A B-2 Spirit bomber prepares to refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Aerial refueling is an integral part of the global strike capability of the stealth bomber. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Val Gempis)
by Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
36th Operations Group Public Affairs
12/26/2007 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) -- Members of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here with B-2 Spirits from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., took off on a two-ship exercise destined to Alaska Dec. 18 when one bomber was diverted to a global power sortie.
Global power missions, which are more than 20 hours long, demonstrate the global strike capability of America's bomber force.
"The jets were launched with flight plans and mission materials for Alaska," said Lt. Col. John Vitacca, the 393rd EBS commander. "However, in flight, one jet was re-tasked to Hawaii and was sent new target information to facilitate coordinated weapons releases with ground parties at Pohakuloa Training Range."
Both bombers later hit their intended targets near simultaneously. This ability to instantly adjust target sets is a cornerstone of America's airpower.
"This tasking demonstrates how flexible our Airmen and aircraft are," said Col. Damian McCarthy, the 36th Operations Group commander. "Our global strike capability can be adjusted mid-mission should the combatant commander deem it necessary. The strategic battlefield is in a constant state of flux and our adaptability makes our bomber force a very lethal platform."
