A B-52 lands at RAF Fairford, U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best U.S. temporarily deployed three USAF B-52 Stratofortr...
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| A B-52 lands at RAF Fairford, U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best |
U.S. temporarily deployed three USAF B-52 Stratofortresses Strategic Bombers to RAF Fairford airbase, UK on June 4.
The move comes as a reassurance to U.S. allies in the Eastern Europe where Moscow has annexed Crimea from Ukraine.
The three unarmed bombers, two from Barksdale Air Force Base, Los Angeles, and other from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, currently operating from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, will train and integrate with U.S. and allied military forces in the region, a USAF release said.
The deployment spanning approximately two weeks, will feature training flights in the U.S. European Command area of operations, providing opportunities for aircrews to sharpen skills in several key operational sets and become familiar with airbases and operations in the region.
A B-52 will also take part in the 70th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Graignes, France, on June 7, in recognition of the legacy of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II.
RAF Fairford is maintained by USAF and RAF personnel in support of contingency operations. It is the USAF's only European airfield for heavy bombers.
RAF Fairford is also the home of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), an annual air display, this years will be held from 11-13 July.
The long range B-52 multi-role bomber is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions to intercontinental ranges. B-52s can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.
