Submitted Photo A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron takes off during Red Flag 25-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on March 13. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – The “Bomber Barons” of the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base concluded exercise Red Flag 25-2 on March 21.

This iteration of the advanced aerial combat training exercise, which takes place annually at Nellis AFB, Nevada, featured five B-52H Stratofortress bombers from the 23 Bomb Squadron. The bombers deployed from Minot AFB to participate in the exercise, which began on March 10.

“The mission of Red Flag is to enhance the combat readiness of our aircrews,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jensen, 5th Bomb Wing deputy commander. “For most of our younger B-52 aircrews, this is their first time participating in Red Flag. They can take the lessons learned here and apply them in the execution of our global strike mission back at home station.”

From March 10-21, the “Bomber Barons” flew more than 30 simulated combat sorties totaling over 96 flight hours and integrated with a wide array of allies, partner nations and joint forces, which included the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

“One of the key takeaways from this exercise has been that communication is key,” Jensen explained. “Our B-52 aircrews are called upon to execute missions around the world; coming here and executing in a large-force environment has been a great experience in preparation for the next mission.”

“It’s been a great experience working with our allies and partners during Red Flag 25-2,” said Jensen. “All of the teams here have been extremely professional, and the collaboration with them will prove very beneficial in the event of future conflicts when we have to operate as a coalition.”