A vague number of B-52s land in Darwin
Defence says “a number” of United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers have arrived at RAAF Darwin to participate in Enhanced Air Cooperation exercises.
CAPTION: A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress arrive lands at RAAF Base Darwin to train with the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo by Corporal Terry Hartin.
Before their arrival, a Defence press release specifically told us to anticipate up to three B-52s from Guam – but now that they have actually arrived (and can be counted), the number is suddenly vague.
Official photos show two aircraft – while Darwin Aviation Museum’s Facebook page says there were in fact three.
The aircraft now in Darwin are part of unit of six B-52 Stratofortress bombers that were strategically relocated to Guam in January this year, amid growing tensions with North Korea.
RAAF Base Darwin is hosting the bombers while they take part in training activities with the Australian Defence Force in designated military airspace over New South Wales, near RAAF Base Williamtown, until early April.
Enhanced Air Cooperation builds on a broad range of combined air exercises and training activities between the United States and Australia, which regularly involve visits by US military aircraft to Australia.
Australia and the United States officially commenced Enhanced Air Cooperation in February 2017, adding an extra dimension to the Force Posture Initiatives.
RAAF Darwin has hosted USAF B-52s in 2012, 2014 and 2016 for previous training exercises.
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I well remember the B 52s and the KC135 Tankers in Darwin in 81/82 when I was XO of HMAS Coonawarra.
With our old stilted house situated only about 200 mtrs from the runway it used to vibrate as if in an earthquake every time one of these huge aircraft took off.
Enjoy your magazine
Thanks for your support Ray – and the cool anecdote 🙂
Hi Brian,
I read every edition as soon as I can. You have some great stories & information. Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Les
Thanks Les. It’s great knowing you are out there and appreciative – helps me stay motivated.
Brian
Great to see us Air Force in darwin an alliance that should never be compromised no mater what we are all part of the same family
Many thanks for your post,brilliant up date and info all round.
Thanks Ricky. Feedback is very much appreciated. I sometime feel like I’m operating in a vacuum – and simple heads up like this let’s me know there’s at least one kind soul out there who appreciates my effort.
Okay, I read this every time it hits my inbox, and love seeing the updates and stories.
Thank you Liam. Great to know you are there and listening.