US Air Force deploys B-52 bombers to Europe in message to Russia

The US Air Force recently deployed six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to Europe for "theater integration and flying training" exercises with regional allies and NATO partners -- a move viewed as sending a strong message to Russia, which is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its military annexation of Crimea.

A bomber task force of B-52 Stratofortresses, airmen and support equipment from the 2nd Bomb Wing based out of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at RAF Fairford late last week and has been participating in various training missions across Europe, according to the service.