JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The U.S. Air Force’s B-1B Lancers are scheduled to deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug.6 for the first time since April 2006 in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence mission.
The B-1’s will replace the B-52’s currently deployed from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota While this is not the first basing of B-1s in the PACOM area of responsibility, it is the first time in 10 years.
With a large weapon capacity and exceptional standoff strike capability, the B-1 will provide U.S. Pacific Command and its regional allies and partners with a credible, strategic power projection platform.
This forward deployed presence demonstrates continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The bombers will be accompanied by approximately 300 Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.
Air Force Global Strike Command continues to routinely deploy bombers to Andersen AFB, which provide opportunities for our Airmen to advance and strengthen regional alliances and our long-standing military-to-military partnerships throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
The B-1 units bring a unique perspective and years of repeated combat and operational experience from the Central Command theater to the Pacific. They will provide a significant rapid global strike capability that enables our readiness and commitment to deterrence, offers assurance to our allies, and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Most importantly, these bomber rotations provide Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Pacific Command commanders a global strike and extended deterrence capability against any potential adversary.
For more information or for media interested in covering the CBP airframe changeover during a media day with opportunities to interview B-1 and B-52 aircrew and obtain aircraft imagery Aug. 16 should contact the 36th Wing Public Affairs Office at 671-366-4202 or via email at 36WG.PA2@us.af.mil well in advance of the media day.