B-52s take off for Exercise APEX PATRIOT

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off from RAF Fairford, England prior to taking off for Exercise Apex Patriot Dec. 5, 2024. A strong and credible bomber force bolsters the security of our Allies, promoting stability and deterring threats in key regions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

Weapons Loading for BTF 25-1

Staff Sgt. Dillon Homan and Senior Airman Devin Barrientos, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons load crew members, secure an explosive into the bomb bay of a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1, at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 13, 2024. U.S. forces maintain the flexibility to adapt to changing security environments by ensuring interoperability and agility across all operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

100th ARW refuels 48th FW and 57th Wing during BTF trilateral exercise

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II’s from the 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a Trilateral Bomber Task Force support mission over the North Sea, Dec. 3, 2024. BTF missions demonstrate the credibility of U.S. forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

100th ARW refuels 48th FW and 57th Wing during BTF trilateral exercise

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 351st Air Refueling Squadron conduct a pre-flight briefing prior to participating in a Trilateral Bomber Task Force support mission at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Dec. 3, 2024. BTF missions enhance combat readiness amongst participating NATO Allies and partner nations, ensuring their ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats. Pre-flight checks help reduce the risk of in-flight issues by ensuring aircraft, equipment, and crew readiness is verified. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

100 ARW refuels 48 FW, 57 WG during BTF

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II descends after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during a Trilateral Bomber Task Force support mission over the North Sea, Dec. 3, 2024. BTF missions are representative of the U.S.’ extended deterrent commitment to our allies and partners and the enhancement of regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

B-52s depart UK following successful Bomber Task Force deployment

Published Dec. 13, 2024
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --

Four U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft departed Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Dec. 13 following a successful Bomber Task Force deployment.

During their time in Europe, this recent deployed B-52 unit conducted a series of training missions with other U.S. Air Force assets in the region and multiple countries, including Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Italy, Norway, the U.K., the Czech Republic, and Morocco.

The deployment marked a historic milestone as U.S. bombers executed the first-ever simulated live weapons drop in Finland, showcasing enhanced interoperability with a new NATO Ally. Additionally, the bombers integrated with Lithuanian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, strengthening close-air support readiness across the Baltic region.

The deployed team’s final exercise was a trilateral Norwegian, U.K. and U.S. multi-domain find, fix, track and target military exercise with fourth and fifth-generation aircraft in the High North.

“Working alongside our Allies and partners highlights the strength of collaboration. Every mission was a testament to the power of teamwork, shared expertise, and a unified commitment to security,” said Capt. Aaron Gurley, USAFE-AFAFRICA Bomber Task Force mission planner. “Together, we built solutions that no single nation could achieve alone, proving that our collective strength truly defines the success of every operation.”

The deployment showcased the U.S. Air Force’s ability to integrate seamlessly with NATO Allies and partners while also demonstrating the strategic reach of U.S. long range strike capabilities. As the bombers return to their home station, the U.S. Air Force will build on lessons learned from this deployment to prepare for the next Bomber Task Force deployment in 2025 and to further its commitment to bolstering international security, enhancing partnerships, and advancing joint capabilities.

BTF 25-1 — 100 ARW refuels 48 FW, 57 WG during BTF

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II descends after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during a Trilateral Bomber Task Force support mission over the North Sea, Dec. 3, 2024. BTF missions are representative of the U.S.’ extended deterrent commitment to our allies and partners and the enhancement of regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)