Home  /  Newsroom  /  2023  /  Bomber Task Force begins with a flyover of Estonia

RAMSTEIN, Germany – Two B-52 aircraft assigned to 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota began their Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission by conducting a low approach flyby to help celebrate Estonia’s Independence Day February 24.

During their stay in Europe, the BTF will build on the Trans-Atlantic bond between the US and European Allies. The B-52s will fly alongside numerous Allied fighters across differing platforms furthering Allied cohesion and interoperability. The B-52s will be conducting their missions out of Moron, Spain.

We remain steadfastly committed to the freedom and sovereignty of Estonia and all our Baltic allies as we deter and defend against any threats to our shared security

“Today we celebrate with our friends from Estonia 105 years of independence. The United States and Estonia are close Allies and share a strong partnership based on a common commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We remain steadfastly committed to the freedom and sovereignty of Estonia and all our Baltic allies as we deter and defend against any threats to our shared security," said U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, Commander NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron is prepared for launch before flying to Moron Air Base, Spain, to participate in Bomber Task Force (BTF) 23-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 23, 2023. BTF operations are U.S. Strategic Command’s means of conducting Dynamic Force Employment in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency and validate the U.S. Air Force’s always-ready global strike capability.