2d Bomb Wing conducts Global Power mission

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  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Last week Airmen from the 2d Operations Groups flew two B-52 Stratofortress bombers beginning a vital Global Power training mission.

The Airmen flew nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, over the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East region en route to a base in the Indian Ocean. From there they will head to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and then back home.

"We fly these sorties to hone our long endurance combat skill set which emphasizes our strategic, operational and weapons expertise," said Col. Robert Wheeler, 2d Bomb Wing commander. "This sends a clear message that we can hold any target at risk throughout the globe. Our demonstration of our capability is a critical part of the deterrence equation."

The wing is supporting 8th Air Force whose mission is to employ decisive global air power for Joint Forces and Strategic Commands as well as combatant commanders in support of their theater deterrence missions.

While transiting through the U.S. Central Command area of operations, the Barksdale Airmen practiced command and control coordination and various crew scenarios.

Operation Coronet Dragon tests the ability of the Air Force's bomber fleet to launch from stateside bases, fly nonstop through multiple geographic theaters, conduct precision strikes on enemy targets and safely recover at various locations around the world.
"We can deploy at a moment's notice," Colonel Wheeler said. "Essentially, we are an aircraft carrier that never has to come to port, 24/7, 365 days a year. We fight from forward operating locations or we fight directly from Barksdale AFB and we hold every point on the globe at risk. That is our job."

The duration of the initial leg of the worldwide deployment is approximately 25 hours, although B-52s can reach similar destinations in less time. Aircrews conducted multiple refueling missions along the way and practiced simulated weapons launches during each portion of their journey.

The simulated strike profiles demonstrate the ability to hit targets anywhere in the world with aircraft launched from the continental United States. No live or inert weapons are being carried on either aircraft.

The B-52 is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with accurate worldwide navigation capability.

(Editor's Note: Initial story courtesy of U.S. Central Command Public Affairs)