The U.S. Air Force strengthens strategic deterrence with long-range B-52 exercises during primary nuclear training operations across multiple states in the middle of America.
The United States Air Force continues to deploy its Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, but this month, the long-range strategic bombers took part in an exercise literally over the heartland during the recent Exercise Prairie Vigilance 25-1 (PV 25-1).
Unlike the Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions, which see the aircraft, crews, and ground personnel deployed to distant bases for several weeks, PV 25-1 saw airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), Louisiana, and 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota, operate with a literal “home field” advantage.
“Exercise PV 25-1 is a routine training operation designed to bolster the nation’s bomber-based strategic deterrence mission’s safety, security, and reliability. The exercise supports readiness across U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command by sharpening operational proficiency and validating long-range, global strike capabilities,” the United States Strategic Command (USSATCOM) said in a statement.
The drills prepared aircrew and ground personnel for potential threats, offering a “dynamic training environment.”
“During PV 25-1, our Airmen demonstrated the readiness, reliability, and precision that define our nation’s global strike capabilities,” said Col. Jesse Lamarand, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing.
“Exercises like this show our Allies and adversaries our ability to respond decisively in support of national defense objectives.”
USSATCOM didn’t confirm the number of aircraft or personnel participating in the drills, but they followed Exercise Prairie Vigilance 24-1, which was conducted at Minot AFB on October 5.
B-52 Nuclear Training in Nebraska
At the same time that PV 25-1 was being conducted, the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron carried out a “Simulated Electronic Launch Minuteman” (SELM) test at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, as part of Giant Pace 25-1, a biannual training drill to ensure the capabilities of the USSATCOM’s Airborne Launch Control System in the event of unexpected threats.
“Specifically, the 625th STOS develops and validates the targeting instructions for these missiles, ensuring their accuracy and effectiveness if ever called upon,” said Maj Jason Guthner, 625th STOS assistant director of operations.
“SELM is an opportunity to put our training to the test and turn keys on a real sortie,” added Capt. Tony McCowan, 625th STOS ALCS operator.
“Even though the launch is simulated, every process and procedure up to that point is executed and tested. Missileers might never be able to use their training in this manner.”
The B-52 Is the Cornerstone of America’s Nuclear Security
The United States Air Force’s fleet of B-52H bombers consists of seventy-six aircraft, including forty-six that can be armed with nuclear cruise missiles.
According to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, because the Stratofortress employs a closed bomb bay, it helps conceal whether the bomber is carrying a conventional or nuclear weapon. Around 300 nuclear weapons are stored at strategic bomber air bases in the United States.
The United States currently maintains around 400 Minutemen III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which are housed in silos in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota and Montana.
Around 970 additional ICBMs are carried on the United States Navy’s submarines.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
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