B-52s conduct global strike deployment through CENTCOM theater

Published Feb. 4, 2009

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- As part of a Global Power training mission, a pair of United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., 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 AFB, Guam, and then back home.

While transiting the U.S. Central Command area of operations, the aircraft 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.

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 a long range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber 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.

Air Combat Command's mission is to project airpower across the globe. ACC operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management and electronic-combat aircraft. It also provides command, control, communications and intelligence systems in support of the U.S. national security strategy.

As the bomber warfighting headquarters for ACC, Eighth Air Force, headquartered at Barksdale, employs decisive global air power for Joint Forces and Strategic Commands as well as combatant commanders in support of their theater deterrence missions.