Bomber Task Force Vanguard Osprey completes successful mission with Partners

Jun 11 2021

RAMSTEIN, GERMANY – US B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana flew over the Baltic Sea from June 7 – 9, successfully completing their mission through the Baltic Sea region with Allies and Partner Sweden.

This BTF's objective was to demonstrate Allied and Partner capabilities while simultaneously increasing interoperability. The BTF launched from Moron Air Base, Spain and stretched throughout the Baltics, connecting to Swedish air space. Allied fighters from Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Poland joined along the way to escort the bombers.

Multi-domain and cross-component integration is critical to ensuring we can always live up to the highest standard of support

"The safety and security of our Baltic and Nordic Allies is an enduring priority for our force," said General Jeff Harrigian, Commander Allied Air Command. "This week's multi-domain and cross-component integration is critical to ensuring we can always live up to the highest standard of support," he shared.

While over the Baltic Sea, the bombers integrated with the multi-domain and multi-national exercise BALTOPS, furthering Alliance interoperability and strategic relationships.

"These BTF missions are vital to the interoperability between Alliance members and Partners," underlined Brigadier General Andrew Hansen, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Allied Air Command. "Each time we plan and execute these types of missions, we demonstrate the Alliance is willing and capable of providing security in the Baltic Sea Region."

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft operating out of Morón Air Base, Spain, integrates with three Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft off the coast of Sweden during a Bomber Task Force Europe mission, June 9, 2021. Given the inherent speed, flexibility, and range of strategic bombers, Bomber Task Force missions highlight U.S. capabilities to work closely with allies and partners to any potential adversary. (Courtesy of Swedish air force)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft is escorted by two Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft during a Bomber Task Force Europe mission in the Baltic airspace, June 9, 2021. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (Courtesy of Swedish air force)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft is escorted by two Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft during a Bomber Task Force Europe mission in the Baltic airspace, June 9, 2021. The ability to quickly respond and assure allies and partners rests upon the fact that U.S. forces are here, in Europe, forward and ready. (Courtesy of Swedish air force)