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A pair of US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber military aircraft have touched down in Indonesia, marking the first time US Air Force B-52s have landed on and operated from Indonesian soil.
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More than 60 air force airmen and the two aircraft assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing were deployed from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia in late June.
The crews undertook participation in the bilateral interoperability exercise to maintain readiness and proficiency and showcase global strike capability. The exercise flights were conducted with escorts from Indonesian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons aircraft.
“It’s exciting to be a part of this historical milestone,” said US Air Force Captain 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 exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures specific to each nation’s aircraft, and promote regional stability through cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding, and the partnership between the US and Indonesia.
Capt Kinker gave a tour of the 23rd BS B-52H Stratofortress to Indonesian Air Force general officers at the Kualanamu International Airport.
“Enhancing interoperability between US and Indonesian air forces contributes to the long-term advancement of our nations’ shared interests,” Capt Kinker said.
“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.
