Aircrew members prepare to board a B-52H Stratofortress at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 3, 2014, for a short-term deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations. Two B-52s from Barksdale and one assigned to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., are participating in the deployment and will train and integrate with U.S. and allied military forces in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Aircraft maintainers and Aircrew from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., perform a pre-flight inspection, on one of two B-52H Stratofortress bombers prior to departing for a short-term deployment June 3, 2014. B-52s assigned to Barksdale and Minot Air Force Base, N.D., are participating in the deployment and will train and integrate with U.S. and allied military forces in the U.S. European Command area of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Capt. Micah McCracken, 96th Bomb Squadron performs pre-flight procedures in a B-52H Stratofortress at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 3, 2014. Two B-52s from Barksdale are participating in training missions in the U.S. European Command area of operations 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. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Two B-52H Stratofortress bombers assigned to U.S. Strategic Command depart Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 3, 2014 for a short-term deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations. U.S. Strategic Command routinely conducts training missions in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Two B-52H Stratofortress bombers assigned to U.S. Strategic Command depart Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 3, 2014 for a short-term deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations. U.S. Strategic Command routinely conducts training missions in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Strategic bombers deploy to Europe to train, exercise capabilities

Published June 3, 2014
By U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs

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, Louisiana, and one is assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. 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.