Air Combat Command has dispatched some 250 airmen and four B-2 bombers from Whiteman AFB, Mo., to join the F-22 fighters currently deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, to Andersen AFB, Guam. This marks the first time that the two stealth aircraft have operated out of Guam at the same time. The B-2s replaced the B-52s that just completed their Pacific region strategic presence rotation and returned to Minot AFB, N.D. Lt. Col. Jason Armagost, commander of Whiteman’s 13th Bomb Squadron, called the dual stealth deployment an “unparalleled opportunity.” He added, “The next couple of months will really highlight and clarify the capabilities that stealth aircraft bring to the table.” (Andersen report by SrA. Ryan Whitney)
U.S. Air Force F-35s and F-22s regularly deploy deep into the Pacific region from Alaska, Utah, and Hawaii. In the future, though, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command would like to see the Air Force permanently station fifth-generation aircraft west of the international date line—closer to China.