U.S. bombers accomplish mission in Europe; building trust and interoperability

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office based on input provided by U.S. European Command

Following a month-long deployment on Bomber Task Force 24-3 (BFT 24-3), which kicked off May 24, U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers and supporting personnel returned to their home wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

 

Whilst deployed and operating as the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the bombers conducted integrated operations with NATO Allies and international partners, including Denmark, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. During the one-month deployments to Europe, the bombers demonstrated interoperability with Allied re-fuelling and fighter aircraft.

“The whole concept of the Bomber Task Force is built not only around deterrence, but also Ally building,” said U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Wheeler, Commander of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.

 

 

“This focus on integration is critical for partner building and maintaining the collective stability of Euro-Atlantic relations. Through multiple iterations of integrating with Allies in the region, we learn to work together as seamlessly and efficiently as possible. The missions we fly here allow us to identify limiting factors and increase interoperability to the maximum extent possible,” said U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Ruedier, 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron’s director of operations.

The U.S. routinely demonstrates its commitment to NATO Allies and partners through BTF missions. Enabling dynamic force employment in the European theatre, BTF missions underscore the transatlantic link within the Alliance and provide an opportunity for forces to improve shared understanding and trust.

The BTF missions also permit crews to maintain a high state of readiness and validate the U.S. Air Force’s global strike capability in multi-domain operations.

 

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