Five NATO Spy Planes Converge As U.S. Air Force B-52s Spring Their Biggest Intel Trap Yet

Forbes ^ | Sep 23, 2020 | David Axe

[McGruff]

The six U.S. Air Force B-52s that deployed from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota to the Royal Air Force base at Fairford back in August have set another intelligence trap for Russian forces in the Black Sea region—possibly their biggest yet.

On Wednesday, one of the eight-engine bombers—call sign “Hero 31”—winged over the Black Sea near the Ukrainian and Romanian coasts, briefly joining up with Ukrainian air force MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters.

The bomber reportedly made a mock attack run on the Ukrainian city of Odessa before turning toward Romania. “Our team from @TeamMinot has been busy!” U.S. Strategic Command tweeted on Wednesday.

[Kudsman]

Working together, the five intel aircraft could spot Russian vehicles, pinpoint air-defense systems and listen in on radio communications.

Woohoo. Wanna play Iran?

[McGruff]

US Strategic Command @US_Stratcom

Our team from @TeamMinot has been busy! The 23rd Bomb Squadron has spent the last 2 weeks in Europe training with @NATO partners and allies in support of #BomberTaskForce missions. #BTF #B52 #WeAreNATO #StrongerTogether

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11:47 AM · Sep 23, 2020

https://twitter.com/US_Stratcom/status/1308795169190412289

[ASA Vet]

MI Ping

[Liberty Valance]

Interesting. I love B-52’s. I’m reading Dale Brown’s “Fatal Terrain” right now. Exciting stuff!

[mylife]

OK boys, lets lightem up!

[Rebelbase]

On the same topic as joint air training ops:

When Britain Nuked America....Twice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wx6npt421c&t=7s&ab_channel=MarkFeltonProductions

[ocrp1982]

I love Strategic Warfare games!!!

[pfflier]

Working together, the five intel aircraft could spot Russian vehicles, pinpoint air-defense systems and listen in on radio communications.

Revealing this would have gotten me court martialed in 1973.

[sasquatch]

Let me guess;
18hr transit and 20 minutes of fun.

[McGruff]

I agree.

[2Dreamin]

I’m a proud member of the RC-135 airborne maintenance technician veterans. Outstanding work by the entir air team to light up thing that normally would not be lit. Great work.

[glorgau]

Well, thats some pretty pase´ stuff. I’d really bet that they’re looking to see what the ground system interconnects are doing. Since most of that is fiber optic these days, there would have to be a tap into the system somewhere along the line.

Also, it forces the Ruskies to expend resources by encouraging deployments of more semi-fixed missile sites.

Fun stuff.

[ocrp1982]

I’m retired Navy. 26 years in. NavAir specifically. I love it when my brothers in the Air Force pull off a great bit of strategic deception getting the enemy to reveal themselves. Brings a smile to my face. That old bird still getting things done after all these decades just makes it all the more sweet.

[Steely Tom]

I've read the whole of King Hawes' website several times. The stories of Rivet Ball and Rivet Amber, of Shemya and the times there, moved me to something close to tears. I knew someone who worked on AN-FPS17 and other radars at Shemya; he told me some stories too.

You are a part of history Sir.

Here is the website: A Tale of Two Airplanes.

[pfflier]

Fun stuff.

Friends have died doing that "fun stuff".

[mylife]

It should move you to tears

[CapnJack]

Mandrake ... issue Plan 'R' to the Wing!

Major ... i just got a message from base over the CRM14 which calls for Wing Attack Plan 'R', R for Romeo.

Goldie, how many time have I told you I don't want no horsing around on the airplane.

[rlmorel]

Heya Navy! Agree completely!

[Pearls Before Swine]

POE... purity of essence... if I remember correctly.