AFGSC commander gets close-up look at deployed bomber operations

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Andriacco
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) --  The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited here to assess ongoing bomber operations and meet with deployed Airmen May 13 through 16.

Although bombers have rotated through Andersen Air Force Base continuously since March 2004, B-2 Spirits and B-52 Stratofortresses have only been aligned under Air Force Global Strike Command since Feb. 1.  Gen. Klotz also laid a wreath at a memorial that honors the fallen Airmen of RAIDR 21. The aircrew was lost when their B-52 went down in the Pacific on Guam's Liberation Day, July 21, 2008.

"As the major command now responsible for the B-52 and B-2, it now falls to us to organize, train and equip those forces and send them forward under the command of Pacific Air Forces and Pacific Command to Andersen Air Force Base," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz.

AFGSC members are responsible for the operations and maintenance of about 450 Minuteman III ICBMs, as well as the B-52 and B-2 bomber fleet. More than 23,000 Airmen and civilians are assigned to AFGSC.

While here, the general met with deployed Airmen and observed the operations and maintenance activities associated with deployed AFGSC assets supporting the continuous bomber presence mission.

"I must say that every individual I've talked to who's deployed here from (AFGSC) is very pleased with the living conditions and facilities on Andersen Air Force Base, as well as the very warm, gracious welcome they've received from the citizens of Guam and the surrounding community," General Klotz said.

"We're very grateful both to the wing and the people of Guam for taking such good care of our Airmen, and I know their families, when I go back and report that to them, will be happy to hear that as well," he said.

"AFGSC (Airmen) significantly (contribute) to Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission by forward deploying B-2s, B-52s and highly experienced and qualified Airmen to Andersen Air Force Base," said Brig. Gen. Philip Ruhlman, the 36th Wing commander. "Their deployment folds under the 36th Wing command in the presentation of global strike forces that deter potential adversaries and assure our partners in the Pacific region. Deployed AFGSC Airmen are part of ... Andersen (AFB's) success in the conduct of this very critical mission."