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| A B-52 Stratofortress sits on the ramp at Morón Air Base, Spain, after recently arriving from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 27, 2016. Three B-52s will participate in Cold Response 16, a large-scale NATO military exercise involving maritime, ground and air operations. The exercise’s location in the Trøndelag region of Norway will provide an extreme-cold environment in which a dozen allied and partner nations will jointly develop tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joseph Raatz) |
MORÓN AIR BASE, Spain -- B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana arrived in Europe Saturday, Feb. 27, in preparation for their participation in a large-scale NATO training exercise.
This year's iteration of the biennial Cold Response NATO military training and exercise program will be held in the central Trøndelag region of Norway and feature air, ground and maritime operations. Approximately 16,000 troops from a dozen nations will participate in the exercise, working together to collectively develop tactics, techniques and procedures for combat operations in an extreme cold-weather environment.
"We appreciate the opportunity to take part in such a large multinational exercise at the invitation of our Norwegian allies, and we are especially thankful for the opportunity to test our skills in such unique cold weather conditions," said Lt. Col. Dennis Cummings, 2nd Expeditionary Bomb Group commander. "The ability to train bomber aircrews in different geographic combatant commands is essential to maintaining a strong, credible bomber force that enhances the security and stability of our allies and partners. Our ability to smoothly and effectively conduct these multinational missions is heavily indebted to the hospitality of Spain and fantastic support we are receiving from U.S. Air Forces in Europe."
The B-52s will conduct multiple sorties over the course of the exercise, engaging in simulated strikes against ground targets inside the training area. As the U.S. Air Force's premier nuclear-capable, strategic heavy bomber, the B-52 is capable of delivering a large payload of precision nuclear or conventional ordnance over long distances while also providing decision makers the ability to rapidly project military power.
"Bomber participation in joint military exercises like this one are an expression of the U.S. commitment to supporting our allies and partners, demonstrating our shared dedication to promoting global security and stability," said Maj. Matt Spinelli, 2nd EBG assistant director of operations.
The B-52s will join with KC-135 Stratotankers and F-16 Fighting Falcons to serve as the American air component for the duration of Cold Response 16. A number of C-130 Hercules will also be on hand to provide support to ground forces.
"This exercise provides a great opportunity for allies to train together and better understand how we each operate and communicate," Cummings said. "The increased understanding and cooperative efforts between our countries enable us to work together effectively, while also addressing any and all security challenges that may arise in the region or other parts of the world."
Cold Response 16 is scheduled to run through March 9.