B-52s to Demonstrate Long-Range Strategic Capabilities in Europe
6/5/2015 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Three B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, deployed today to Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford, United Kingdom. The deployment demonstrates the United States' ability to project its flexible, long-range global strike capability and provides opportunities to synchronize strategic activities and capabilities with allies and partners in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) area of operations during the month of June.
During the short-term deployment, the strategic bombers, supported by more than 330 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen, are scheduled to conduct training flights with ground and naval forces around the region and participate in multinational Exercises BALTOPS 15 and SABER STRIKE 15 over international waters in the Baltic Sea and the territory of the Baltic states and Poland. The bombers will integrate into several exercise activities, including air intercept training, simulated mining operations during SABER STRIKE, inert ordnance drops during BALTOPS, and close air support. Each activity provides unique opportunities for bomber crews to integrate and train with other USEUCOM components and regional allies and partners while exercising the U.S.'s key bomber capabilities.
"This deployment to RAF Fairford was specifically designed and closely coordinated with the United Kingdom and our regional Allies to ensure maximum opportunities to synchronize and integrate our bomber capabilities with their military assets," said U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander. "Participation of B-52s in Exercises BALTOPS and SABER STRIKE demonstrates our nation's steadfast commitment to promoting regional stability and security, fostering cooperation and increasing interoperability as we work alongside our allies toward mutual goals."
The deployment demonstrates the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and U.K. Elevating RAF Fairford to active status is a key component to this deployment due to the critical capabilities of the base. The fully-developed and tested infrastructure and support facilities at the airfield, as well as its strategic location and unique capabilities, establish the base as a key location for large-scale exercises and readiness operations and an ideal site for bomber operations.
http://www.afgsc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123450025
TexasProgresive
(12,148 posts)Why didn't they deploy Raygun's fabulous B-1s? Surely the modern B-1 is better than the aging B-52s.
(deepest heartfelt )
Abnredleg
(663 posts)What matters are the systems that are installed on that airframe, and the B-52 has been upgraded with some very capable systems. As to why, the B-52 are deploying rather than the Bones, it is probably due to the fact that the B-52 has had a maritime role for decades, while the B-1's not so much, primarily due to the much longer range of the B-52. The training exercises they are participating feature maritime activities such as mining, which is something the B-1 does not do.
As for the effectiveness of the B-1, they were heavily used in Afghanistan and were very effective. They are currently performing the same role over Syria.
TexasProgresive
(12,148 posts)I just don't have a lot of faith in the B-1. While they may be getting some airtime, have you ever wondered why so little? I think President Carter was correct in red lining the B-1 project and Raygun just had to restore it.
Abnredleg
(663 posts)When they first entered service they were optimized to deliver nukes, and it took a long while to get their systems upgraded so they could deliver conventional weapons. Now that that problem has been rectified, they are a highly valued asset to theater commanders, particularly in areas such as Syria where there is the threat of modern anti-aircraft missiles.
TexasProgresive
(12,148 posts)I will keep my biased opinion to myself.
Blue Owl
(49,938 posts)n/t
krispos42
(49,445 posts)BUFF4EVER!