The Pentagon has confirmed what was already obvious to knowledgeable observers: The flight of three B-52s over the Caribbean on Wednesday, Oct. 15 was a big show intended to scare the pants off Nicolas Maduro. On Friday, Oct. 17, the Pentagon released almost two dozen images related to the flight, including shots showing the bombers being escorted by U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters armed with live air-to-air missiles.
“A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, integrates with two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft, in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, Oct. 15, 2025,” reported one picture caption. Every caption also included the following ridiculous statement: “Bomber Attack Demonstrations contributed to the collective defense of the Western Hemisphere and demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the safety and security of the region.”
Some swallowed the Pentagon propaganda hook, line and sinker. “Beyond the visuals, the sortie signaled layered airpower able to surge from the U.S. mainland and integrate with forward-deployed fifth-generation assets in the Caribbean. This matters for allies and competitors alike because it showcases a rapid, scalable strike and counter-air posture in a zone where extra-regional actors are increasingly active,” reported Army Recognition in one particularly egregious piece of gobbledegook.
