B-52s Demonstrate Strategic Reach in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region

Aircrew members from the 96th Bomb Squadron load equipment onto a B-52H Stratofortress, in preparation for a mission from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. June 30, 2015. During the mission, two B-52Hs flew round trip to Australia, where they integrated with Royal Australian Air Force ground forces to conduct an inert conventional weapons exercise on the Delamere Air Weapons Range and performed a low approach at RAAF Base Tindal. The mission, which was closely coordinated with the Australian Department of Defence, demonstrates the United States’ and U.S. Strategic Command’s ability to project its flexible, long-range global strike capability and provided unique opportunities to synchronize strategic activities and capabilities with a key ally in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. USSTRATCOM is one of nine DoD unified combatant commands and is charged with strategic deterrence; space operations; cyberspace operations; joint electronic warfare; global strike; missile defense; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; combating weapons of mass destruction; and analysis and targeting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Amn. Benjamin Raughton)