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Statement

Statement | Jan. 17, 2021

Aircrews Conduct 2nd “Presence Patrol” of 2021 in Middle East

CENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla.  –  

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing departs after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 17, 2021. BTF missions or deployments showcase the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly and effectively support missions around the globe and seamlessly integrate into operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaron Larue Guerrisky)
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing departs after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 17, 2021. BTF missions or deployments showcase the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly and effectively support missions around the globe and seamlessly integrate into operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaron Larue Guerrisky)
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing departs after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 17, 2021. BTF missions or deployments showcase the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly and effectively support missions around the globe and seamlessly integrate into operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaron Larue Guerrisky)
Aircrews Conduct 2nd “Presence Patrol” of 2021 in Middle East
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing departs after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 17, 2021. BTF missions or deployments showcase the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly and effectively support missions around the globe and seamlessly integrate into operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaron Larue Guerrisky)
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Photo By: Senior Airman Aaron Larue Guerrisky
VIRIN: 210117-F-HJ760-1266
U.S. Air Force B-52H "Stratofortress" aircrews successfully completed a presence patrol in the Middle East today, marking the second such mission of 2021.

Bomber Task Force missions are observable ways to demonstrate the U.S. military's continuing commitment to regional security, said U.S. Central Command’s commander.

"‘Short-term deployments of strategic assets are an important part of our defensive posture in the region," said Gen. Frank McKenzie. "The training opportunity and continued integration with regional partners improves readiness and delivers a clear and consistent message in the operational environment to both friends and potential adversaries, alike."

This is the fifth Bomber Task Force mission into the Middle East in the last few months.