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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

U.S. Africa Command, supported by U.S. Strategic Command, conducted a unique training opportunity with the Moroccan military Nov. 22 at Aoreora Range south of Agadir, Morocco.

Two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., departed England enroute to Morocco whereupon entering Moroccan airspace, the Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16s intercepted the B-52s to conduct interoperability and escort the bombers to the range.

At Aoreora, Moroccan and U.S. Special Operations Joint Tactical Air Controllers contacted the bombers to conduct a live munitions drop.  The JTACs guided the bombers onto a target, releasing two 500-pound bombs.

"Our ability to conduct these long-range missions from across multiple combatant commands in cooperation with our partners on the continent highlight our partnership and continued military-to-military engagements and training when working with partners on the continent," said Maj. Gen. Claude Tudor, U.S. Africa Command Director of Operations. "These missions reinforce our commitment to African partners and Allies while helping support regional and African security."

This event further showcases the longstanding relationship between Morocco and the U.S., strengthens our military interoperability, and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to our Partners.

The B-52s flew from RAF Fairford in the U.K. to Morocco as part of a bomber task force mission, reinforcing the United States’ ability to project strategic reach, long-range strike capabilities, and provide reassurance of our collective defense and security to our partners and allies.