An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | July 23, 2018

Andersen Bids Farewell to 20th EBS, 96th Assumes Continuous Bomber Presence Mission

By Airman 1st Class Gerald Willis 36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) from Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), La., assumed responsibility of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's (INDOPACOM) Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) missions from the 20th EBS, July 19, here.

The 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) from Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), La., assumed responsibility of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's (INDOPACOM) Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) missions from the 20th EBS, July 19, here.

After a six-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific theater, the 20th EBS has returned home to Barksdale AFB. While in Guam, the squadron flew deterrence missions and conducted a variety of joint and bilateral training missions with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force), Republic of Korea Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force.

“It was an honor for the 20th crews to serve in the Indo-Pacific region by deterring our enemies and assuring our allies,” said Lt. Col. Maxwell DiPietro, 20th EBS commander. “They were great representatives of both Air Force Global Strike Command and Pacific Air Forces throughout the deployment.”

Much of the success of these missions can be credited to the Airmen that worked around the clock to keep the B-52s mission ready. Airmen from the 20th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, the 36th Maintenance Group and the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron directly contributed to the B-52's accomplishing all U.S. INDOPACOM’s directed missions.

Moving forward, the 96th EBS will fulfill all roles of U.S. INDOPACOM’s CBP missions on Guam. The 96th EBS’s repeated combat and operational experience from the U.S. Central Command theater brings a unique perspective to the Indo-Pacific.

“We are excited to get to work projecting air power and start flying with our counterparts in the region,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Hendrick, 96th EBS commander. “We will maintain flexible bomber capabilities … and reassure our allies of our commitment to peace in the region.”

The employment of CBP missions in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, conducted since March 2004, are in accordance with international law and are vital to the principles that are the foundation of the rules-based global operating system.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
BH 25-1: Kadena’s fighter presence remains unwavering
U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors assigned to the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi down the runway during a base-wide readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 15, 2025. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Shayne Tamayo)
Jan. 17, 2025 - U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors and F-15C Eagle fly training missions during a routine readiness exercise, Jan. 15, 2025...

Singapore Army and US Army Talks Vital to Growing Partnership
The Singaporean and U.S. Army Staff Talks held on January 8-9, 2025, at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, represent the military partnership between the United States and Singapore, underscoring our commitment to enhancing defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jan. 16, 2025 - The Singapore Army-U.S. Army Staff Talks, held at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, on January 8-9, 2025, reaffirm the enduring partnership between the United States and Singapore. This collaboration underscores our nation’s commitment...

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command hosts Commander’s Conference
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivers opening remarks to senior joint-force leaders attending the Commanders Conference at the USINDOPACOM Headquarters on Camp H. M. Smith in Hawaii, Jan. 15-16, 2025. USINDOPACOM persistently integrates and employs credible, all-domain combat power in order to deter aggression, prevent and respond to crisis, and, if necessary, conduct decisive joint and combined operations to prevail in conflict. Integrating our operations in support of and supported by other U.S. Government agencies, the joint force will persistently operate in and across all domains to defend the homeland, deter strategic attack, counter aggression, protect U.S. interests throughout the Indo-Pacific, and enhance U.S. alliances and partnerships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)
Jan. 16, 2025 - Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted more than 40 senior joint-force leaders for two days of engagements focused on strategy, capabilities, and force posture in the Indo-Pacific, Jan. 15-16,...

U.S. Naval intelligence officials visit the Philippines to strengthen partnership with key ally
DDNI is greeted by members of the Philippines armed forces during an official visit to Manila on January 14, 2025.
Jan. 16, 2025 - On January 14, U.S. Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Mr. Steve Parode and U.S. Assistant Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Ms. Sandra Brown conducted a strategic visit to the Philippines, marking a significant...

BH 25-1: Fighting Falcons practice ACE
A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off in support of an 18th Wing routine readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan, Jan. 15, 2025. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the 77th EFS ensures continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford)
Jan. 16, 2025 - The 18th Wing tested Agile Combat Employment objectives during a base-wide, routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 8-15, 2025...