B-52 bombers at RAF Fairford set to fly near Swindon

Posted: 23rd May 2024

22nd May 

B-52s have headed to a nearby airfield for a routine task force deployment, the United States Air Force has confirmed.  

Two B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing arrived at the Royal Air Force base in Fairford on Monday to take part in a routine task force deployment. 

While deployed, the two planes from the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota will operate as the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron under the banner of Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3 (BTF 24-3) 

Throughout the deployment, U.S. Air Force Airmen and aircraft will integrate with NATO Allies and other international partners to “synchronize capabilities and assure security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.”   

Two B-52s, call signs GROAT11 and GROAT12 arrived at Fairford on Monday evening.  

It is understood more B-52s from Minot Air Base will eventually join the unit as two more B-52s with the call signs PENCE21 and PENCE22 departed on Wednesday morning heading toward Fairford, although one has returned to base.  

A US Air Force spokesperson added: “The US routinely demonstrates its commitment to NATO Allies and partners through BTF missions. 

“Through these missions, U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa enables dynamic force employment in the European theatre, providing strategic predictability and assurance for allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.”