RAMSTEIN, Germany - German and United States (U.S.) Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) recently cooperated with U.S. B-52s, underlining a shared commitment to NATO's defensive capabilities and reinforcing Alliance cohesion.
Training together ensures the defensive power of NATO remains unmatched
On 21 March, JTACs based in Germany executed Close Air Support (CAS) training missions with the B-52s. Various Allied JTACs have had the opportunity to integrate with the B-52s during the current Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission. In early March, B-52s flew over central Europe to meet up with Romanian JTACs, providing crucial training for NATO Allies in the Black Sea region. On another integration opportunity, the B-52s supported a routine, pre-planned CAS training event at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 4.
Such examples of air-to-ground integration demonstrate the B-52s inherent speed, flexibility, and range as a strategic bomber.
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers support a routine, pre-planned Dynamic Targeting and Close Air Support training event at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Photo by Gertrud Zach U.S. Army
U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party Operators and German Joint Fires Observers pass target data to B-52H Stratofortress bombers during a Dynamic Targeting and Close Air Support training event at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Photo by Gertrud Zach U.S. Army
"BTF rotations give us a critical opportunity to integrate and train with our allies and partners, especially during this difficult time." said General Jeffrey Harrigian, Commander of Allied Air Command, in early March. "Training together ensures the defensive power of NATO remains unmatched."
B-52s from the U.S. 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, have been operating in Europe since early February. They have executed training missions with several NATO Allies since their arrival.
The B-52s are currently based out of RAF Fairford, England. U.S. bomber rotations in NATO territory reinforce the U.S. commitment to the Alliance and its collective sovereignty.
U.S. bomber rotations through Europe have been occurring since 2018, maintaining NATO's readiness and ability to execute a wide variety of missions.