U.S. STRATEGIC COMMAND
The U.S. Air Force recently sent four B-52H Stratofortresses to Guam to conduct bomber task force (BTF) missions in the Indo-Pacific region with allies and partners.
More than 220 Airmen assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, deployed to the island in support of the operation February 9-March 9, 2022.
“Every bomber task force mission demonstrates the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in our history,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Coleman, commander of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.
“Put simply: We are here to support a stable, secure and free Indo-Pacific region.”
(Pictured: A B-52H Stratofortress on deployment to Guam takes part in a training mission with U.S. F-35 warplanes and a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 in February 2022.)
In line with National Defense Strategy objectives of strategic predictability and operational unpredictability, the BTF missions underscore U.S. commitment to allies and partners in the region. Given current world events, they also are a visible presence of U.S. dedication to global peace, stability and security.
The missions also demonstrate the readiness and capability of the storied Stratofortress: The
B-52H can fly anywhere in the world within hours after being refueled in the air. Deploying to Guam enables the bombers to operate in the Indo-Pacific from an array of overseas and continental U.S. locations.
From the forward operating base on the island, the B-52Hs took part in multiple training exercises with regional allies that focused on agile combat employment. Such exercises improve combined capabilities, build strong relationships and help ensure future military success. One of the Barksdale bombers also conducted a flyover at the Singapore Air Show — the largest aviation expo in the Indo-Pacific.
There are 76 of the various B-52 models in service (58 active and 18 reserve). The aircraft, all built in 1960-61, have participated in all major U.S. operations since the Vietnam War. An ongoing maintenance and upgrade program keeps the bombers viable through at least 2050. The B-52 is able to remain in service for decades because of its strong airframe and a platform that allows for numerous upgrades.
Along with the B-2 strategic bomber, the B-52H is a critical part of the U.S. nuclear triad, which also consists of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The B-52H can hold up to 20 AGM-86 air-launched cruise missiles. The nuclear-capable weapons have terrain contour-matching guidance and can hug the ground during flight, making them difficult to defend.
Guam is the largest and most populous of the Mariana Islands. It is 9,300 kilometers west of San Francisco and 2,600 kilometers east of Manila, Philippines. About a third of the land in Guam is owned by the U.S. military. It is home to Andersen Air Force Base and several U.S. Navy facilities. Guam became a U.S. territory in 1950 and its residents are U.S. citizens.
IMAGE CREDIT: U.S. AIR FORCE