The US Air Force’s (USAF) B-52 Stratofortress that are assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base have completed a 16-hour, non-stop mission to Colombia.
During the mission, the B-52 joined with aircraft from the Colombian Air Force in order to practice common aerial tactics and procedures.
These developments are prior to a flyover demonstration at the Feria Aeronautica Internacional Rionegro (F-AIR) Colombia 2015 International Air Show.
US strategic Command commander admiral Cecil Haney said: "USSTRATCOM aircraft regularly conduct training with and in support of the Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs), our Allies and regional partners around the world.
"The aircraft’s participation in this airshow and the training conducted alongside our Colombian partners allow our strategic aircrews to maintain a high state of readiness and crew proficiency."
Earlier, a B-52 participated in USSOUTHCOM’s annual Exercise Panamax in August 2014, while the US also participated at the F-AIR Colombia International Air Show in 2006 and 2008, with a B-52 in 2006 and a B-1B Lancer, respectively.
Recently, the USAF’s B-52 Stratofortress that are assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, completed a round-trip mission to Australia.
This 44-hour non-stop mission displayed the capacity of the US to project its flexible, long-range global strike capability.
The mission is coordinated with the Australian Department of Defence. It allowed the USAF bombers to offer number of opportunities to synchronise strategic activities and capabilities with its ally.
Image: A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flight line at Minot Air Force Base, ND. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force photo / Senior Airman Stephanie Morris.
