USAF B-52 deployment concludes in Indonesia

Published July 6, 2023
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MEDAN, Indonesia (AFNS) --

More than 60 U.S. Air Force Airmen and two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, recently completed a bilateral interoperability exercise in Indonesia.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, takes off in support of a bilateral military training exercise at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, June 21, 2023. Bomber deployments and operations like this enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, and validate the U.S. Air Force’s always-ready, global strike capability. This particular training flight marked the first time a U.S. Air Force B-52 had taken off from Indonesian soil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais) — A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., takes off in support of a bilateral military training exercise at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, June 21, 2023. Bomber deployments and operations like this enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, and validate the U.S. Air Force’s always-ready, global strike capability. This particular training flight marked the first time a U.S. Air Force B-52 had taken off from Indonesian soil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

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, North Dakota, approaches for landing at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, June 19, 2023. The arrival of the B-52 marked the first time a U.S. Air Force B-52 had landed on Indonesian soil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais) — 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, N.D., approaches for landing at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, June 19, 2023. The arrival of the B-52 marked the first time a U.S. Air Force B-52 had landed on Indonesian soil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

First-ever USAF B-52 deployment concludes in Indonesia — Indonesian air force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly alongside a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., over Indonesia, June 19, 2023. Through bilateral training, the U.S. and Indonesian air forces work together to promote interoperability, thus furthering investments and strengthening relationships. (Courtesy photo)

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.”

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

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