A B-52 Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. conduct aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell AFB, Ks. while conducting a non-stop flight from the U.S. to the North and Baltic Seas during the operation POLAR ROAR July 31st. During the operation, the bomber crews strengthened their interoperability with key allies and partners by conducting intercept training with NORAD-assigned Canadian and U.S. fighter aircraft and Portuguese Air Force fighter aircraft assigned to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. The operation demonstrated the ability of the U.S. bomber force to provide a flexible and vigilant long-range global-strike capability, and provide unique and valuable opportunities to train and integrate with allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Fredericks)