News

Nuclear bombers in the skies above Wales as tensions over Ukraine intensify

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2022

US AIR FORCE B-52 bombers were spotted yesterday morning (Thursday February 10) flying over Wales, heading for RAF Fairford.

Four B-52s set off from their Minot Air Base in North Dakota around 2am GMT.

RAF Fighter Jets joined the B-52s as they arrived in the UK ahead of a busy schedule of training missions with the European Command and US Strategic Command.

Two planes through over North Wales, and a further two took a more southerly route, flying close to Pembrokeshire.

B-52’s are deploying to the UK shortly as part of a ‘Bomber Task Force’ training mission to “familiarise themselves” with European airspace.

The strategic bombers, support equipment, and personnel from the 69^th Bomber Squadron have arrived at RAF Fairford after a transatlantic flight from Minot Air Force Base, N.D, in the latest iteration of the regular Bomber Task Force Missions.

Taking place since 2018, what the Bomber Task Force deployments provide is the opportunity for the RAF to continuously improve interoperability with the United States Air Force, as well as offer RAF pilots valuable training experience with near-peer capabilities.

The RAF says they “throughout their deployment, the United States Air Force aircraft will be based at RAF Fairford providing an ideal staging location for further integration with NATO allies. ”

Amazing sight: B-52’s are deploying to the UK (Image: AP)

“The protection of the UK Homeland through Quick Reaction Alert is just one example of national defence that is woven into maintaining regional, collective defence through this close partnership with NATO allies.”

Air Vice-Marshal Robinson, Air Officer Commanding 11 Group, said: “The RAF has a long, proud history of working alongside the United States Air Force that continues to see shared training, exchange tours and close operational partnerships to this day.”

“This close friendship was celebrated recently with a joint UK/US flypast celebrating 80 years of collaboration with one of US Bomber Command’s oldest units, the 8^th Air Force.”

“The Bomber Task Force missions allow UK/US to challenge each other toward continuous growth and development as part of NATO and supporting the NATO Air Policing mission.”

“The joint missions reinforce the commitment of both nations to NATO and collective defence, the most recent sortie providing a demonstration of the critical ability for a timely and coordinated response to defending the Euro-Atlantic area and, if required, the ability to reach forward locations.”

En route the US Bombers integrated with UK Joint Terminal Attack Controllers at both Cape Wrath in the North of Scotland and RAF Holbeach Air Weapons Range in the East of England, conducting bilateral Close Air Support training.

The mission focused on enhancing readiness and interoperability for the controllers responsible for coordinating airstrikes to support ground forces.

Colonel Bolam, Commanding Officer Joint Air Liaison Organisation, said: “Today’s training provides a valuable opportunity for the UK JTACs.”

“Working with different nationalities and a variety of aircraft types ensures the UK remains a world leading force in Close Air Support and Air Land Integration.”

“Training with B-52s further cements Joint Training Tactics and Procedures and ensures the UK can safely and accurately deliver Air-to-Ground fires alongside our NATO allies.”

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.