2nd Bomb Wing support of Continuous Bomber Presence extends with unit swap-out
By Airman 1st Class Mozer O. Da Cunha, 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
/ Published March 10, 2015
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A B-52H Stratofortress undergoes take-off preparations on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 3, 2015. Once the engines start, both the aircrew and crew chiefs ensure they are functioning properly. The crew chiefs focus on the exterior of the aircraft while the aircrew focuses on the interior. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)
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Aircrew assigned to the 20th Bomb Squadron load gear and mission essential items before boarding a B-52H Stratofortress at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 3, 2015. More than 200 Airmen assigned to the 20th BS and other units deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam in support of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)
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Capt. Sean Stavely, right, 20th Bomb Squadron assistant director of operations, briefs aircrew members at the step desk on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 3, 2015. During the step briefing, aircrew members are briefed on weather conditions, where their aircraft is parked and file paperwork. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)
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A B-52H Stratofortress taxis out to the runway on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 3, 2015. The B-52's long range and versatility give it the capability to provide deterrence, demonstrating U.S. resolve and combat operations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)
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Airman Channing Edwards, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, marshals a B-52H Stratofortress during a launch on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 3, 2015. Air Force Global Strike Command's continuing deployment of heavy bombers to Andersen AFB, Guam, demonstrates the command's ability to perform its nuclear deterrence mission, validating its commitment to global vigilance, security and reach. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --
Barksdale aircrew, maintainers and B-52H Stratofortresses deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, March 3 in support of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence campaign.
PACOM's rotational strategic bomber presence in the region has surpassed its 10-year mark, providing a significant capability that enables our readiness and commitment to extended deterrence, assures our allies, and strengthens regional security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
"This time around, we are replacing our own brothers and sisters from the 96th Bomb Squadron," said Senior Master Sgt. Walter Leitnaker, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant superintendent. "The 20th Bomb Squadron and 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit are rolling out to replace them."
One of the purposes of CBP is to provide nuclear deterrence and assurance to the region.
"Guam is a valuable and strategic location in the region. It's an asset to the U.S. and its allies in Asia and the Pacific," said Leitnaker. "Just having our presence there with a nuclear capable aircraft makes strategic sense for us."
While deployed, the 20th BS will perform many of the same missions already performed on Barksdale but under different command.
"Our mission is to provide that long strike capability to PACOM," said Lt. Col. Wade Karren, 20th Bomb Squadron director of operations. "The objective is to deter our adversaries and to assure our allies in the region, so we provide that stability in that area of responsibility."
Deployments like these not only provide the area of responsibility with nuclear deterrence but also gives Team Barksdale an opportunity to develop skills unique to the area.
"The operational side gives aircrew, maintenance and the support agencies the opportunity to operate in an expeditionary type of environment," said Karren. "We may not have all of the things that we have as comforts from home, but we still need to be able to do the mission; it gives us the flexibility that's really important for air power."
Continuing rotation of U.S. Air Force bombers to the Asia-Pacific region has been ongoing since March 2004 as the U.S. adjusted its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability and with continuous presence the U.S. validates its commitment to the region.