Stratofortress Buccaneers, a first for RomaniaOn 21 July 2024, USAF Global Strike Command deployed forward two B-52H Stratofortress bombers for the first time to Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, adjacent near Constanța International Airport (Romania) for Bomber Task Force (BTF) 24-4.
The two LA-coded Stratofortresses, 60-0024 Posse and 60-0054 Mud Buff, assigned to the 20th Bomb Squadron Buccaneers, part of the 2nd Bomb Wing, based at Barksdale AFB (LA), arrived at Romania's strategically located Mihail Kogălniceanu after being intercepted by two Russian jet aircraft over the Barents Sea. Flying in international airspace, the Stratofortress bombers did not change course while being intercepted and continued along their scheduled flight plan to Romania without incidents.
On 26 July 2024, at least one Stratofortress (60-0054) returned back home to Barksdale. While being deployed to Romania, the B-52Hs have operated as the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and integrated with NATO allies and other international partners to synchronise capabilities and assure security commitments across the US European Command (USEUCOM) area of responsibility.Credit photo: USAF