The U.S. Air Force reported a deploy of B-52 Stratofortress long-range strike bombers to Europe.

According to a news release put out by U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs, a Bomber Task Force deployment of B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, Airmen and support equipment from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, have arrived in the U.S. European Command area of operations for a deployment to conduct theater integration and flying training.

“The aircraft will operate out of RAF Fairford, England. The deployment of strategic bombers to the U.K. helps exercise RAF Fairford as United States Air Forces in Europe’s forward operating location for bombers,” said in news release. 

The deployment also includes joint and allied training in the U.S. European Command theater to improve bomber interoperability.

Training with joint partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to our ready and postured forces and enables us to build enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges.

The B-52 is one of the oldest airframes that the Air Force still operates. The Stratofortress bombers have been in every conflict since the Vietnam War.

As to date, B-52s have been modified for low-level flight, conventional bombing, extended-range flights and transport of improved defensive and offensive equipment — including ballistic and cruise missiles that can be launched hundreds of miles from their targets.