Released: Sept. 3, 1998
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) - B-2 and B-52 bombers from Whiteman AFB, Mo., and Barksdale AFB, La., respectively, are deploying to Guam on a Global Power mission.
The deployment consists of three B-52 aircraft from the 96th Bomb Squadron, three B-2 aircraft from the 393rd BS, supporting tanker aircraft, and more than 240 people and equipment. The bombers are expected to depart for Andersen AFB, Guam, Sept. 4.
The purpose of the deployment is to position forces for continuous forward-staged training operations for 30 days.
B-52 aircraft have deployed to Guam several times, with most recent being in February. B-2 aircraft were deployed to Guam in March.
While in Guam, the bombers will carry conventional munitions and participate in training operations in the Pacific region. These heavy bombers, with their global range and ability to rapidly deliver large payloads, are key forces of the post Cold War national security strategy, said Air Combat Command officials. Bombers give America the capability to respond within 24 hours anywhere in the world with tremendous lethality while placing relatively few people in harm's way.
The B-52 Stratofortress has been the mainstay of the United States' nuclear and conventional bomber force for more than 36 years. The B-52 continues to serve in both roles, whether from its assigned base or forward deployed location.
The B-2 Spirit, with its low observability, large payload, and rapid response capability, can operate anywhere in the world from the United States. The ability to forward deploy the aircraft enables sustained operations at an even higher pace.
The United States routinely participates in Global Power missions and
the Air Force has conducted 37 missions from June 1997-June 1998.