U.S., partners fly over all 30 NATO nations

June 1 (UPI) -- U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew over all 30 NATO allied nations in North America and Europe Monday.

B-52s currently deployed to Morón Air Base, Spain, and U.S.-based aircraft planned to fly with more than 20 NATO allies across two combatant commands, according to a press release issued by U.S. European Command before the flight took place.

NATO allies conducted a similar exercise in August of last year.

It is the latest iteration in a series of Bomber Task Force missions that have included flights in Europe, including a mid-May flight in which B-52s operated in multiple areas of responsibility.

"Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in our history," Gen. Jeff Harrigian, NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, said in the release. "Today's mission is an awesome demonstration of NATO air superiority and together there is no challenge we cannot tackle."

Nations scheduled to participate in the mission included Belgium, Canada, Denmark and Turkey.

KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, were also dispatched to support the flight.