News>B-52s head to Guam for continuous bomber presence rotation
Photos
A B-52H Stratofortess takes off on its way to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a deployment June 2, 2010, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. During the six-month deployment, nearly 350 Airmen and several B-52s will provide U.S. Pacific Command with a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael J. Veloz)
Three B-52H Stratofortesses take off on their way to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a deployment June 2, 2010, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. During the six-month deployment, nearly 350 Airmen and more than five B-52s will provide U.S. Pacific Command with a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael J. Veloz)
Airmen from the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron load pallets of equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster III out of Travis Air Force Base, Calif., during deployment preparation May 27, 2010, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing are preparing to deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.)
Senior Airman Mark Galvan ensures that supplies are securely locked May 26, 2010, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. The containers are filled with supplies and equipment 5th Bomb Wing deployers will need to support the U.S. Pacific Command's mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Airman Galvan is a 5th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley N. Avecilla)
by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
6/3/2010 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Six B-52H Stratofortresses and nearly 350 Airmen here left June 1 for Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to start a six-month deployment.
The 5th Bomb Wing's role in U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission "is vital to national security," said Col. Charles Patnaude, the 5th Operations Group commander. "Our mission is to deter and assure."
Colonel Patnaude said Minot's Airmen will be there to deter and dissuade potential regional aggressors and to assure U.S. allies of the commitment to the Pacific region.
"This is a great mission for Minot's B-52s because it enables us to demonstrate our broad range of capabilities," he said.
The 5th BW's two B-52 squadrons, the 23rd and 69th Bomb Squadrons, will share the six-month deployment. The 23rd BS will serve the first half of the deployment.
The mission to the island had Airmen's spirits high and eager to get underway.
"I know many of them are excited about this deployment," Colonel Patnaude said. "The training environment is fantastic and basing out of Andersen (AFB) will offer up great opportunities. Our personnel will get to interact with folks from other weapon systems and other services."
Colonel Patnaude said PACOM's continuous bomber presence mission has been ongoing since March 2004 when 5th BW officials first established the operation.
"B-52s, B-1 (Lancers) and B-2 (Spirits) have each taken turns as a continuous sentinel for the Pacific theater," he added. "The 5th BW has been to Guam several times since 2004 and I suspect will continue deploying there until Pacific Command no longer needs us."
PACOM officials said they routinely evaluate the command's readiness and reposition forces as needed to ensure they maintain both the operational and support capabilities necessary to meet the obligations of national defense.
Officials added the bombers serve in a continuous role that is not tied to any specific events in the Pacific.
Comments
6/4/2010 3:37:12 PM ET The B-52 going to Guam is reminiscent of Operation Arc Light during the Vietnam Era. When I was stationed at Westover AFB in Massachusetts our B-50's and KC-135's went to Guam for the 6 months of bombing in Vietnam. It certainly didn't help the local economy of Western Mass. that's for sure. God speed people.
