B-2s Deploy to Guam

A trio of B-2 bombers have deployed from Whiteman AFB, Mo., to Andersen AFB, Guam, Pacific Air Forces announced, on a “familiarization training” rotation in the Asia-Pacific. The three B-2s deployed Aug. 7 with approximately 225 airmen from Whiteman to support operations on the US territory. The deployment demonstrates a continued US commitment to “regular, global strategic bomber operations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” the PACAF announcement declares. The B-2s are not assigned to the regularly scheduled Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) bomber rotation, but are regular visitors to the island as part of Air Force Global Strike Command’s support for extended deterrence and assurance operations in US Pacific Command. Last summer, B-2s returned to Guam for a similar training deployment for the first time since January 2012, according to AFGSC officials. Crews use the deployments to train and hone skills in bomber operations such as practicing command and control procedures, weapons loading, and aerial refueling.