B-52 Bombers Tour All of NATO

In an unusual display of military jingoism, B-52H bombers flew over all NATO members today in what was billed as a “training mission.” U.S. European Command had announced in a press release that four B-52s, flying out of Fairford, England, would fly over all 28 European members of NATO. According to a report in Stars & Stripes, the bombers were escorted by a total of about 80 fighter jets during the course of the exercise. Two more B-52s, flying out of Minot, North Dakota, were to fly over the U.S. and Canada. “This single-day mission titled Allied Sky is intended to demonstrate NATO solidarity, enhance readiness and provide training opportunities aimed at enhancing interoperability for all participating aircrews from the U.S. and NATO allies,” the release said.