US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the US Air Force’s B-52H Stratofortress met up in the Arabian Sea for joint operations on June 1.
During the exercises, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, which the Stratofortress is part of, conducted several joint training evolutions designed to improve operational tactics in several warfare areas.
Exercises included air-to-air training, flying in formation, and simulated strike operations in defense of a national asset.
“It’s a pretty awesome feeling to look up and see our jets flying alongside the Air Force bomber,” said Capt. William “Spig” Reed, commander, CVW- 7.
With the Lincoln aircraft simulating opposing and friendly forces, the training gave both sides the chance to interact with elite aircraft.
The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been operated by the US Air Force since 1955. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles. Its anti-ship and mine-laying capabilities make it a highly-effective asset to assist the Navy in ocean surveillance.
CVW-7 Super Hornets also conducted a joint close air support exercise with the bomber. Additionally, MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from CVW-7, along with the B-52H, conducted strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) exercises. The exercise provided a rare training opportunity as it joined multiple tactical aircraft across DoD lines.