bomber Task Force Deployment 24-4, July 21, 2024. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Seth Watson)

Hecker further noted the U.S. dedication to working with NATO Allies and partners along the Eastern Flank to ensure combined skills and coordination necessary for regional safety, security, and stability. Regular strategic bomber deployments demonstrate the readiness and integration capabilities of the U.S. and NATO to deter threats and defend the Alliance.

The previous deployment, Bomber Task Force 24-3, saw four B-52H Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, operate from RAF Fairford, UK, from May 20 to June 18 – 20 (the four aircraft returned home in pairs, two days apart).

A pair of B-52H Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., fly in formation alongside Romanian and Finnish fighter jets as part of Bomber Task Force deployment 24-4, July 21, 2024. BTF 24-4 underpins the NATO alliance’s collective deterrence and commitment to defending the Euro-Atlantic region from hostile actions. (Courtesy Photo)

About David Cenciotti

David Cenciotti is a journalist based in Rome, Italy. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviationist”, one of the world’s most famous and read military aviation blogs. Since 1996, he has written for major worldwide magazines, including Air Forces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, and many others, covering aviation, defense, war, industry, intelligence, crime and cyberwar. He has reported from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Syria, and flown several combat planes with different air forces. He is a former 2nd Lt. of the Italian Air Force, a private pilot and a graduate in Computer Engineering. He has written five books and contributed to many more ones.

@TheAviationist.com

[greatworldwar2]

• 201st Fighter Squadron (Mexico)

The 201st Fighter Squadron, was a Mexican fighter squadron, part of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force that aided the Allied war effort during World War II. The squadron was known by the nickname Águilas Aztecas or "Aztec Eagles", apparently coined by members of the squadron during training.

The 201st Fighter Squadron was formed in response to German submarines sinking two oil tankers, the SS Potrero del Llano and the SS Faja de Oro. As a response do to the outrage of Germany's attacks, the Escuadrón Aéreo de Pelea 201 (201st Air Fighter Squadron) was composed of more than 300 volunteers. Roughly 30 were experienced pilots and the rest were groundcrew. The ground crewmen were electricians, mechanics, and radiomen. that were transporting crude oil to the United States. These attacks prompted President Manuel Ávila Camacho to declare war on the Axis powers on May 22nd, 1942, and to join Brazil as the only two Latin American countries to actually send military forces overseas.

The squadron left Mexico for training in the United States on July 24th, 1944, arrived at Laredo, Texas, on July 25th, and moved on to Randolph Field in San Antonio, where the personnel received medical examinations and admission tests in weapons and flight proficiency. They received three months of training at Randolph, Foster Army Air Field in Victoria, Texas, and Pocatello Army Air Base. The pilots received extensive training in armament, communications and tactics. The squadron arrived at Majors Field in Greenville, Texas, on November 30th, 1944. Here, the pilots received advanced training in combat air tactics, formation flying and gunnery. The men were honored with graduation ceremonies on February 20th, 1945, and the squadron was presented with its battle flag.

This marked the first time Mexican troops were trained for overseas combat. In charge of the group was Colonel Antonio Cárdenas Rodríguez, and Captain First Class Radamés Gaxiola Andrade was named squadron commander. Before leaving for the Philippines, the men received further instructions and physical examinations in Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, California, in March 1945. The men left for the Philippines on the troop ship S.S. Fairisle on March 27th, 1945. The squadron arrived in Manila on April 30th, 1945, and was assigned as part of the Fifth Air Force, attached to the U.S. 58th Fighter Group, based at Porac, Pampanga, in the Clark Field complex on the island of Luzon. Beginning in June 1945, the squadron initially flew missions with the 310th Fighter Squadron, often twice a day, using borrowed U.S. aircraft. It received 25 new P-47D-30-RA aircraft in July, marked with the insignia of both the USAAF and Mexican Air Force.

The squadron flew more than 90 combat missions, totaling more than 1,900 hours of flight time. It participated in the Allied effort to bomb Luzon and Formosa to push the Japanese out of those islands. During its fighting in the Philippines, five squadron pilots died (one was shot down, one crashed, and three ran out of fuel and died at sea); and three others died in accidents during training. Among the missions flown by the squadron were 53 ground support missions flown in support of the U.S. 25th Infantry Division together with the Philippine Commonwealth troops and recognized guerrilla units in the break-out into the Cagayan Valley on Luzon between June 4th and July 4th 1945; 37 training missions flown July 14-25th 1945 (including missions to ferry new aircraft from Biak Island, New Guinea); four fighter sweeps over Formosa on July 6-9th 1945; and a dive bombing mission against the port of Karenko, Formosa, on August 8th.

When the 201st deployed, no provision for replacement pilots had been made and the pilot losses incurred in the Philippines hampered its effectiveness. Mexican replacement pilots were rushed through familiarization training in the United States, and two more pilots died in flight accidents in Florida. When the 58th Fighter Group left the Philippines for Okinawa on July 10th, the Mexicans stayed behind. They flew their last combat mission as a full squadron on August 26th, escorting a convoy north of the Philippines. Not only did the pilots get into combat, but also the ground personnel encountered Japanese troops, having some fire-fights and capturing a number of enemy troops as well. The 201st Mexican Squadron was given credit for putting out of action about 30,000 Japanese troops and the destruction of enemy held-buildings, vehicles, tanks, anti-aircraft guns, machine guns emplacements and ammunition depots.

The work of the 201st was recognized by General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area. The 201st returned to Mexico City on November 18th, 1945. In a military parade in the Constitution Square the Fighter Squadron delivered the Mexican flag to President Manuel Ávila Camacho. The FAEM was disbanded after returning from the Philippines. The Escuadrón Aéreo de Pelea 201 is still an active duty squadron, flying the Pilatus PC-7 from Cozumel, Quintana Roo, and saw extensive counter-insurgency service during the 1994 uprising in Chiapas. The Mexico City Metro Line 8 station Metro Escuadrón 201 is named after the squadron, whilst it was also the subject of the Mexican film Escuadrón 201, directed by Jaime Salvador and released in 1945. In November 22, 2004, the squadron was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor, with a rank of Legionnaire, by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

[airmanisr]

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress by Robert Sullivan Via Flickr: A Boeing B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron comes in for a landing May 8, 2019. The B-52H can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations, to support stability in the region through a dynamic defense posture. The Bomber Task Force is deployed to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend American forces and interests in the region.

[usapat]

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), and A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the U.S. Central Command Bomber Task Force, conducted joint operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

[militariacollectibles]

20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Crew 4 PVC Deployment Patch, B-52H OIR Al Udeid BUY IT NOW – 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Crew 4 PVC Deployment Patch, B-52H OIR Al Udeid

[defpost]

U.S. Air Force 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Wraps Up Deployment to Qatar, Diego Garcia

#USAirForce 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Wraps Up Deployment to Al Udeid Air Base #Qatar, and #DiegoGarcia. #B52

The U.S. Air Force 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (20 EBS) based at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. completed its deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations on March 31.

The 20 EBS is a U.S. B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber squadron that provides strategic attack, close-air support (CAS), air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations to combatant…

[courtneytincher]

F/A-18E conducts impressive self-escort strike with B-52H bomber during joint exercises

F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter aircraft and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), conducted a self-escort strike with an Air Force B-52H bomber assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Bomber Task Force.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), and A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Global Strike Command Bomber Task Force, conducted joint operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 1.

The operations emphasize Joint Force integration and interoperability within the U.S. Department of Defense.

“The training we are doing with the Air Force showcases our ability to coordinate quickly amongst branches and results in an increase of our country’s lethality and agility to respond to threats if called upon,” said Capt. William Reed, commander, CVW-7. 

During the exercises, CVW-7 and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducted several joint training evolutions designed to improve operational tactics in several warfare areas. Exercises included air-to-air training, flying in formation, and simulated strike operations in defense of a national asset.

“While the Air Force trains different assets together all the time, including Navy F-18s, we typically don’t have the opportunity to integrate with the surface fleet,” said Lt. Col. Scott Mills, 609th Air and Space Operations Center air and space strategist. “As we train together, it gives us the chance to examine the bias we each bring to the engagement. We each learn about the other’s domain by searching for areas where we operate differently.”

The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1955. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles. It’s anti-ship and mine-laying capabilities make it a highly-effective asset to assist the Navy in ocean surveillance.

“Each of our respective services influences the other,” Mills said. “Future conflicts will likely never be restricted to a single domain, and even then the sister services can enhance the effectiveness of the others. Today’s mission represents our ability to project air and sea power around the globe. When we act, we do so as one force, no separate services. Exercises like the one held today ensure that can operate anywhere, anytime.”

CVW-7 Super Hornets conducted a joint close air support (CAS) exercise with the Bomber. Additionally, MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from CVW-7, along with the B-52H, conducted strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) exercises. The exercise provided a rare training opportunity as it joined multiple tactical aircraft that don’t often operate in the same airspace.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

from Defence Blog

F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter aircraft and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), conducted a self-escort strike with an Air Force B-52H bomber assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Bomber Task Force.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), and A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Global Strike Command Bomber Task Force, conducted joint operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 1.

The operations emphasize Joint Force integration and interoperability within the U.S. Department of Defense.

“The training we are doing with the Air Force showcases our ability to coordinate quickly amongst branches and results in an increase of our country’s lethality and agility to respond to threats if called upon,” said Capt. William Reed, commander, CVW-7. 

During the exercises, CVW-7 and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducted several joint training evolutions designed to improve operational tactics in several warfare areas. Exercises included air-to-air training, flying in formation, and simulated strike operations in defense of a national asset.

“While the Air Force trains different assets together all the time, including Navy F-18s, we typically don’t have the opportunity to integrate with the surface fleet,” said Lt. Col. Scott Mills, 609th Air and Space Operations Center air and space strategist. “As we train together, it gives us the chance to examine the bias we each bring to the engagement. We each learn about the other’s domain by searching for areas where we operate differently.”

The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1955. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles. It’s anti-ship and mine-laying capabilities make it a highly-effective asset to assist the Navy in ocean surveillance.

“Each of our respective services influences the other,” Mills said. “Future conflicts will likely never be restricted to a single domain, and even then the sister services can enhance the effectiveness of the others. Today’s mission represents our ability to project air and sea power around the globe. When we act, we do so as one force, no separate services. Exercises like the one held today ensure that can operate anywhere, anytime.”

CVW-7 Super Hornets conducted a joint close air support (CAS) exercise with the Bomber. Additionally, MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from CVW-7, along with the B-52H, conducted strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) exercises. The exercise provided a rare training opportunity as it joined multiple tactical aircraft that don’t often operate in the same airspace.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

via IFTTT

[intell-news-blog]

intelligence-news.com: Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- May 13, 2019

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIbEqF___bo/XNmYaqL98GI/AAAAAAAC8Hs/7QptvmF67d8JhAVbS78Z_LtxYet8PBFhQCLcBGAs/s400/001.jpg A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, on Sunday, May 12, 2019. This was the first mission of the Bomber Task Force deployed to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in order to defend American forces and interests in the region. ASHLEY GARDNER/U.S. AIR FORCE Stars and Stripes: Bomber task force completes first CENTCOM mission as Iran warns US forces to leave region A U.S. Air Force bomber task force completed its first mission in Central Command Sunday amid heightened tensions with Iran, where over the weekend officials called for U.S. forces to leave […] https://is.gd/xcrtQB

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., approaches the flightline at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, April 6, 2018.

@ron_eisele via X

[global-news-station]

DOHA: American B-52 Stratofortress bombers sent to the Middle East have arrived at a U.S. base in Qatar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The US military said on Tuesday that a number of B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are “clear indications” of threats  to US forces.

A picture taken by U.S Air Force personnel stationed in Al Udaid air base and posted on the CENTCOM website showed two aircraft. The caption said: “B-52 Arrival. U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are parked on a flight line May 8, 2019.”

The media officer at Al Udaid, near Doha, did not immediately respond to a phone call and email requesting comment and details. CENTCOM is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

The post US B-52 bombers reach Middle East appeared first on ARYNEWS.

http://bit.ly/2vOiI49

[georgemcginn]

U.S. Department of Defense Lead Photos Update

U.S. Department of Defense Lead Photos Update

You are subscribed to Lead Photos for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Stratofortress Flight 06/19/2018 07:00 PM CDT

An Air Force B-52H Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, June 20, 2018. The aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger

[courtneytincher]

F/A-18E conducts impressive self-escort strike with B-52H bomber during joint exercises

F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter aircraft and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), conducted a self-escort strike with an Air Force B-52H bomber assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Bomber Task Force.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), and A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Global Strike Command Bomber Task Force, conducted joint operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 1.

The operations emphasize Joint Force integration and interoperability within the U.S. Department of Defense.

“The training we are doing with the Air Force showcases our ability to coordinate quickly amongst branches and results in an increase of our country’s lethality and agility to respond to threats if called upon,” said Capt. William Reed, commander, CVW-7. 

During the exercises, CVW-7 and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducted several joint training evolutions designed to improve operational tactics in several warfare areas. Exercises included air-to-air training, flying in formation, and simulated strike operations in defense of a national asset.

“While the Air Force trains different assets together all the time, including Navy F-18s, we typically don’t have the opportunity to integrate with the surface fleet,” said Lt. Col. Scott Mills, 609th Air and Space Operations Center air and space strategist. “As we train together, it gives us the chance to examine the bias we each bring to the engagement. We each learn about the other’s domain by searching for areas where we operate differently.”

The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1955. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles. It’s anti-ship and mine-laying capabilities make it a highly-effective asset to assist the Navy in ocean surveillance.

“Each of our respective services influences the other,” Mills said. “Future conflicts will likely never be restricted to a single domain, and even then the sister services can enhance the effectiveness of the others. Today’s mission represents our ability to project air and sea power around the globe. When we act, we do so as one force, no separate services. Exercises like the one held today ensure that can operate anywhere, anytime.”

CVW-7 Super Hornets conducted a joint close air support (CAS) exercise with the Bomber. Additionally, MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from CVW-7, along with the B-52H, conducted strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) exercises. The exercise provided a rare training opportunity as it joined multiple tactical aircraft that don’t often operate in the same airspace.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

from Defence Blog

F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter aircraft and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), conducted a self-escort strike with an Air Force B-52H bomber assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Bomber Task Force.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), and A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and part of the Global Strike Command Bomber Task Force, conducted joint operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 1.

The operations emphasize Joint Force integration and interoperability within the U.S. Department of Defense.

“The training we are doing with the Air Force showcases our ability to coordinate quickly amongst branches and results in an increase of our country’s lethality and agility to respond to threats if called upon,” said Capt. William Reed, commander, CVW-7. 

During the exercises, CVW-7 and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducted several joint training evolutions designed to improve operational tactics in several warfare areas. Exercises included air-to-air training, flying in formation, and simulated strike operations in defense of a national asset.

“While the Air Force trains different assets together all the time, including Navy F-18s, we typically don’t have the opportunity to integrate with the surface fleet,” said Lt. Col. Scott Mills, 609th Air and Space Operations Center air and space strategist. “As we train together, it gives us the chance to examine the bias we each bring to the engagement. We each learn about the other’s domain by searching for areas where we operate differently.”

The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1955. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles. It’s anti-ship and mine-laying capabilities make it a highly-effective asset to assist the Navy in ocean surveillance.

“Each of our respective services influences the other,” Mills said. “Future conflicts will likely never be restricted to a single domain, and even then the sister services can enhance the effectiveness of the others. Today’s mission represents our ability to project air and sea power around the globe. When we act, we do so as one force, no separate services. Exercises like the one held today ensure that can operate anywhere, anytime.”

CVW-7 Super Hornets conducted a joint close air support (CAS) exercise with the Bomber. Additionally, MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from CVW-7, along with the B-52H, conducted strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) exercises. The exercise provided a rare training opportunity as it joined multiple tactical aircraft that don’t often operate in the same airspace.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Smalley

via IFTTT

[courtneytincher]

U.S. Air Forces Central Command aircraft flew deterrence missions in area of responsibility

The U.S. Air Forces Central Command has announced that its combat aircraft flew deterrence missions in the area of responsibility and provides security and stability in the region.

For reference, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command, or AFCENT, is the Air Force Service Component of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), a joint Department of Defense combatant command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa through the Persian Gulf region, into Central Asia.

U. S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, F-35A Lightning IIs and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew deterrence missions in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations conducted in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The missions were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers from the 28th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron.

The 28th EARS supports the constant Combat Air Force presence in the AFCENT AOR.

F-35As, deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah to the Combined Forces Air Component team in AFCENT. This marks the F-35A’s third deployment and first to the CENTCOM AOR. In preparation for deployment, crews prepared and trained on the aircraft for the AFCENT mission.

The U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft are assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The B-52H offers a diverse capability including the delivery of precision weapons in support of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command mission to provide security and stability in the region.

This was the first mission of the Bomber Task Force deployed to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend American forces and interests in the region.

from Defence Blog

The U.S. Air Forces Central Command has announced that its combat aircraft flew deterrence missions in the area of responsibility and provides security and stability in the region.

For reference, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command, or AFCENT, is the Air Force Service Component of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), a joint Department of Defense combatant command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa through the Persian Gulf region, into Central Asia.

U. S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, F-35A Lightning IIs and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew deterrence missions in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations conducted in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The missions were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers from the 28th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron.

The 28th EARS supports the constant Combat Air Force presence in the AFCENT AOR.

F-35As, deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah to the Combined Forces Air Component team in AFCENT. This marks the F-35A’s third deployment and first to the CENTCOM AOR. In preparation for deployment, crews prepared and trained on the aircraft for the AFCENT mission.

The U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft are assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The B-52H offers a diverse capability including the delivery of precision weapons in support of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command mission to provide security and stability in the region.

This was the first mission of the Bomber Task Force deployed to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend American forces and interests in the region.

via IFTTT

[courtneytincher]

U.S. Air Forces Central Command aircraft flew deterrence missions in area of responsibility

The U.S. Air Forces Central Command has announced that its combat aircraft flew deterrence missions in the area of responsibility and provides security and stability in the region.

For reference, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command, or AFCENT, is the Air Force Service Component of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), a joint Department of Defense combatant command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa through the Persian Gulf region, into Central Asia.

U. S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, F-35A Lightning IIs and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew deterrence missions in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations conducted in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The missions were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers from the 28th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron.

The 28th EARS supports the constant Combat Air Force presence in the AFCENT AOR.

F-35As, deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah to the Combined Forces Air Component team in AFCENT. This marks the F-35A’s third deployment and first to the CENTCOM AOR. In preparation for deployment, crews prepared and trained on the aircraft for the AFCENT mission.

The U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft are assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The B-52H offers a diverse capability including the delivery of precision weapons in support of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command mission to provide security and stability in the region.

This was the first mission of the Bomber Task Force deployed to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend American forces and interests in the region.

from Defence Blog

The U.S. Air Forces Central Command has announced that its combat aircraft flew deterrence missions in the area of responsibility and provides security and stability in the region.

For reference, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command, or AFCENT, is the Air Force Service Component of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), a joint Department of Defense combatant command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa through the Persian Gulf region, into Central Asia.

U. S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, F-35A Lightning IIs and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew deterrence missions in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations conducted in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The missions were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers from the 28th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron.

The 28th EARS supports the constant Combat Air Force presence in the AFCENT AOR.

F-35As, deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah to the Combined Forces Air Component team in AFCENT. This marks the F-35A’s third deployment and first to the CENTCOM AOR. In preparation for deployment, crews prepared and trained on the aircraft for the AFCENT mission.

The U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft are assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The B-52H offers a diverse capability including the delivery of precision weapons in support of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command mission to provide security and stability in the region.

This was the first mission of the Bomber Task Force deployed to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend American forces and interests in the region.

via IFTTT