B-52 Stratofortess aircraft from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, joined Norwegian and British F-35 Lightning II aircraft over the North Sea, today, as part of a Bomber Task Force Europe integration and deterrence mission.
The bombers and fighters executed an Allied targeting mission controlled by Norwegian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. This mission focused on the integration of a fifth generation platform and its ability to support legacy bomber aircraft.
The bombers also integrated with Norwegian Air Force and Navy for dynamic targeting and counter sea missions.
“As we continue to integrate generations of technology across the theatre, we need to ensure that we have the flexibility to operate with each other in any domain at any time.” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa commander. “Building muscle memory through this type of training ensures we are ready.”
British integration focused on close air support and bomber aircraft escort maneuvers.
BTF missions offer unique opportunities for Arctic allies and partners to strengthen collective deterrence and security throughout the region.
Coverage of BTF deployments will be continuously available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at: www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.
For media interested in engagement opportunities, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.
U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and Partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. For more information about USEUCOM, visit https://www.eucom.mil.
