RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Four U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Royal Air Force Fairford, England for Bomber Task Force 25-1, today.
Before landing at RAF Fairford, the aircrew integrated with Finnish F-18 Hornets and Swedish JAS 39 Gripens.
While deployed, the B-52s will operate as the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and will integrate with NATO Allies and other international partners to synchronize capabilities and assure security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing, RAF Fairford, England will serve as support to the EBS throughout the deployment.
"This Bomber Task Force mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to our European Allies and partners. Together, we build stronger, more strategic relationships that reinforce security and stability across the region,” said Gen. James Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.
USAFE-AFAFRICA also enables dynamic force employment in the European theater, providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.
“Through these missions, we not only demonstrate the global reach of our bomber forces, but also the strength of our collective partnerships in Europe, ensuring we remain agile and ready to address any challenge,” said Hecker. “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,” said Hecker.
Regular and routine deployments of U.S. strategic bombers demonstrate how the U.S. and NATO are ready, postured, and well prepared to integrate with host-nation Allies and partners to deter threats and defend the Alliance.
For further information, please contact the USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs office at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil.
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For more information, call +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or e-mail usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or e-mail usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.