Bombers make their return over the pond

» B52 bombers have returned to the United States after a five-week deployment to RAF Fairford - although one of the bombers is understood to still be in the Cotswolds.

Five of the six Stratofortress strategic bombers from 5th Bomb Wing departed on Saturday for Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

This was the day after a Bomber Task Force mission over the Baltic Sea on Friday that saw one of the returning planes send out an emergency alert while mid-air over Gloucestershire. The aircraft landed safely.

Aviation enthusiasts watched and filmed the United States Air Force planes leave on Saturday after making the most of the aircraft presence since they arrived on August 22.

They have seen the planes fly out and return from missions including over the Black Sea, the Arctic Sea, the Mediterranean and Norway.

The final mission on this deployment including training with Denmark and Portugal, flying with Italian and German Eurofighters, Portuguese F-16 fighters.

They were flying as part of Astral Knight 2020, with involves the USAF as well as service members from Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden.

Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander said: “During this past month we’ve flown over 50 sorties, alongside allies and partners from 30 countries, and integrated with 100 partner aircraft - and even the U.S.S. Roosevelt - as we’ve flown missions in the North Sea, Baltic, Barents, Black Sea, East Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea regions.

“And as awesome as that sounds, it’s still only a fraction of what we are capable of, and really highlights the ability of a combined force to deter and defend.”

KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, provided aerial refueling support.

The USAF says ongoing bomber missions showcase the Air Force’s ability to continue executing flying missions, sustain readiness, and support our allies and partners, regardless of any external challenge to include the current global COVID-19 crisis response.

It says these bomber missions represent the US commitment to our allies and enhance regional security.