PHOTOS: B-52s Flew with F-35s in ‘Bomber Attack Demo’ near Venezuela

The B-52 bombers that flew off the coast of Venezuela on Oct. 15 were accompanied by Marine Corps F-35s as part of a so-called “Bomber Attack Demonstration,” according to new images and information from the Pentagon. 

The Stratofortresses flew from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., into U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, Air Forces Southern announced on social media. There, they flew with F-35B fighters from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225, according to images released by the 2nd Bomb Wing. The Marine Corps jets have been based out of Puerto Rico since September.  

Air Forces Southern also said tankers from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., provided refueling support for the flight. 

Aviation enthusiasts first noted the B-52 flight through open-source flight tracking data, and U.S. officials confirmed it to Air & Space Forces Magazine. While the Pentagon did not disclose any details on the flight path, tracking data showed the bombers off the coast of Venezuela. 

In captions accompanying the new photos, the 2nd Bomb Wing stated that “Bomber Attack Demonstrations contribute to the collective defense of the Western Hemisphere and demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the safety and security of the region.” 

Of note, the photos show the F-35s armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder weapons, but the B-52s appear to not have any weapons mounted externally. 

The bomber attack demo—the first time the Air Force has used that term—marks the latest show of force by the U.S. in the region amid escalating tensions.  

President Donald Trump has authorized a series of airstrikes on what his administration says are boats smuggling drugs in international waters, and the U.S. government has charged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with being involved in a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine and guns into the U.S.  

The Trump administration is offering $50 million for information that leads to his arrest, and Trump recently acknowledged that the CIA is conducting covert operations in Venezuela and the White House is considering attacks on Venezuelan territory. 

As part of the military’s recent moves to combat drug trafficking out of South America, the U.S. military deployed the F-35Bs and at least six different Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones to Puerto Rico. There are also AV-8 Harrier fighter jets embarked on the USS Iwo Jima, which has been operating in the region.  

Images posted on social media on Oct. 14 show at least one Air Force AC-130J flying over Puerto Rico armed with eight Hellfire missiles.