U.S. Air Force B-52H "Stratofortress" aircrews successfully completed a presence patrol in the Middle East on January 17, marking the second such mission of 2021.

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A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing departs after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 17, 2021 (Picture source: US Air Force)

The bomber that conducted the mission was assigned to the USAF’s 5th Bomb Wing stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. During the mission, the bomber received tanker support from KC-10 Extender aerial refueling aircraft assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group at Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE.

Bomber Task Force missions are observable ways to demonstrate the U.S. military's continuing commitment to regional security, said U.S. Central Command’s commander.

"‘Short-term deployments of strategic assets are an important part of our defensive posture in the region," said Gen. Frank McKenzie.

"The training opportunity and continued integration with regional partners improves readiness and delivers a clear and consistent message in the operational environment to both friends and potential adversaries, alike."

This is the fifth Bomber Task Force mission into the Middle East in the last few months.

The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.