A B-52H Stratofortress drives down the flightline on Minot Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jesse Jenny)

B-52 aircrews from Minot Air Force Base’s 5th Bomb Wing made a deliberate appearance in the Middle East today, Dec. 30, to underscore the U.S. military’s commitment to regional security and demonstrate a unique ability to rapidly deploy overwhelming combat power on short notice, according to U.S. Central Command information.

The mission is the third bomber deployment into U.S. Central Command’s area of operation in the last 45 days.

The two-ship deployment also delivers a clear deterrent message to anyone who intends to do harm to Americans or American interests.

“The United States continues to deploy combat-ready capabilities into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to deter any potential adversary, and make clear that we are ready and able to respond to any aggresion directed at Americans or our interests,” said Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command. “We do not seek conflict, but no one should underestimate our ability to defend our forces or to act decisively in response to any attack.”

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