Massive B52 bombers headed north from their temporary home in England to fly on a Nato mission in the Arctic today (Tuesday, March 13). It was the latest flight out of RAF Fairford since the aircraft arrived in Gloucestershire in February.
They flew over the North Sea region and then on the Arctic, the United States Air Force confirmed. It was the latest Bomber Task Force Mission in Europe.
B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, departed from their temporary Cotswolds home and flew to the North Sea off the coast of Norway where they supported Exercise Cold Response 22. This is a Norwegian-led multinational NATO exercise.
This integration event showcased the United States' compatibility and readiness alongside its Allies, the USAF said. The exercise, which happens every two years, is long-planned but took place as the war in Ukraine continues following the Russian invasion.
“Exercising together is how we optimize what each of us bring to the fight. We are committed to the collective defense of all NATO nations,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO’s Allied Air Command.
“Integrating and training with our allies and partners allows us to exercise our combined capabilities while deterring aggression against NATO.”
The USAF said Bomber Task Force missions highlight US capabilities and commitment to work closely with allies and partners to deter any potential adversary from aggressive actions.
Exercise Cold Response 2022 is a month-long test of allied forces involving 30,000 troops from 27 nations operating together. The regular exercise, which takes place every other year and planning for which began in December 2020, will involve more than twice as many personnel as the 14,000 planned for in Exercise Cold Response 2020.
