The U.S. Air Force conducted what it called a \u201cbomber attack demonstration mission\u201d in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility last week, according to information newly released by the service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft flew off the coast of Venezuela on Oct. 15. The flight of the bombers first came to public attention due to open-source flight tracking data and has since been described by the Air Force as a bomber attack demonstration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Air Forces Southern shared images<\/a> of the mission on its Facebook page<\/a>, adding that it was intended to demonstrate \u201cU.S. commitment to proactively deter adversary threats to the U.S. homeland and the region, enhance crew training, and ensure the global force readiness necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bombers, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, were accompanied by two Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, which can fly at supersonic speed and have vertical lift technology that allows them to take off without needing a runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\t