B-52 Task Forces Head to Eastern Europe, Alaska, airforcemag.com

The Air Force sent groups of B-52s to the Pacific and Europe as bomber task force deployments within two days this week, prompting Russia to intercept one.

On June 15, two B-52Hs from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., flew a long-distance strategic Bomber Task Force mission through Europe and the Baltics, where they participated in the NATO-led Baltic Operations exercise. […]

The B-52s then linked up with U.S. Sixth Fleet ships deployed to the region for BALTOPS, flying over the USS Mount Whitney and NATO ships in the Baltic Sea.

“Long-range strategic bomber missions to the Baltic region are a visible demonstration of our capability to extend deterrence globally,” USAFE boss Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian said in the release. “Our participation in BALTOPS also provides an opportunity for us to strengthen relationships with our NATO allies and partners while operating in the air and sea domains.” Läs artikel