B-52H Stratofortress bombers conduct impressive elephant walk at Barksdale AFB

B-52H Stratofortresses from the 2nd Bomb Wing line up on the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Eight USAF B-52H Stratofortress bombers from the 2nd Bomb Wing conducted an impressive "elephant walk" along the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Oct. 14, 2020. 

The military aircraft lined up in close formation before taking off as part of a readiness exercise conducted to ensure the 2nd BW is able to provide the nation with winning combat power. 

It marks the second exercise of the type carried out at Barksdale in a month. From 21 to 25 Sept. 2020, Barksdale has performed several activities to test the readiness of all sides of the 2nd Bomb Wing.

“This recent event is about being prepared to meet the wing’s mission requirements, training and practice,” said Joshua Cormier, 2nd BW inspector general wing exercises director. “Similar to exercising your muscles, exercising the wing and tenant units strengthens the readiness of the force.”

These exercises show all the capabilities of the 2nd BW, from medical to maintenance.

“We really hit the mark with driving home our mission statement, ‘We provide the nation with winning combat power,’” Cormier said. “‘Through conventional and nuclear global strike, through worldwide deployable Airmen, through a resilient and flourishing community, we are resilient, ready and responsive! We are Libertatem Defendimus… the defenders of liberty!”

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Source: 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

USAF/Senior Airman Tessa B. Corrick