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Bombers support operations in the Baltic Sea
Two Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets escort a B-52H Stratofortress over Europe during a Bomber Task Force Europe 21-3 flight en route to a maritime training scenario, June 09, 2021. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in our history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jael Laborn)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jael Laborn
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Bombers support operations in the Baltic Sea
A Danish F-16 integrates with a U.S. B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, out of Morón Air Base, Spain, in support of Bomber Task Force Europe June 07, 2021. U.S. European Command enjoys mutually beneficial military cooperation with our Nordic allies and partner countries with respect to the Arctic region, constantly coordinating together on operations and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jael Laborn)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jael Laborn
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Bombers support operations in the Baltic Sea
A F-16 Falcon from the Royal Netherlands Air Force integrates with a B-52H Stratofortress over Europe during a flight en route to a maritime training scenario, June 09, 2021. The U.S. Air force is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jael Laborn)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jael Laborn
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, completed a mission within the international airspace in the Baltic region, June 7-9, 2021.
The mission included multiple stages across several days with aircraft from three Nordic nations and U.S. Navy assets conducting BALTOPS operations in the Baltic Sea.
The B-52H bombers were escorted by F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force and Royal Danish Air Force in and out of the Baltic airspace.
While over the Baltic Sea, the strategic bombers integrated with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet assets in the Baltic Sea in support of the annual multi-domain exercise BALTOPS. The aircraft enabled multi-component capabilities that enhance NATO convergence and security of the region.
The bomber aircraft also integrated with Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft in Swedish airspace on both June 7 and June 9, 2021.
Forward locations enable collective defense capabilities. U.S. European Command lives, trains, and fights with the allies and partners from bases in Europe that are critical for more timely and coordinated response when needed.
“The safety and security of our Baltic and Nordic allies is an enduring priority for our force,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander. “This week’s multi-domain and cross-component integration is critical to ensuring we can always live up to the highest standard of support.”
Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective defense of NATO and contribute to stability in the European theater. The ability to quickly respond and assure allies and partners rests upon the fact that U.S. forces 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.
