The exercise, which lasted about a week and was supported by various U.S. Pacific Air Forces units, marked the first time U.S. Air Force B-52s landed on and operated from Indonesian soil.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this historical milestone,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Justin Kinker, 23rd Bomb Squadron weapons officer and exercise team lead. “Everyone on our team is very proud to have had a hand in this.”

The exercise offered an opportunity to advance the ability of U.S. and Indonesian air forces to work together; allowed for the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures specific to each nation’s aircraft; and promoted regional stability through cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding and an already strong partnership.

“Enhancing interoperability between U.S. and Indonesian air forces contributes to the long-term advancement of our nations’ shared interests,” Kinker explained. “This was a great opportunity for us to train alongside our partners to bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

A member of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara, or Indonesian air force, watches as a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base taxis upon landing at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia on June 19, in this U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais.

The B-52s and 5th Bomb Wing airmen who participated in the exercise have left Indonesia and are currently supporting a Bomber Task Force deployment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Bomber deployments and operations like this provide opportunities to train and work with allies and partners in joint and combined operations and exercises.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, takes off in support of a bilateral military training exercise at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia on June 21 in this U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais.