Latest news with #B-52Stratofortress
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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
After Diego Garcia, US deploys warplanes in Guam to beef up Indo-Pacific presence
After Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the United States has deployed heavy, nuclear-capable bombers in Guam to beef up the military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. read more A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on April 14, 2023. (Representative Photo, Credit: US Air Force) In what appears to be part of a gradual build-up in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has now deployed bombers in Guam after deploying more warplanes in Diego Garcia earlier this month. The deployment in Guam comes after the United States deployed B-1B bombers for the first time in Japan last month. While Guam in the western Pacific Ocean is part of the 'second island chain' strategy of the United States to contain China, Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean is critical to operations in Central Command, Africa Command, and European Command. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US beefs up Inco-Pacific presence with bombers in Guam The US Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates B-52H Stratofortress long-range, heavy bombers, appears to have deployed an unspecified number of aircraft in Guam. A video cited by Newsweek shows the unit's bombers undergoing maintenance and post-flight inspections at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on May 22. The B-52H bombers have a stated range of 8,800 miles and can carry up to 70,000 pounds of payload. They are also capable of carrying nuclear warheads. These aircraft are said to have 'worldwide precision navigation capability' and have a top speed of 650 miles per hour. The news of B-52H's deployment in Guam comes after the United States increased the strength at the Diego Garcia base in the wake of ongoing tense nuclear negotiations with Iran. In March, The War Zone reported that six B-2 bombers were deployed in Diego Garcia and the total number at one point reached 10 — an unusually large number in what was deemed as power projection amid rising international tensions. Even as the B-2s left Diego Garcia, the United States increased the deployment of F-15 fighter planes at the base, according to TWZ. In two tranches, TWZ has reported that the United States has deployed six F-15s in Diego Garcia to provide protection to the base and bombers stationed there. Since the October 7 attack, the base has been used to strike Yemen-based Houthis who have terrorised the Red Sea.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Air Force Calls For Latvians To Photograph B-52 During Friday Flyover
A B-52 Stratofortress will bly over Riga, Latvia, on Friday. (Photo by Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP) ... More (Photo by ROBERT ATANASOVSKI/AFP via Getty Images) The United States Air Force will deploy at least one Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber to Latvia on Friday, where the aircraft will conduct a flyover of the capital city of Riga. U.S. Air Force Europe-Air Force Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) took to social media on Thursday. It encouraged residents to photograph the long-range strategic bomber as it passes over the Monument of Freedom. "[The] B-52H Stratofortress is scheduled to conduct a flyover in Riga, Latvia, above the Monument of Freedom and Lielvārde Air Base on 16 May at approximately 12:00 p.m. local as part of the Bomber Task Force Europe mission set, demonstrating the United States' commitment to security in the Baltic region and across NATO's eastern flank," USAFE-AFAFRICA said in a media statement. In a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, USAFE-AFAFRICA further announced the "Photo Contest" and called for those in Riga to "Capture the multinational flyover & submit your photo for a chance to be featured. Take a photo of the B-52 & Allied aircraft during the flyover. Post it on Instagram or Facebook with #RigaFlyer & tag: @usafe_afafrica @HQUSAFE.' The winner will get "a spotlight feature" on the USAFE-AFAFRICA social media feeds. The U.S. Air Force does not typically give advanced notice about Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions; instead, deployments are announced after the aircraft begin to arrive in the region. The most recent BTF 25-2 mission, the second of the service's fiscal year, was carried out from the middle of February to early April and saw at least four B-52s sent to Europe. In this case, USAFE-AFAFRICA employed a social media campaign to alert allies, partners, and potential adversaries of the BTF mission. "The U.S. Air Force is mostly giving the Russians advanced notice they are coming. The Latvians are invited to watch," explained technology industry analyst Roger Entner of Recon Analytics. "It is a way to lean into the social media era," added Dr. Matthew Schmidt, associate professor of national security and political science at the University of New Haven. "It is much like the Air Force equivalent of driving a carrier task force through the Taiwan Strait. It's a presence patrol. They want to be seen. They want it all over in the civilian world because it encourages a sense that the U.S. is there defending its allies." What is also notable about this potential BTF mission is that it isn't just about the fact that the Cold War-era bomber will fly over a former Soviet Republic, but also about the fact that the Air Force is encouraging photos to be taken and shared on Instagram and Facebook. The service routinely releases official images of BTF missions and other deployments of its aircraft, while unofficial photos quickly make the rounds on social media. In this case, USAFE-AFAFRICA may hope that B-52 is a trending topic on Friday. "What's remarkable here isn't just the military maneuver itself, but the way the U.S. is turning a high-level defense operation into a social media moment," said global brand marketing strategist Angeli Gianchandani, adjunct instructor of marketing and public relations. "Encouraging public sharing turns a military signal into a viral one—blurring the lines between defense strategy and public engagement," added Gianchandani, who earned her master's degree at Tuft University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy under Admiral James Stavridis. She said this is a textbook example of leveraging soft power, an essential skill in modern diplomacy. "It also reflects the value of strategic transparency as deterrence—keeping things above board, controlling the narrative early, and signaling resolve without crossing into aggression," Gianchandani continued. "By inviting civilians to participate, the U.S. transforms a traditional show-of-force into a public display of alliance solidarity." Friday's planned flight follows the low-pass flyover of Stockholm, Sweden, of two B-52H bombers to observe the first anniversary of the Nordic nation's accession to NATO, while Estonia's Independence Day was also marked with a flyover that included an American B-52, escorted by a Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet and Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II. The upcoming flight promises to be more of the same, notably flying over the monument that was installed to honor the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920). "It projects power in an open and welcoming way, positioning this mission as reassurance, not provocation, and sending a clear message that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Latvia and NATO—in full view of the world," said Gianchandani. "Where we see so much chaos, this move feels unexpected and super smart—turning a routine flyover into a master class in public diplomacy."
Local Norway
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Local Norway
Why an American bomber plane flew over central Oslo on Friday
The American bomber flew at a flow altitude with its Norwegian escort over Akershus Fortress in central Oslo just after mid-day. During the flyover, the B-52 Stratofortress and F-35s were visible over large parts of the city. Friday's flyover was part of a planned exercise involving US and Norwegian forces. 'The United States is our largest and most important ally, so it is important that they come here and train with us. The fact that the Americans are coming to Norway to train with the Norwegian Armed Forces is an important signal of American commitment to European and Norwegian security,' Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik said in an press release. Norway's armed forces said that the United States sends its Bomber Task Force to the Nordic countries a few times a year to ensure good cooperation. Colonel David Herndon of the US Air Force said that such exercises were good for preparedness. 'It also demonstrates our shared ability to quickly demonstrate decisive combat power,' he said.
Daily Tribune
22-02-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
U.S. B-52 Bombers Conduct Strategic Missions Over Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base have returned to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, conducting multiple missions over the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea without landing. The operation is part of U.S. Strategic Command's ongoing Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission series. The BTF missions are designed to project long-range strike capabilities through the Air Force Global Strike Command's bomber fleet, which includes the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress. These missions provide a visible deterrence presence while reinforcing U.S. military readiness in key regions. In addition to deterrence, these bombers have played a crucial role in U.S. strike operations against Iranian-affiliated militia groups over the past year. Notably, the U.S. deployed B-1B bombers to conduct strikes on 85 targets in Syria and Iraq following the deaths of three American soldiers at Tower 22. The first B-2 stealth bomber strikes against Houthi-controlled facilities in Yemen took place in October 2024, while a non-routine 45-day deployment of B-52s in late 2024 supported various operational and training missions across the region. Bomber Task Force missions highlight the U.S. military's capability to rapidly deploy combat power worldwide and integrate operations with Coalition and regional partner forces. These strategic missions reinforce U.S. Central Command's commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rome's B-52 bomber to be restored to its former glory; Oneida County allocating $150,000 for repairs
ROME, N.Y. (WSYR) — Destructive winds from last summer's tornado were strong enough to damage and displace Rome's historic B-52 bomber from its concrete pedestal. Oneida County has now decided to allocate $150,000 for the iconic aircraft's restoration. Sick kids experience Super Bowl via innovative tech McConnell slips and falls outside Senate Chamber Oneida County Sheriff's warn of IRS text scam Pam Bondi sworn in as U.S. attorney general Same charter school where custodian was found dead is issued new code violations for another accusation of alarm tampering The B-52 Stratofortress flew operations during Operation Desert Storm. After last July's storm, the symbol of Rome and Griffiss Air Base was left damaged. 'One of the things it also did was move an important landmark in this community…the B-52 that has been on display since 1991 after it was decommissioned…was moved,' Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said. Now the bomber, known as Mohawk Valley, is ready to be restored to its former glory. 'They're getting the fixtures all welded in…preparing to hook it up to the gantry crane to move,' Mike Grogan, chairman of the B-52 restoration committee, said. Mohawk Valley weighs approximately 170,000 pounds and will be returned to its rightful spot next Tuesday, Feb. 11, a testimony to Rome's strength. Rome resident Cynthia Rogers-Witt said she is excited to see a piece of Rome's history be restored. Her parents met back in the 1950s while her father was stationed in the city and she feels the bomber is a symbol of strength for all local veterans. 'It's a testament to their bravery, their loyalty, and that they were here,' Rogers-Witt said. Extra repair work on Mohawk Valley will take place in the coming months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
