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U.S. and French aviators remember WWI

By 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs, 8th Air Force Public Affairs / Published June 14, 2018

The 96th Bomb Squadron, from the 2nd Bomb Wing, taxis down the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. June 11, 2018. The 96th Bomb Squadron aircraft flew over Étain, France, where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during World War I on June 12, 1918. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sydney Campbell)
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The 96th Bomb Squadron, from the 2nd Bomb Wing, taxis down the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. June 11, 2018. The 96th Bomb Squadron aircraft flew over Étain, France, where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during World War I on June 12, 1918. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sydney Campbell)

The 96th Bomb Squadron, from the 2nd Bomb Wing, taxis down the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. June 11, 2018. The 96th Bomb Squadron aircraft flew over Étain, France, where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during World War I on June 12, 1918. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sydney Campbell)
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A pilot wears the 96th Bomb Squadron 100th Anniversary patch at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 12, 2018. In 1918, the 96th Bomb Squadron was called the 96th Aero Squadron. Today, the 96th Airmen who maintain the heritage of the “first to bomb” wear the slogan on their unit’s 100-year anniversary patch. The 96th Bomb Squadron aircraft flew over Étain, France, where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during World War I on June 12, 1918. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sydney Campbell)

The 96th Bomb Squadron, from the 2nd Bomb Wing, taxis down the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. June 11, 2018. The 96th Bomb Squadron aircraft flew over Étain, France, where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during World War I on June 12, 1918. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sydney Campbell)
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A B-52 Stratofortress, from the 96th Bomb Squadron, returns to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 12, 2018. The 96th Bomb Squadron aircraft flew over Étain, France, where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during World War I on June 12, 1918. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sydney Campbell)

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BARKSDALE AFB, LA. --

A 96th Bomb Squadron B-52 from Barksdale Air Force Base joined French Dassault Mirage 2000D fighters and a KC-135R refueling jet over Nancy-Ochey Air Base, France, June 12, to commemorate the entrance of U.S. aviators into WWI 100 years ago.

The combined formation flew over Étain, France, where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during WWI on June 12, 1918. This first U.S. sortie was launched from Amanty Aerodrome, France.

In 1918, the 96th Bomb Squadron was known as the 96th Aero Squadron. Today, the 96th Airmen maintain the heritage of the “first to bomb,” a slogan emblazoned on their unit’s 100-year anniversary patch.

The commemoration flight also served as an international training opportunity with the Armee de l’Air and demonstrated the close resolve and cooperation of the U.S. and its steadfast ally France.

U.S. aircraft routinely fly exercise and training missions in and around Europe to enable the U.S. and its allies to practice joint interoperability and enhance warfighting readiness.