On 29 May 2020,a Bomber Task Force mission was executed over Europe and the Black Sea Region.It was historic in that, for the first time ever,a BTF mission integrated B-1B Lancer strategic bombers with Ukrainian Su-27 Flankers,MiG-29 Fulcrums and Turkish KC-135 refueling tankers.*The long-range, long duration mission involved interoperability training in the Black Sea Region with theatre Allies and Partners, enhancing resilience and building enduring relationships to confront the broad range of global challenges the Alliance faces today.The mission provided a clear deterrence message to any adversary, according to US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa commander GEN Jeff Harrington:
The integration of our strategic bomber presence across Europe proves that the US, alongside our Ally or Partner,stands ready to deter, and if needed, can employ these capabilities together.*
Also integrating with the Lancers were Polish F-16s and MiG-29s, and Romanian F-16s and MiG-21s, providing bomber escort and combat patrol overwatch in the Black Sea Region,USAFE said.Refueling for the long haul flights by the B-1Bs, which flew all the way from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota,as well as the escort and patrol aircraft, was provided by KC-135s from RAF Mildenhall and Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.Other NATO refueling aircraft also participated.*
Finally, the B-1Bs integrated with Hellenic Air Force F-16s for an air policing mission over Skopje, North Macedonia.North Macedonia is NATO's newest member.*
Summing up, Supreme Allied Commander Europe GEN Tod Wolters,USAF, noted that:
These strategic missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge around the globe.*
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