Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses completed a double-transatlantic training mission Wednesday, Sept. 11, demonstrating the service’s ability to integrate with Allied nation forces while providing global strike capabilities anytime, anywhere. During the mission, the B-52s participated in a NATO-led integration exercise in Poland. This training exercise included aircraft and other units from the air, land, sea, cyber, and space domains that focused on integrating multi-domain effects from Allied nations, and improving command and control in a simulated, contested environment. In this instance, more than two dozen fighters, refueling and other aircraft from multiple nations worked in close coordination for the event.
“The successful execution of this NATO-led mission affords us the opportunity to share best practices while also demonstrating our steadfast commitment to Allies,” said Gen. James Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. “Our ability to work side-by-side with Allies is a key advantage, sending a message of assurance to our friends while also deterring potential aggressive actions by strategic competitors.”
The B-52s mission, which originated and concluded at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, and was conducted over Sept. 11-12, highlighted the agility of the aircraft crew and supporting units. The September mission is an extension of Bomber Task Force 24-4 in Europe, which made history over the summer when two U.S. B-52s operated from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, for the first time. BTF 24-4 is one of several exercises and military activities, under multiple combatant commands, which enables the U.S. joint force to train with Allies and partners and improve shared understanding, trust, and interoperability on security challenges across the globe. Bomber Task Force missions have taken place in Europe on a recurring basis since 2018.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. The bomber can carry up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons and has a typical combat range of around 8,800 miles (14,200 km) without aerial refueling. The B-52’s official name Stratofortress is rarely used; informally, the aircraft has become commonly referred to as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fucker/Fella). There are 72 aircraft in inventory, 58 operated by active forces (2nd Bomb Wing and 5th Bomb Wing), 18 by reserve forces (307th Bomb Wing), and about 12 in long-term storage at the Davis-Monthan AFB Boneyard. After being upgraded between 2013 and 2015, the last airplanes are expected to serve into the 2050s.
