Tensions on the Korean peninsula have not prompted any significant changes in the Air Force’s Pacific posture, Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh reported Monday at a Pentagon press conference. Welsh noted that three B-2 bombers deployed to Guam for a “scheduled rotation” to Andersen Air Force Base and that this would be in addition to the usual bomber presence missions there. USAF forces also remain “ready” in South Korea, but have not been put on an especially high alert, Welsh reported. “Nothing additional” is being moved in response to the situation in Korea, he said.
As the U.S. continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution with Russia over its troop buildup on the Ukraine border, the Defense Department is looking into what capabilities it will need to reassure NATO allies if Russia does launch an invasion, its top spokesperson said Jan. 21.