A pair of United States’ mighty B-52H Stratofortress bombers were able to successfully land at a civilian airport. The landing was conducted as part of a military exercise to simulate nuclear war.
The exercise aimed to test and train crews to enable valuable assets, like the B-52, to land on non-military airfields safely.
The landings took place on April 12, 2024. Both B-52Hs are part of the 20th Bomb Squadron.
The exercise was also part of Bayou Vigilance, designed to test the readiness and lethality of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base by simulating combat operations and demonstrating the ability to respond to strategic attacks.
“When it comes to nuclear war, all bets are off, and we need to be prepared to adapt to the current situation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jared Patterson, 20th BS commander. “By demonstrating our ability to land at a civilian airfield, we’re demonstrating our ability to conduct operations,” he added.
B-52Hs visit Chennault International Airport
The exercise marked the conclusion of the Bayou Vigilance, which began on April 3rd. This exercise is held several times a year, allowing bomber air and ground crews to hone their emergency response skills.
The 20th Bomb Squadron landed the pair of B-52Hs at Chennault International Airport, a local airfield in Lake Charles, Louisiana, near Barksdale Air Force Base.
“We are demonstrating a capability, and that capability is to land a B-52 anywhere across the globe,” said Patterson. “So yes, we’re doing it close to home this time, but this proved we can do it anywhere,” he added.
This is no small feat, as the B-52H is an enormous aircraft. To support its weight, the 159-foot (48.5 meter) long B-52 requires long, wide, and strong runways. While most international airports regularly handle large passenger aircraft, the B-52H is a different beast, and civilian airports cannot always handle the strain.
The landings required careful coordination between the 2nd Bomber Wing and civilian air traffic control at Chennault. Moreover, the exercise demonstrated that the 2nd BW can effectively collaborate with local authorities and airfield personnel to accomplish its mission.
Part of Agile Command Employment
According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, a representative from Air Force Global Strike Command shared that an aircraft’s successful landing showcases the concept of Agile Combat Employment. This idea involves a small team of Airmen launching and recovering aircraft at remote or “austere airfields” and then moving to another location to avoid being targeted by enemy missiles.
Air and Space Forces report that strategic bombers have increased their presence globally in recent years by conducting more landings at military airfields in other nations.
“The 2nd BW and Chennault International Airport partnership is significant because it provides the wing with an alternate location for training and operations while demonstrating the viability and importance of the Department of Defense—civilian relationship,” said Kevin Melton, Chennault International Airport executive director.
“It shows we are a team founded on similar core values, which at the end of the day ensures our nation is protected by a formidable fighting force second to none,” he added.
