A United States air force b-53H stratofortress strategic bomber flew over over the Volta Region in Ghana in support of international military exercise flintlock 2023.
The United States air force deployed its signature B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber over Ghana to support the international military exercise Flintlock 2023.
This mission exemplifies the US’s commitment to global security and its dedication to the African continent. The aircraft was the focal point of the exercise, providing a visible demonstration of American military might to the participating nations.
The deployment of the B-52H Stratofortress bomber underscored the US’s commitment to global security and its partnership with African nations.
The exercise provided a platform for African nations to practice multilateral operations and develop their own defense capabilities. It also showcased the US’s advanced weaponry, such as the B-52H Stratofortress, which has served as the backbone of US air power for several decades.
The success of Exercise Flintlock 2023 is testament to the US’s ongoing efforts to support African nations in the fight against terrorism, extremism and other forms of violence.
The deployment of the B-52H Stratofortress bomber is a clear symbol of the US’s commitment to a secure, prosperous and peaceful future for the African continent.
Flintlock, co-hosted by Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, is U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest annual special operations exercise that strengthens key partner nations throughout Africa and around the world to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for their people while respecting human rights and building trust with civilian populations.
The B-52 covered almost 5,000 miles, flying for more than 12 hours during the mission demonstrating that U.S. crews can maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, validating the United States’ always ready, global strike capability. The aircraft is based out of Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.
U.S. Strategic Command bomber forces regularly conduct combined theater security cooperation engagements with allies and partners, demonstrating the United States’ capability to command, control and conduct bomber missions across the globe. These missions demonstrate the credibility and flexibility of our forces to address today’s complex, dynamic and unpredictable global security environment.
This is not the first time a USAF B-52H is overflying an African nation airspace.
Two years ago, a United States Air Force (USAF) B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, on 9 June completed a mission to the Gulf of Guinea and around the West African coast.
Operating out of Morón Air Base, Spain, the B-52H strategic bomber conducted a mission in support of Bomber Task Force rotation, the US Air Force said. The flight over parts of Northern Africa and all of Western Africa highlights the aircraft’s ability to operate in a variety of airspaces.
Likewise, in 2020, a United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber was seen flying low near the Somali island of Koyama. According to photographs (taken by a local Abdishukri Haybe), which surfaced on social media, it shows that the B-52H bomber appeared at around 2:30 PM local time near a small village on the west side of Koyama island, one mile from the Somali mainland.
This strategic long-range heavy bomber has served the US military since 1955 and is capable of flying 8,800 miles without refueling. The B-52H is a formidable weapon, with an impressive arsenal of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, and can carry up to 70,000 pounds of bombs and mines. Its state-of-the-art navigation systems allow for precision strikes, and its advanced avionics and communications systems ensure mission success. The B-52H has proven to be an indomitable force in military operations, from the Vietnam War to the current fight against terrorism, and its participation in Exercise Flintlock 2023 is a testament to its legacy.
