USA Air Force confirms huge bombers mission after leaving RAF Fairford
The US Air Force have confirmed what mission the B-52h's seen leaving RAF Fairford earlier today were on.
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress (B-52) bomber's have had a busy few days at the Gloucestershire base. The huge nuclear-capable aircraft's, which has been in service since the middle of the Cold War, were tracked leaving and returning to base.
One plane was seen landing at around 4pm and another at 6.30pm today (February 15). Alongside the huge jets two RAF Lockheed C-130J Hercules jets, callsign ASCOT139 and ASCOT481 left the base.
The US Air Force have said they were on a training exercise to ensure they are "ready".
In a statement they said: "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.
"British integration focused on close air support and bomber aircraft escort maneuvers."
Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa commander said: "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.
"Building muscle memory through this type of training ensures we are ready.”
The statement says that BTF missions offer unique opportunities for Arctic allies and "partners to strengthen collective deterrence and security" throughout the region.
https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/usa-air-force-confirms-huge-6664892
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JUKigqnq5zQ