U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses carried out flights from RAF Fairford, England, to Lithuania and Poland on March 20, 2019. The purpose was to conduct interoperability training with NATO Enhanced Forward Presence units.
The B-52s participated in exercises with NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controllers attached to the multinational battalion battle group in Lithuania and Battle Group Poland. In Lithuania, the bombers dropped inert munitions and took part in Close Air Support training alongside Lithuanian L-39 Albatros high-performance training jets.
These strategic bombers are part of the Bomber Task Force currently deployed to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. They belong to the 2nd Bomb Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The aircraft arrived in Europe on March 14-15 and are temporarily operating out of RAF Fairford.
Operating from forward locations enhances collective defense capabilities and provides both the U.S. and NATO with the strategic and operational scope needed to deter adversaries while assuring allies and partners.
For further information, contact U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or via email at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.