B-2s Deploy to Guam

Three B-2 Spirits from the 509th Bomber Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., deployed to Guam Tuesday. During the short-term deployment to Andersen AFB—part of the routine rotation of strategic bombers into the US Pacific Command area of responsibility—the bombers will take part in training sorties and integrate capabilities with regional partners, according to a Pacific Air Forces release. “Our strategic bomber force routinely operates around the globe and with our regional allies and partners, and this deployment is one such demonstration of the US commitment to supporting global and regional security,” said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of US Strategic Command, according to the release. The move comes as the US Pacific Command is replacing the nuclear-capable B-52s with conventional B-1s at Guam as part of the continuous bomber presence mission there and at a time when areas of the South China Sea remain contested. “Bomber aircraft provide the USPACOM area of responsibility with an effective deterrent capability, ensuring the regional security and stability of the US and our allies and partners,” said Pacific Air Force Commander Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, according to the release. “These bomber deployments visibly demonstrate our readiness and commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.” Last week, the stealthy B-2s took part in simultaneous nuclear-capable bomber flights to the North and Baltic Seas, around the North Pole and Alaska, and over the Pacific Ocean to Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. They last deployed into the Pacific Command AOR in March.