USAF B52s roar over Gloucestershire as latest mission launched

The distinctive sound of United States Air Force B52s was heard over Gloucestershire this morning (Tuesday, June 18). It is understood two of the bombers took off from RAF Fairford and flew over Gloucester at around 8.40am.

Three of the USAF Stratofortress aircraft have been deployed to the Cotswolds base since last month. They have flown a number of mission, including over the eastern Mediterranean.

The aircraft. assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, are on a routine bomber task force deployment. While deployed, the unit will operate as the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron under the banner of Bomber Task Force Europe 24-3.

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Speaking of their deployment, the USAF said: "Regular and routine deployments of U.S. strategic bombers also provide critical touch points to train and operate alongside our Allies and partners while bolstering a collective response to any global conflict."

Also this morning, a U2 spy plane took off from RAF Fairford. If you took pictures or video of the latest mission, please contact us at gloslivenews@reachplc.com

Sometimes known as a BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella), the US Air Force bomber is one of the oldest models in duty, having made its first flight just shy of 70 years ago in 1952. Its name origin is simple - the 'B' in its name stands for bomber, and its first flight was made in 1952.

The Boeing website states that the jet "primarily provides the United States with immediate nuclear and conventional global strike capability". See our full rundown on the US bombers here.