A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit fly over Guam after launching from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for an integrated bomber operation Aug.17, 2016. This mission marks the first time in history that all three of Air Force Global Strike Command’s strategic bomber aircraft are simultaneously conducting integrated operations in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. (Photo by Sandra Welch/U.S. Air Force)
The U.S. Air Force flew its three strategic bombers — the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress — in what was billed as the first-ever integrated bomber operation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The flight took place Aug. 17 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, according to a press release and photos from the service. The news quickly circulated on social media.
Several B-1s flew from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to participate in U.S. Pacific Command’s “Continuous Bomber Presence” mission, according to the Air Force. They will soon replace B-52s that deployed to Andersen from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. Meanwhile, three B-2s arrived in theater from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
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In a statement seemingly aimed at China, which has built reinforced hangars and runways on the disputed Spratly Islands in the region, Brig. Gen. Douglas Cox, commander of the 36th Wing, said in the release, “This mission demonstrated the U.S. commitment to supporting global security and our ability to launch a credible strategic defense force.”
Full article: US Air Force Flies All Three Bombers in Pacific Op (DefenseTech)
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