96th EBS heads home, 20th EBS takes over operations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Teel
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and their B-52 Stratofortress bombers are scheduled to return home this week after completing a four-month deployment here.

The aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members will be replaced by fellow Barksdale Airmen from the 20th EBS, who will arrive here for their scheduled rotation.

Both squadrons deploy here as part of the continuous bomber presence to help maintain stability and provide security in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Our mission here is to deter potential aggressors and add reassurance to our allies in the AOR, by demonstrating global strike capabilities," said Lt. Col. Patrick Matthews, 96th EBS commander. "While here we train to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace."

"The U.S. Pacific Command is committed to promoting peace and security in the region...deploying B-52s to Guam is a big part of that effort," said Col. Damian McCarthy, 36th Expeditionary Operations Group commander. "Both bomber squadrons are key players in the U.S. Air Force's mission, proving matchless combat power on time, anytime, anywhere."

While at Andersen, the primary mission of the 20th EBS will be to gain experience flying and generating aircraft from a forward-operating base.

The rotational bomber presence at Andersen is aimed at enhancing regional security, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region and providing integrated training opportunities for deployed Airmen.

"Andersen is ideal as a main operating base for sustaining and projecting air power in support of America's defense strategy. It is strategically located, has an impressive fuel and munitions storage capability, exceptional Airmen and civilian employees and strong community support," said Col. McCarthy.

Nine aircraft and approximately 350 Airmen will be deployed here through October. This will be the ninth rotation of B-52 bombers into Andersen since the current schedule began in 2004.

Movement of bombers into the Western Pacific has been ongoing since February 2003 as U.S. PACOM adjusted its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability.

The outgoing 96th EBS team participated in many missions while they were here during which they led the way by being the first to use the LITENING AT targeting pod; they qualified six crews on the LITENING AT and integrated the pod into theater. The Airmen used the B-52 Stratofortress bomber's range and versatility to train with the Royal Singapore Air Force on refueling missions and participated in air intercept exercises with the U.S. Navy in air support exercises.

As the 96th EBS steps aside the 20th EBS Airmen will take to the skies to demonstrate their global reach and global power from Guam for the next four to six months during their deployment.