Long-range Training Flight Exercises B-52 and B-2 Capabilities

Two B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale AFB, and two B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman AFB., recently flew non-stop from their home stations to training ranges in Hawaii to exercise flexible military options to meet national security obligations to the U.S. and its allies. Part of the mission was to conduct coordinated range operations amongst multiple airframes as well as test low approach training capabilities before returning to their bases.
The mission, which spanned nearly 8,000 miles from home station to the drop site and back to the home installation, tested the ability for planners to coordinate operations between combatant commands and amongst multiple Air Force wings. The 20-plus hour training missions also demonstrated the U.S.' capability to provide a flexible and always-ready force to respond to a variety of threats and situations within U.S. Strategic Command's global strike and strategic deterrence missions.
During the training mission, bomber crews enhanced their operational proficiency and readiness by releasing their inert ordnance on Hawaii's Pohakuloa military weapon range. They also honed their skills at operating during a long duration flight; an important element of U.S. Strategic Command's enduring deterrence capability.
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