Bombers Fly Integrate with Hellenic F4s, Other Ally Aircraft During BTF
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5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
A Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen es-corts a United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expedi-tionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, Eng-land April 5, 2022. The Czech Air Force es-corted the 69th EBS on their way to the Mediterranean region for Bomber familiariza-tion with Allies as part of pre-planned Bomb-er Task Force Europe series of missions.
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Zachary Wright
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5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Two German Air Force Eurofighters escort a United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England April 5, 2022. The German Air Force escorted the 69th EBS on their way to the Mediterranean region to integrate with Allies as part of pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions.
U.S. Air Force bombers from the 5th Bomb Squadron operating out of forward deployed base RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, conducted their latest long-range, Bomber Task Force mission throughout Europe, North and Mediterranean Sea Region April 5, 2022.
The B-52s conducted fighter custody handoff where partner nations escorted the bombers across Europe. The bombers proceeded to integrate with aircraft from allied nations Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and United Kingdom. The bombers also worked with JTACs from Hungary and Bulgaria.
“The readiness of our strategic bomber force plays a critical role in our unwavering support to NATO,” said Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa deputy commander. “Missions like this provide invaluable training opportunities to improve our interoperability alongside our allies and partners. When we work together, our forces are capable of adapting to today’s complex security environment.
During the sortie the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft also participated in Close Air Support training alongside the Greek Hellenic F4s. These aircraft, along with the B-52s played a pivotal part in the Vietnam War.
“The B-52 and the F-4 epitomized air power during the Vietnam War and Cold War”, said Lt Col Bryson Ayers, 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Commander. “To see two historical aircraft fly together, possibly for the last time, pays homage to the past as we look forward to the future.”
The U.S. remains dedicated to the security commitment with their NATO alliance and global partners. Bombers routinely operate across the globe and are flexible and agile to respond to the changes in the operational environment.
BTF missions offer unique opportunities for allies and partners to strengthen collective deterrence and security throughout the regions.
Coverage of BTF deployments will be continuously available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.
For questions, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.
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