B-52s conduct maritime integration operations over Mediterranean Sea

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY

05.27.2021

Story by 2nd Lt. Charis Bryan 

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa   

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, completed a mission with U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa in the Mediterranean Sea on May 26, 2021.

The bombers integrated with Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft and Hellenic F-16 aircraft over the east Mediterranean Sea before conducting counter-maritime integration with P-8A Poseidon aircraft assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s Patrol Squadron 40 (VP-40). Turkish F-16 aircraft currently supporting NATO Enhance Air Policing escorted the B-52H aircraft on their return to Morón Air Base, Spain.

The U.S. Air Force is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. Strategic bomber missions underline the ability of U.S. forces to project power in any location across the globe.

“Integrating with our Navy and special operations counterparts always provides valuable training opportunities for aircrew,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander. “As we learn from one another, we sharpen our skills and become a better, stronger joint force.”

VP-40 is concurrently serving under CTF 67 performing maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions throughout Central and South American, European, and African theaters. The P-8A Poseidon provides the fleet with essential information from operations supporting both peace and conflict.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective defense of NATO and contribute to stability in the European theater. Our ability to quickly respond and assure allies and partners rests upon the fact that we are here, in Europe, forward and ready.

Continuing coverage of this deployment will be available on this website and on the DVIDS hub at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2021
• Date Posted: 05.27.2021 07:55
• Story ID: 397544
• Location: RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, DE