Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft have completed their deployment to Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania, the first time these bombers have operated from Romanian soil, according to a press release.
The bombers have since returned to their home base at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.
During the deployment, known as Bomber Task Force Europe 24-4, the B-52s conducted operations alongside aircraft from Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Romania.
This deployment was part of a broader initiative to enhance interoperability and reinforce security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jared Patterson, a B-52 pilot and commander of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, highlighted the purpose of the mission, stating, “Our historic deployment underscores the strength and resilience of the U.S.-Romania alliance and our shared commitment to regional security and NATO’s collective defence.”
The deployment also involved integration with NATO Allies, focusing on improving the ability to operate together and maintain freedom of movement and navigation in the region.
Romanian Air Force Commander Cosmin Macsim, deputy commander of Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, said, “We are showing the proof of interoperability and that together, we are stronger.”
Bomber Task Force Europe 24-4 was conducted as part of Large-Scale Global Exercise 2024, a series of exercises and military activities aimed at enhancing the U.S. joint force’s ability to train with Allies and partners. The exercise is designed to improve shared understanding, trust, and operational coordination across global security challenges, say the U.S. Air Force.
“This latest BTF further demonstrates that the U.S. Air Force is ready, postured, and well-prepared to integrate with our Romanian allies, as well as our Allies and partners across the NATO alliance, to deter threats and respond to any threat at any time,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Derbenwick, U.S. defence attaché to Romania.
Hmmm…contemplating whether it is time to simply deploy a squadron of the dual capable subset of B-52Hs to RAF Fairford on a semi-permanent basis. May finally convey the appropriate message to Mad Vlad and his Merry Orcs. The FY25 NDAA will probably instruct USAF to mod the ~30 conventional only a/c back to dual capability, after the expiration of New START in Feb 26. 🤔
Mad Vlad did look awfully worry yesterday on the TV now that the Ukrainians have penetrated USSR. 🚀
these are very, very old airframes, which have stood the test if time and proves that aircraft can still be worth using beyond thejr maximum shelf life. we see this as a model that can be followed by nations with ambitions to grow their own forces.