Oct 26 2023

U.S. B-52 bomber supports NATO exercise Steadfast Noon in transatlantic mission

RAMSTEIN, Germany – One B-52 Stratofortress bomber from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana arrived in the European Theater to conduct a Continental United States (CONUS) to CONUS mission in support of NATO exercise Steadfast Noon October 24, 2023.

Exercise Steadfast Noon is a routine, annual NATO exercise designed to enhance interoperability, communication, and readiness among member States. The participation of the B-52 exemplifies the U.S. Air Force's crucial role in NATO's mission to safeguard global peace and security.

Aircrew members from the 20th Bomb Squadron receive a weather briefing before a B-52H flight on Oct. 23, 2023, at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. Each bomber mission is operated by five aircrew members working together to bring long-range precision strikes and a global presence to the fight. The crew is comprised of the pilot, co-pilot, electronic weapons systems officer, radar navigator, and navigator. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nia Jacobs

Aircrew members from the 20th Bomb Squadron prepare to fly a bomber mission in a B-52H Stratofortress on Oct. 23, 2023, at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. Bomber missions deter aggression by demonstrating U.S. Air Force ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nia Jacobs

Three B-52H Stratofortress’s take flight on Oct. 23, 2023, at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. Training missions like this show military presence and validate Global Strike capabilities. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nia Jacobs

A total of 13 Allied countries and 60 aircraft participated in Steadfast Noon, conducting training flights over international airspace in Europe. The exercise does not involve any live bombs; it helps to ensure the credibility, effectiveness and security of NATO’s nuclear deterrent mission.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office based on input provided by the United States Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa Public Affairs Office