B-52s participated in exercises throughout Europe in early June, dropping live ordnance in Latvia and training mines in the Baltics. B-52s, deployed to RAF Fairford, England, on June 13 took part in the US Army Europe-led exercise Saber Strike 16 in Latvia, flying close air support training with US and Latvian joint terminal air controllers on June 13. The exercise includes 4,500 service members from 13 NATO countries and is focused on partner nation ground operations, close air support, and air deployment of forces, according to a USAFE release. During the flight, a B-52 crew used a targeting pod to view targets on the ground and direct munitions, according to a 5th Expeditionary Operations Group release. On June 8, two B-52s deployed to Fairford dropped 12 MK-62 Quick Strike inert mines during a training mission to test the bombers’ ability to precisely drop munitions as part of BALTOPS 2016, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
