Trio of Minot's Barons fly to Europe
The past days saw three 23rd Bomb Squadron "Barons" Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bombers arriving at RAF Fairford (UK) for another Bomber Task Force (BTF) deployment.
It was stated that the long-planned BTF Europe 25-2 will consist of Stratofortress aircraft, support and personnel from the 23rd Bomb Squadron, part of the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot AFB (ND).
On 11 February 2025, while enroute to RAF Fairford, two B-52Hs integrated with British Typhoon GR-4 aircraft and Portuguese F-16A Fighting Falcons. The latter are currently assigned to NATO’s Icelandic Air Policing mission.
The Stratofortresses also integrated with British Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) to conduct bilateral Close Air Support (CAS) training. The mission was focused on enhancing readiness and interoperability for the JTACs responsible for coordinating airstrikes to support ground forces.
On 13 February 2025, a third B-52H arrived at Fairford after having carried out a mission over Sweden. At this moment, it is unknown to Scramble if Air Force Global Strike Command has planned that more Stratofortress aircraft will be deployed to Europe.
The following MT coded Stratofortress bombers are now deployed to Fairford and making up the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron; 60-0007, named "Guardians Of The Upper Realm", 60-0023 as 23BS flagship, named "Bomber Barons" and 60-0044, named "Excalibur". Edit: On 15 February 2025, 60-0037 arrived at Fairford.
During recent years, Minot's Barons have been deployed more often oversees like Middle East, Operation Pacific Iron and Indonesia.
Credit photos: USAF