Minot B-52s depart for BTF 23-2

Aircrew with the 23rd Bomb Squadron board a 23rd Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress before flying to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. BTF missions familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant command areas of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

RAMSTEIN AIR FORCE BASE, Germany —
Four B-52 Stratofortresses, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota forward deployed to Moron Air Force Base, in support of the latest Bomber Task Force Feb. 24, 2023.


Bomber Task Force missions are routine operations across the globe that demonstrate U.S. commitment to collective defense and to also integrate with Allies and Partners.


“The 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is thrilled to be back in the European area of operations working alongside our NATO Allies and Partners to further bolster our partnership in the region,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Loucks, Commander, 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. “We are strongly committed to our long-standing relationship with our Allies and Partners, a relationship based on trust, respect and the common goals of protecting our mutual security and strategic interests.
Before landing in Moron, two B-52s supported Estonia’s Independence Day with a flyby over Tallinn, Estonia.
While the aircraft are in theater they will integrate and train with Allies and Partners through various operations and exercises in the region.


BTF missions support the National Defense Strategy objectives of integrated deterrence and building enduring advantages, enabling strategic bombers to operate from a broad array of overseas and continental U.S. locations with greater operational resilience.


Since 2018, the strategic bomber missions have provided theater familiarization for aircrew members and opportunities for U.S. integration with NATO allies and regional partners.

Crew chiefs with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to launch a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron to participate in Bomber Task Force 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron starts up its engines as it prepares to fly to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. The U.S. routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to allies and partners through the global employment of military forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron is prepared for launch before flying to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. BTF operations are U.S. Strategic Command’s means of conducting Dynamic Force Employment in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
Aircrew with the 23rd Bomb Squadron arrive at the flightline to begin B-52H Stratofortress start-up procedures before taking off to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. U.S. Strategic Command BTF missions provide opportunities for U.S. Airmen to train and work with allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
A U.S. Airman assigned to the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepares to launch a 23rd Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress to participate in Bomber Task Force 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of U.S. and allied 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 Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
Aircrew with the 23rd Bomb Squadron arrive at the flightline to begin B-52H Stratofortress start-up procedures before taking off to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. These BTF missions are representative of the U.S. extended deterrent commitment to allies and partners and enhance regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron is prepared for launch before flying to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. BTF operations are U.S. Strategic Command’s means of conducting Dynamic Force Employment in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron takes off from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Moron Air Base, Spain. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency, and validate the U.S. Air Force’s always-ready global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
A U.S. Airman assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron (BS) boards a 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress before flying to Moron Air Base, Spain, where the 23rd BS will participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. BTF operations are U.S. Strategic Command’s means of conducting Dynamic Force Employment in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)
Crew chiefs assigned to the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron run toward a 23rd Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress to remove the chocks and launch the aircraft to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. The U.S. maintains a strong, credible strategic bomber force that enhances the security and stability of allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

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