As part of Operation Southern Spear, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) once again deployed B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers in the Caribbean, carrying out a new demonstration of their projection and strike capabilities on November 24. The aircraft, assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron of the 5th Bomb Wing, based at Minot Air Force Base, flew escorted by fighter jets and supporting operations of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).
According to limited information released in recent hours by U.S. Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH), the mission—conducted for the second time in five days by two B-52H bombers, callsigns PAPPY11 and PAPPY12—was part of integrated activities to reinforce hemispheric security in the region. The operation combined attack exercises with aerial escort provided by U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighters. Continuing ongoing operations in the area, including anti-narcotics efforts, official sources stated that such deployments aim to maintain the operational readiness of long-range bomber units while sustaining a deterrent presence against illicit activities in the Caribbean and the western Atlantic.
It is important to note that this is not the first activity of this type in recent weeks. On November 20, other B-52H bombers also conducted a strike demonstration within USSOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility, integrating again with KC-135 tanker aircraft from MacDill Air Force Base and fighters from various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. According to USSOUTHCOM, these operations sought, among other objectives, to strengthen combined surveillance and response capabilities.
These recent flights are part of a marked increase in U.S. air and maritime activity in the region since September, when operations were launched as a pressure campaign against smuggling networks. In this context, the U.S. Department of Defense has deployed assets including the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) carrier strike group, destroyers, support ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and U.S. Marine Corps units, while the Air Force has employed B-52H and B-1B bombers in various missions. Additionally, MQ-9 Reaper and AC-130 drones have been deployed, along with at least ten F-35B fighters from the Marine Corps operating out of Puerto Rico and/or El Salvador.
Finally, it is important to highlight that the use of the B-52H allows the U.S. to conduct long-range flights from the continental United States, remain on station for extended periods in operational areas, and conduct joint training with other forces. With the progression of Operation Southern Spear, further sorties of bombers and supporting assets are expected in the Caribbean, marking one of the most active U.S. deployments in the region in recent years.
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