US B-52 assurance overflights demonstrate commitment to southeastern European Allies, Partners
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US B-52 assurance overflights demonstrate commitment to southeastern European Allies, Partners
Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, currently operating out of RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, fly over Dubrovnik ancient city walls, Croatia, Aug. 22, 2022. The flyover demonstrates United States commitment and assurance to NATO Allies and Partners located in southeastern Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro
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US B-52 assurance overflights demonstrate commitment to southeastern European Allies, Partners
Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, currently operating out of RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, fly over Tirana, Albania, Aug. 22, 2022. The flyover demonstrates United States commitment and assurance to NATO Allies and Partners located in southeastern Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)
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US B-52 assurance overflights demonstrate commitment to southeastern European Allies, Partners
Two B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., currently operating out of RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, conduct low-approach flyovers over southeastern Europe, Aug. 22, 2022. The flyover demonstrated U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Allies and Partners. The B-52s flew over Dubrovnik, Croatia; down the coast of Montenegro; to Skopje, North Macedonia; and Tirana, Albania. (Courtesy photo)
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US B-52 assurance overflights demonstrate commitment to southeastern European Allies, Partners
Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the Expeditionary 23rd Bomb Squadron fly over Dubrovnik ancient city walls, Croatia, Aug. 22, 2022. The U.S. remains dedicated to our security commitments with our NATO alliance and global Partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)
Two B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota currently operating out of RAF Fairford, United Kingdom conducted low-approach flyovers over southeastern Europe, Aug. 22.
The flyover demonstrated U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Allies and Partners located in southeastern Europe flying over Dubrovnik, Croatia; down the Adriatic coast of Montenegro; Skopje, North Macedonia; and Tirana, Albania.
These unique flyovers also provided citizens an opportunity to observe some of NATO’s most powerful aircraft pass overhead.
"As we look to the sky over Skanderbeg Square today, we remember the past 100 years of diplomatic relations with America and look forward to working together for the next 100,” said Brig. Gen. Arben Kingji, Chief of Defense of Albania. “Much has changed in 100 years, but the United States has never wavered from supporting Albania and its people. We are delighted to see our countries working side by side defending democracy, peace and human rights ... 'krah per krah'" (an Albanian phrase meaning shoulder to shoulder).
Skanderbeg Square is the main city center plaza in Albania’s capital city, Tirana, and is named after Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti, commonly known as Skënderbeg. This historic square served as a key viewing location for Albania’s senior military and government officials, American diplomats and Tirana residents.
"As the most recent nation to join the world's strongest alliance, North Macedonia is proud to have strategic bombers from our NATO Ally, the United States, flying overhead," said Slavjanka Petrovska, the minister of defense of the Republic of North Macedonia. "Their European presence underscores the strength and cohesion that exist between and among NATO's 30 nations."
North Macedonia government and military officials viewed the strategic bombers from the Government Building of the Republic of North Macedonia’s capital city, Skopje.
“America’s resolve to support our Allies in southeastern Europe and our collective efforts with NATO have, indeed, never wavered,” said Gen. James Hecker, the U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa and Allied Air Command commander. “We will continue to ensure mutual protection of the freedom that all of our nations cherish.”
For more than 60 years, B-52s have been the backbone of the strategic bomber force for the United States. The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory.
A B-52 fact sheet can be found at: www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104465/b-52h-stratofortress/
For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.
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