BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Citizen Airmen were among the Active Duty Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing that deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. on April 9th in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
“Reservists from the 307th Bomb Wing are proud mission partners with the 2nd Bomb Wing,” Col. James Morriss, the vice commander of the 307th Bomb Wing said. “Shoulder-to-shoulder with Active Duty Airmen, our Citizen-Airmen stand at the ready to project on-time, on-target airpower …”
This is not their first time deploying as an integrated unit. In 2001, Active Duty and Reserve Airmen from Barksdale deployed together in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In the first three months, the B-52s dropped more than 7,000 tons of munitions in combat missions over Afghanistan.
“Currently, Total Force 307th Bomb Wing (Airmen) are once more deployed, providing immense airpower for our nation and allies,” Col. Bruce Cox, the commander of the 307th Bomb Wing added. “With heritage dating back to groundbreaking long range missions just after Pearl Harbor, the 307th became known as the Long Rangers. Today, once more fighting for freedom, the Long Rangers ride again!”
The B-52 Stratofortress’ will join the 19-nation air coalition that are conducting missions in the region to include those to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorist group. The B-52 is a long-range heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions including strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction and maritime operations.