The US Air Force’s (USAF) B-52 Stratofortress bombers have conducted a long-range exercise with the French Air Force.
The US Strategic Command (STRATCOM)-directed exercise was aimed at training and integrating with the French ally.
The bombers assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, participated in an aerial review over the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France.
The B-52s also participated in an aerial review near Paris to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Lafayette Escadrille.
US STRATCOM commander admiral Cecil D. Haney said: "This mission demonstrates the flexibility that defines the bomber leg of the triad by incorporating operational training with an important public commemoration of US support to our oldest ally.
"The integration of our strategic bomber force with the French air force is central to our shared commitment to promoting global security and stability in today’s complex and dynamic environment."
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By GlobalDataEarlier this month the USAF deployed B-52 Stratofortress based in Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to Qatar, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The B-52 bomber is a long-range, subsonic, strategic bomber designed to carry and fire both nuclear and conventional munitions for deterrence missions.
The aircraft entered service with the USAF in 1955, and is also operated by the US Navy for anti-surface and submarine warfare operations.
Image: A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber from Minot Air Force Base and a French air force Rafale fighter jet in flight. Photo: courtesy US Air Force.