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US Air Force strategic bombers participate in Polar Roar

A KC-135 Stratotanker from RAF Mildenhall, England, refuels a B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, in support of Operation Polar Roar over Scotland, Aug. 1, 2016. Polar Roar is a U.S. Strategic Command operation designed to strengthen bomber crews' interoperability and demonstrate ability for the U.S. bomber force to provide flexible and vigilant long-range global-strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)

One B-52 Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, La., two B-52s from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB, N.D., and two B-2 Spirits from the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo., are conducting simultaneous, non-stop flights from the U.S. to the North and Baltic Seas, around the North Pole and over Alaska, and over the Pacific Ocean to Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, respectively.

During the mission, coined “POLAR ROAR,” the bomber crews are strengthening their interoperability with key allies and partners by conducting intercept training with NORAD-assigned Canadian and U.S. fighter aircraft and allies and partners in the European area of responsibility, as well as inert weapon drops at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC).

POLAR ROAR demonstrates the ability of the U.S. bomber force to provide a flexible and vigilant long-range global-strike capability, and provides unique and valuable opportunities to train and integrate with allies and partners. More information will be available closer to mission completion.

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