American bombers and Italian jets ‘bomb’ Latvia

Posted: 18th November 2024

A coordinated show of strength unfolded over Lithuania as U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers integrated with NATO forces during Bomber Task Force 25-1, exercise Vanguard Merlin.

The live fire range training took place at Cudgel Range, Lithuania, from November 14-15, 2024, highlighting NATO’s unity and readiness to meet complex security challenges.

The exercise featured a U.S. B-52 Stratofortress working alongside an Italian Eurofighter Typhoon in air-to-ground range training. The operation was supported by Lithuanian, Czech, Swedish, and Norwegian joint terminal attack controllers, with an enhanced deployed team from Norway further solidifying NATO’s commitment to collective defence.

Lt. Col. Inga “NATO” Wuerges of the U.S. Air Force, a tanker planner with the 603rd Air Operations Center and a key figure in organising the exercise, emphasised the importance of these multinational drills:

“BTF comes to the European theater a few times during the fiscal year, which gives our Allies and partners invaluable training opportunities. When we do live drops in ranges throughout NATO, all Allies and partners get the chance to enhance readiness capabilities to operate in a more diverse and challenging environment.”

The live fire exercises allowed participating nations to refine operational skills and enhance interoperability, ensuring NATO remains a cohesive and adaptable alliance, say the Alliance. This mission also provided aircrew with opportunities to familiarise themselves with operations in Lithuania and coalition forces on the ground, strengthening collective combat readiness.

Highlighting NATO’s strategic presence, Lt. Col. Wuerges shared her personal journey during an appearance on Lithuanian television. Born in Lithuania during the country’s fight for independence, Wuerges later joined the U.S. Air Force, inspired by her upbringing and the universal pursuit of freedom. Reflecting on her role, she remarked:

“I grew up in Lithuania during the times of its struggle for independence. I think that it uncovered my calling to serve and because I was in the United States it was acceptable for me to serve in the Air Force, in a sense that we all have to fight for our freedom.”

Exercise Vanguard Merlin is one of several Bomber Task Force missions that reaffirm NATO’s readiness to address diverse and evolving security challenges, demonstrating the alliance’s commitment to maintaining stability in the region.

UK Defence Journal