ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Over 210 Airmen and four B-52 bombers assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, on March 30th, 2023, conducting Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions in support of Pacific Air Forces training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces.
The BTF operations support USINDOPACOM missions by giving aircrews the opportunity to familiarize themselves with operating in a joint and coalition environment. The BTF also helps Airmen focus on the full spectrum of military operations, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“The bomber task force, and specifically the B-52s in the INDOPACIFIC region, not only allows our crew force to hone their superior technical and weapons system expertise, but also sends an extremely important message.” said Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Wilcox, commander of the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base. “It demonstrates our continued readiness and commitment to our allies in the region to ensure freedom of movement now and in the future, as well as ensures stability in the region.”
The BTF serves to strengthen the relationship between U.S. Air Force personnel and their partners in the Indo-Pacific region, enabling collaborative training and demonstrating the U.S. commitment to the region’s security. The arrival of the B-52H Stratofortress to Andersen AFB serves as a tangible representation of this commitment.
“This bomber task force displays our ability to provide agile combat-ready forces for combatant commanders and support the critical mission, vision, and priorities of Pacific Air Forces. We look forward to showcasing the might of the airmen of the 2nd Bomb Wing to accomplish these objectives. It will take all of the airmen of this task force to ensure we get the best training and experience working with our partner nations, and we are dedicated and ready.” said Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Wilcox
These BTF operations are just one example of the many military exercises and operations conducted around the world to promote global security. These exercises allow for the testing of equipment, the development of tactics, and the strengthening of alliances, all of which are essential in maintaining peace and stability in an increasingly complex global security environment.