United States Africa Command

U.S. Africa Command, with support from U.S. Strategic Command, conducted a unique training opportunity with the Moroccan military Nov. 22 in the Aoreora Range south of Agadir, Morocco.

Two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., departed England en route to Morocco, whereupon the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s F-16s entered Moroccan airspace B-52s intercepted to ensure interoperability and escort the bombers to the firing range.

At Aoreora, Moroccan and U.S. Special Operations Joint Tactical Air Controllers contacted the bombers to conduct a live munitions drop. The JTACs guided the bombers to a target and fired two 500-pound bombs.

“Our ability to conduct these long-range missions from multiple combatant commands in collaboration with our partners on the continent underscores our partnership and ongoing military-to-military engagements and training in working with partners on the continent,” Maj. Gen. said. Claude Tudor, director of operations for U.S. Africa Command. “These missions strengthen our commitment to African partners and allies while helping to support regional and African security.”

This event underscores the long-standing relationship between Morocco and the United States, strengthens our military interoperability and demonstrates the United States’ commitment to our partners.

The B-52s flew to Morocco from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom as part of a bomber task force mission, strengthening the United States’ ability to project strategic reach and long-range strike capabilities and ensure our collective defense and security of partners and allies.