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U.S. bombers complete latest European Bomber Task Force deployment
A B-52H Stratofortress from the 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., takes off from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, as part of Bomber Task Force Deployment 24-4, July 27, 2024. BTF 24-4 is a demonstration of cooperation, collaboration, interoperability, and solidarity to promote peace and security. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Seth Watson)
Photo by: Senior Airman Seth Watson
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany-- Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft completed a first-ever deployment to Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, by returning to their home-station at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, July 27, 2024.
During the deployment, Bomber Task Force Europe 24-4, the B-52s conducted operations in conjunction with aircraft from the air forces of Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Romania. The missions marked the first time that U.S. B-52s landed in Romania.
“Our historic deployment underscores the strength and resilience of the U.S.-Romania alliance and our shared commitment to regional security and NATO’s collective defense,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jared Patterson, a B-52 pilot and 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander.
During this deployment, U.S. Airmen and aircraft integrated with NATO Allies to synchronize capabilities and assure security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The BTF highlighted the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and Romania, and their shared commitment to maintaining freedom of movement and freedom of navigation across the region.
“We are showing the proof of interoperability and that together, we are stronger,” said Romanian Air Force Commander Cosmin Macsim, deputy commander of Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, which is known locally as “MK.”
BTF 24-4 is a part of Large-Scale Global Exercise 2024, an umbrella term that incorporates dozens of separate exercises and military activities, under multiple combatant commands. This enables the U.S. joint force to train with Allies and partners and improve shared understanding, trust, and interoperability on security challenges across the globe.
“This latest BTF further demonstrates that the U.S. Air Force is ready, postured, and well prepared to integrate with our Romanian allies, as well as our Allies and partners across the NATO alliance, to deter threats and respond to any threat at any time,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Derbenwick, U.S. defense attaché to Romania.
For more information, please contact the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs office at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or, after hours, at usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.
