AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Since April 2021, six B-52H Stratofortress aircraft and approximately 300 personnel assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing were deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, supporting U.S. Central Command mission requirements.
The aircraft and personnel flew over 3,100 combat-flight hours over the course of 240 combat sorties while attached to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which is the largest expeditionary wing in the world.
“I’m grateful for the tireless efforts displayed by the men and women of the 5th Bomb Wing during their recent time here with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing,” said Col. Erik Johnson, 379 Expeditionary operations group commander. “They executed a high-demand, high-intensity mission with singular focus and professionalism that provided critical deterrence during a time of unprecedented challenge.”
One of the top priorities for the B-52 crews supporting USCENTCOM was flying top cover for U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan supporting the Department of State-led evacuation of U.S. citizens and Afghan evacuees.
During the deployment, the B-52 crews provided on-call firepower support to urgent aeromedical evacuation operations and to the final U.S. forces departing Afghanistan.
Aircrews and supporting ground personnel enabled over 16 hours of close-air support with more than 20 engagements in support of ground-force objectives, flying a max-duration sortie lasting over 22 hours.
“While airborne, they enabled over 124,000 people to evacuate from Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Michael Middents, 23rd Bomb Squadron commander. “Once again, the B-52 proved itself one of the U.S. Air Force’s most versatile and reliable weapons systems. Our crews regularly stepped out of their traditional roles to enable the joint mission.”
The B-52s deployed to Diego Garcia in late 2001 to first support OEF ground missions, which commenced in October 2001.
According to Air Force historical records, air support provided by the B-52s in November 2001 enabled U.S. backed Northern Alliance forces to capture Kabul, as well as securing the small air field which would grow into Bagram Air Base.
During 2002, the 5th Bomb Wing supported three deployments, providing an enduring bomber presence during Operation Anaconda.
With B-52s supporting the beginning of OEF ground operations and the U.S. drawdown and evacuation of Kabul, the B-52 bookended the operations in Afghanistan, demonstrating what it means to provide combat support, anytime, anywhere.