A B-52 Stratofortress bomber dropped weapons on a range in Lithuania on Nov. 15 in an unusual live fire display, a U.S. defense official told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
The B-52, which is assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, was participating in a NATO exercise dubbed Vanguard Merlin.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe said in a news release that the B-52 “performed air-to-ground range training” with an Italian Eurofighter Typhoon on Nov. 14-15 Lithuanian, Czech, Swedish, and Norwegian joint terminal attack controllers also participated in the exercise.
“This mission allowed aircrew to familiarize themselves with the operations in Lithuania and the coalition forces on the ground, creating a combat-ready force that has depth in capability and breadth in capacity,” U.S. Air Forces in Europe said in a release.
A bomb detonates during the Bomber Task Force 25-1, exercise Vanguard Merlin at Cudgel Range, Lithuania, Nov. 15, 2024. BTF 25-1 is part of a long‐term multinational training plan to maintain readiness and interoperability between NATO Allies and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Vaughn Weber)
A bomb detonates during the Bomber Task Force 25-1, exercise Vanguard Merlin at Cudgel Range, Lithuania, Nov. 15, 2024. BTF 25-1 is part of a long‐term multinational training plan to maintain readiness and interoperability between NATO Allies and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Essence Myricks)
A NATO patch is displayed on the uniform of a Czech Joint Terminal Attack Controller during exercise Vanguard Merlin at Cudgel Range, Lithuania, Nov. 15, 2024. Bomber Task Force missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency and validate our always-ready, global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Essence Myricks)
A Lithuanian Joint Terminal Attack Controller coordinates on the radio during exercise Vanguard Merlin at Cudgel Range, Lithuania, Nov. 15, 2024. Bomber Task Force 25-1 is a demonstration of collaboration, cooperation, integration and solidarity to promote peace and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Vaughn Weber)
Lithuanian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers practice tactical operations during exercise Vanguard Merlin at Cudgel Range, Lithuania, Nov. 15, 2024. Integrated operations with Allies and partners are critical to the Alliance’s ability to reinforce an extended network of like minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Essence Myricks)
GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions are secured in the bomb bay of a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1, at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 13, 2024. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our 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 Mary Bowers)
A GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition is prepared to be secured in the bomb bay of a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1, at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 13, 2024. Through our strategic bomber missions, the U.S. demonstrates its ability to address the evolving and unpredictable security challenges of today’s global landscape. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)
Senior Airman Devin Barrientos, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons load crew member, loads a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition 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’ readiness across every domain plays a key role in strengthening alliances, providing deterrence, responding to crises, and ensuring the security of our Allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)
Senior Airman Devin Barrientos, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons load crew member, loads a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition into the bomb bay of a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1, at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 13, 2024. 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 Senior Airman Mary Bowers)
Senior Airman Devin Barrientos, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons load crew member, prepares to load a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition onto a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1, at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 13, 2024. 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 Senior Airman Mary Bowers)
Senior Airman Zachary Dawson and Devin Barrientos, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons load crew members, prepare to load a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition onto a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1, at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 13, 2024. The operational readiness of U.S. forces across all domains is critical to building partnerships, responding to crises, providing deterrence, and supporting our Allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)
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)
A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 13, 2024. The B-52H Stratofortress will be employed during Bomber Task Force 25-1 as aircrews integrate with NATO Allies to reinforce the strength and commitment of the Alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)
The munitions were dropped at Cudgel Range in Lithuania, a Baltic nation that was formerly part of the Soviet Union but which has been a NATO member since 2004.
The bombs for the B-52 were assembled and loaded by Airmen from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and 420th Munitions Squadron at RAF Fairford, U.K. Photos and video released by the Air Force indicate they included GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs).
The 420th Munitions Squadron maintains war reserve materiel at RAF Welford, which is the U.S. military’s second-largest munitions storage area in Europe and is located roughly 30 miles away from RAF Fairford.
Ten B-52s are currently deployed to Europe and the Middle East, nearly 15 percent of the USAF’s entire B-52 fleet.
Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly off the wing of a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 25-1 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, Nov. 15, 2024. Joint and combined training operations underscore the United States’ dedication to maintaining a robust and ready Euro-Atlantic Alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is escorted by German Air Force and Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons above the Baltic Sea during Bomber Task Force 25-1, Nov. 15, 2024. The U.S. is dedicated to working alongside our NATO Allies and partners in the Baltic Sea area to ensure all parties have the combined skills and coordination capabilities necessary to maintain regional safety and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Cabanero)
A German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon escorts a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during Bomber Task Force Europe 25-1 over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, Nov. 15, 2024. Joint and multilateral exercises reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to collective defense and mutual security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly off the wing of a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 25-1 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, Nov. 15, 2024. Multinational exercises enhance interoperability with NATO forces, strengthening the collective ability to respond to global threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Henley, 20th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron pilot, sets radios in a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 25-1 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, Nov. 15, 2024. NATO Allies and partners stand together in support of a safe, stable, and secure Euro‐Atlantic region by increasing military capabilities, readiness, and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Kim, 20th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron pilot, left, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Henley, 20th EBS pilot, conduct a pre-flight inspection on a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th EBS at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 15, 2024.BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency, and validate our always-ready, global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Kim, 20th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron pilot, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th EBS at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 15, 2024. BTF operations allow U.S. Service members to focus on areas of operations to enable strategic access and integration with coalition forces in an effort to deter global conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Kim, 20th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron pilot, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th EBS at RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 15, 2024.Maintaining a capable U.S. presence in Europe strengthens U.S. national security by encouraging peace, unity, and cohesion between Europe’s individual nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary Marks, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron pilot, changes radio settings on a B-52H Stratofortress above the U.S. European Command area of operation during Bomber Task Force 25-1, Nov. 15, 2024. 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 Senior Airman Jacob Cabanero)
Four of those B-52s are forward deployed at RAF Fairford as part of a bomber task force mission and are normally based at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Some flew with Danish F-16s, German Eurofighter Typhoons, and Italian Typhoons on a mission over the Baltic Sea on Nov. 15. It is unclear if that was the same flight as the mission that flew over Lithuania in the NATO exercises.
The remaining six B-52s, which are from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., are at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. On Nov. 13, two B-52s flew over the Bahrain International Air Show, with a third displayed on the flight line, the first time B-52s have participated in that event.
Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft fly over the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) at Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain, Nov. 13, 2024. The airshow included a wide array of aircraft assets from across the U.S. Department of Defense to showcase coalition airpower and military interoperability to support the enduring vision of security and stability throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julian Atkins)
Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft fly over the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) at Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain, Nov. 13, 2024. The airshow opened the aerial demonstrations with the two B-52s in formation and this marked the first time the B-52 was a part of the BIAS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Philip Bryant)
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline during the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) at Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain, Nov. 13, 2024. This marked the first time the B-52 was a part of the BIAS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julian Atkins)
