Barksdale’s B-52s arrive at Andersen, complete bomber rotation

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Don Perrien
  • 36th Expeditionary Operations Group
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. and their B-52 Stratofortress bombers arrived in Guam this week to begin a four-month deployment.

The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance personnel replaced the Minot AFB, N.D. personnel who redeployed home as part of a scheduled rotation of bomber units. The rotational bomber presence at Andersen is aimed at enhancing regional security, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific, and providing integrated training opportunities for deployed Airmen.

"The Air Force continues to rotate bombers into the western Pacific as the U.S. Pacific Command adjusts its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability," said Col. Todd Westhauser, 36th Expeditionary Operations Group commander. "The U.S. Pacific Command is committed to promoting peace and security in the region, and deploying our B-52s to Guam is a big part of that effort."

Six aircraft and approximately 300 Airmen will be deployed here through May. This will be the sixth rotation of bombers into Andersen since the current schedule began in 2004.

Even as the first B-52s arrived here from the Eastern U.S., the new Airmen didn't waste any time getting off the ground flying their assigned missions.

"We flew our first sorties before the last plane arrived from Barksdale," Lt. Col. Steve Matson, 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander said. "It was important for us to establish a rhythm in our day-to-day operations."

The first sorties flown by the Barksdale crews were orientation and training missions designed to familiarize the aircrews with their new surroundings. The B-52s flew orientation routes over the local flight area around Guam, and through the training areas north of the island.

"This deployment will provide our unit with a number of opportunities to enhance our aircrew's flying skills," Colonel Matson said. "We came out here with a number of Airmen who are on their first deployment. Our operations here will provide a building block to improve their flying skills and capabilities for future deployments and missions."
While Barksdale's B-52s were busy in the air, the unit's remaining Airmen were busy getting acclimated to working in their new location.

"I look forward to integrating our Airmen into Team Andersen, and the people here are already bending over backwards to help us settle in," said Colonel Westhauser. "From lodging to transportation to airfield operations, we would not be able to complete our mission here without their support. The 36th Wing team is certainly living up to it's motto of 'One team, No seams' in helping us accomplish the 36th EOG's mission."