BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- B-52 Stratofortresses from the 2nd Bomb Wing, along with other U.S. and nine partner nations’ military forces, participated in the annual AFRICAN LION training exercise, April 17-27, 2018 in Morocco and Tunisia. The AFRICAN LION exercise is designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nations’ tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating the strong bond between the nations’ militaries. The Department of Defense believes these bonds are key to shaping the future security environment.
During the exercise, the B-52s flew in formation with Moroccan F-16 Fighting Falcons. By flying and training together, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to the security and stability of the region.
AFRICAN LION also allowed the U.S. military to improve its own interoperability. Barksdale’s B-52s were part of a group of units from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and the Utah, Colorado and Georgia Air National Guards as well as the Utah Army National Guard. This exercise provided an opportunity for the different services to work together in preparation to respond to future crisis’ around the world.