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Minot AFB B-52 aircrews conduct ‘Presence Patrol’ in Middle East

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – U.S. Air Force B-52H “Stratofortress” aircrews successfully completed a presence patrol in the Middle East on Sunday, Jan. 17, marking the second such mission of 2021, according to U.S. Central Command.

The aircrews were from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base.

This is the fifth Bomber Task Force mission into the Middle East in the last few months.

Bomber Task Force missions are observable ways to demonstrate the U.S. military’s continuing commitment to regional security, said U.S. Central Command’s commander.

“‘Short-term deployments of strategic assets are an important part of our defensive posture in the region,” said Gen. Frank McKenzie. “The training opportunity and continued integration with regional partners improves readiness and delivers a clear and consistent message in the operational environment to both friends and potential adversaries, alike.”

B-52 Stratofortresses from Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, have supported these types of missions over the last three months, according to U.S. Central Command officials.

U.S. Central Command’s main headquarters is located at MacDill AFB, Tampa, Fla. Its area of responsibility stretches from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia.

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