B-1, B-2, and B-52 Bombers and their crews conduct a flyover at Andersen AFB, Guam, August 17, 2016. For the first time in history all three of the Air Force Global Strike Command’s strategic bombers are simultaneously conducting operations in the U.S. Pacific Command region.
B-52, B-1 and B-2 bombers are sharing the tarmac at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam — the first time the aircraft have been inside U.S. Pacific Command territory simultaneously, according to a tweet by Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James.
That’s a lot of firepower on one tarmac.
“Bomber aircraft provide [PACOM] with an effective deterrent capability, ensuring the regional security and stability of the U.S. and our allies and partners,” Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, PAF commander, said in the statement. “These bomber deployments visibly demonstrate our readiness and commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
B-1 Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., landed at Andersen over the weekend to replace the base’s aging fleet of B-52s deployed from Minot Air Force Base, N.D.
The replacement is also prior to annual U.S.-South Korean war games. The USAF’s strategic buildup in the Pacific region comes amidst growing tensions in the region.
The handoff between the B-1s and the B-52s included a first time in history 3 ship flyover consisting of the B-1, B-2, and B-52.
Video: A1C Nathan Eckert, 36th Wing Public Affairs
Top Photo: 3 ship flyover at Anderson AFB, Guam (AF.mil)
h/t Miguelm Mendoza
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