The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts the primary mission of Barksdale

Air Force Base, La., with three squadrons of B-52H Stratofortress bombers - the 11th Bomb Squadron, which is the training

squadron, the 20th Bomb Squadron and the 96th Bomb Squadron.

Together they ensure the 2nd Bomb Wing provides flexible, responsive, global combat capability, autonomously or in concert with other forces, and trains all

Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Reserve B-52 crews.

The Deuce provides our nation with strategic deterrence capabilities and devastating global combat air power-- anytime, anywhere.

Senior Airman Justin Whitehead, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Capt. Joshua Benard, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, and Capt. Stephen O’Donnell, 20th Bomb Squadron electron warfare navigator, prepare to load a drag chute into a B-52H Stratofortress after landing at Chennault International Airport, La., during exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. This exercise was conducted with a focus on the safe and secure handling of assets and capabilities that comprise the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

Apr 17 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

SrA Nicole Ledbetter

Senior Airman Justin Whitehead, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Capt. Joshua Benard, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, and Capt. Stephen O’Donnell, 20th Bomb Squadron electron warfare navigator, prepare to load a drag chute into a B-52H Stratofortress after landing at Chennault International Airport, La., during exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. This exercise was conducted with a focus on the safe and secure handling of assets and capabilities that comprise the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

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 Senior Airman Justin Whitehead, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Capt. Joshua Benard, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, and Capt. Stephen O’Donnell, 20th Bomb Squadron electron warfare navigator, line up stairs to a B-52H Stratofortress as they prepare to load a drag chute at Chennault International Airport, La., April 12, 2024. This was part of exercise Bayou Vigilance, which is held to enhance safety, security, and reliability of the bomber leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

Apr 17 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

SrA Nicole Ledbetter

Senior Airman Justin Whitehead, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Capt. Joshua Benard, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, and Capt. Stephen O’Donnell, 20th Bomb Squadron electron warfare navigator, line up stairs to a B-52H Stratofortress as they prepare to load a drag chute at Chennault International Airport, La., April 12, 2024. This was part of exercise Bayou Vigilance, which is held to enhance safety, security, and reliability of the bomber leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

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 A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. taxis at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. Exercise Bayou Vigilance is held to assure our Allies and partners that we are ready to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere, to deter, and if necessary, respond to a strategic attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

Apr 17 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

SrA Nicole Ledbetter

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. taxis at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. Exercise Bayou Vigilance is held to assure our Allies and partners that we are ready to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere, to deter, and if necessary, respond to a strategic attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

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 A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. lands at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. Exercises like this enable aircrew to maintain high readiness and proficiency while validating the always-ready, global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

Apr 17 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

SrA Nicole Ledbetter

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. lands at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. Exercises like this enable aircrew to maintain high readiness and proficiency while validating the always-ready, global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

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 Joseph Henson, a lineman with Million Air, marshals a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024.

Apr 15 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

SrA Nicole Ledbetter

Joseph Henson, a lineman with Million Air, marshals a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. This exercise allowed aircrew to test their readiness operations and training by working with local partners at an unfamiliar airfield. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter)

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 B-52H Stratofortresses receive maintenance during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 3, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

Apr 15 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

Airman 1st Class Laiken King

B-52H Stratofortresses receive maintenance during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 3, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The Vigilance series exercises promote resilience, innovation, competitiveness and process improvement, all talents required to address today’s complex challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Laiken King)

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 Senior Airman T’Shya June, a 2nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, hands an assigned training weapon to Capt. Coleton Helter, 69th Bomb Squadron weapons system officer during exercise Bayou Vigilance April 11, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

Apr 15 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

Airman Rhea Beil

Senior Airman T’Shya June, a 2nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, hands an assigned training weapon to Capt. Coleton Helter, 69th Bomb Squadron weapons system officer during exercise Bayou Vigilance April 11, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Helter is one of many Minot Airmen that traveled to Barksdale AFB to support the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rhea Beil)

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 A B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing awaits takeoff during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 8, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

Apr 15 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

Airman 1st Class Laiken King

A B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing awaits takeoff during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 8, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The Vigilance series enhances safety, security, and reliability of the bomber leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Laiken King)

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 Airman 1st Class Coen Rader, aerospace propulsion apprentice at the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, performs pre-flight maintenance on a B-52H Stratofortress during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 3, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

Apr 15 2024

Barksdale conducts exercise Bayou Vigilance

Airman 1st Class Laiken King

Airman 1st Class Coen Rader, aerospace propulsion apprentice at the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, performs pre-flight maintenance on a B-52H Stratofortress during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 3, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Exercises like these continually develop Airmen and aircrew, improving capabilities and increasing mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Laiken King)

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 B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, are prepped to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024.

Apr 05 2024

B-52s return home from Diego Garcia during Bomber Task Force deployment

Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke

B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, are prepped to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024. The U.S. routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to our Allies and partners through the global employment of our military forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke)

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 Airmen from the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024

Apr 05 2024

B-52s return home from Diego Garcia during Bomber Task Force deployment

Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke

Airmen from the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and validate our always-ready global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke)

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 Airman 1st Class Jack Turner-Perkins, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, works on a A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, March 23, 2024. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and validate our always-ready global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke)

Mar 30 2024

240323-F-VY794-7971

Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke

Airman 1st Class Jack Turner-Perkins, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, works on a A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, March 23, 2024. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and validate our always-ready global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke)

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Senior Airman Justin Whitehead, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Capt. Joshua Benard, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, and Capt. Stephen O’Donnell, 20th Bomb Squadron electron warfare navigator, prepare to load a drag chute into a B-52H Stratofortress after landing at Chennault International Airport, La., during exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. This exercise was conducted with a focus on the safe and secure handling of assets and capabilities that comprise the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter) Senior Airman Justin Whitehead, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Capt. Joshua Benard, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, and Capt. Stephen O’Donnell, 20th Bomb Squadron electron warfare navigator, line up stairs to a B-52H Stratofortress as they prepare to load a drag chute at Chennault International Airport, La., April 12, 2024. This was part of exercise Bayou Vigilance, which is held to enhance safety, security, and reliability of the bomber leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter) A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. taxis at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. Exercise Bayou Vigilance is held to assure our Allies and partners that we are ready to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere, to deter, and if necessary, respond to a strategic attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter) A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. lands at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. Exercises like this enable aircrew to maintain high readiness and proficiency while validating the always-ready, global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter) Joseph Henson, a lineman with Million Air, marshals a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. at Chennault International Airport, La., as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance April 12, 2024. B-52H Stratofortresses receive maintenance during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 3, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Senior Airman T’Shya June, a 2nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, hands an assigned training weapon to Capt. Coleton Helter, 69th Bomb Squadron weapons system officer during exercise Bayou Vigilance April 11, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. A B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing awaits takeoff during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 8, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Airman 1st Class Coen Rader, aerospace propulsion apprentice at the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, performs pre-flight maintenance on a B-52H Stratofortress during exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 3, 2024 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, are prepped to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024. Airmen from the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024 Airman 1st Class Jack Turner-Perkins, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, works on a A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, March 23, 2024. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and validate our always-ready global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke)

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