B-52 Bomber Operations Commence in Guam, Amplifying Pacific Military Drills
The United States Air Force has deployed a bomber task force to Guam and Diego Garcia as part of the Resolute Forces Pacific (REFORPAC) exercise. This deployment is designed to support Pacific Air Forces' training efforts with U.S. allies, partners, and joint forces, reinforce strategic deterrence missions, and uphold the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
The deployment involves multiple B-52H Stratofortress bombers from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, based at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. These bombers are operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and several are stationed on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
The REFORPAC exercise, which involves approximately 300 aircraft, underscores the significant scale and joint nature of this operation. The B-52 task force deployment continues the U.S. Air Force's strategy to maintain a forward bomber presence to deter aggression and reassure allies, following a shift from continuous bomber presence on Guam (which ended in 2020) to rotational Bomber Task Force deployments worldwide.
The exact number of B-52 bombers deployed was not specified by the Air Force command. However, at least two B-52s were tracked flying to Guam. The B-52s on Diego Garcia have been stationed there since May, replacing the B-2 Spirits that were previously stationed on the island. The B-2 Spirits had been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen until the U.S. reached a ceasefire with the group.
The B-52s on Guam are participating in regional joint events, reinforcing the U.S.'s commitment to its allies and its ability to integrate with partner militaries. The deployment aims to improve flexibility to respond to potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, amid rising geopolitical tensions with China.
Sources: [1] Defense News, "US Bombers Deploy to Guam, Diego Garcia for Pacific Exercise", https://www.defensenews.com/ [2] Air Force Magazine, "B-52s Deploy to Guam, Diego Garcia for REFORPAC", https://www.airforcemag.com/ [3] Military Times, "U.S. Bombers Deployed to Guam, Diego Garcia for Pacific Exercise", https://www.militarytimes.com/ [4] The Hill, "US Air Force ends continuous bomber presence on Guam", https://thehill.com/
- The Pentagon has mobilized a B-52H Stratofortress bomber task force, comprising aircraft from Minot Air Force Base, for the Resolute Forces Pacific (REFORPAC) exercise.
- The B-52 task force, which includes bombers deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, is integral to the U.S. Air Force's strategy of maintaining a forward bomber presence to deter aggression.
- The space industry and finance sector may find interest in the Space Force, as the deployment of aircraft underscores the significance of the joint nature of this operation in the Indo-Pacific region, extending beyond traditional air defense.
- The REFORPAC exercise, consisting of approximately 300 aircraft, showcases the extensive scale and global outreach of the U.S. military and the aerospace industry.
- As the B-52s stationed on Diego Garcia perform exercises, they replace B-2 Spirits that formerly conducted airstrikes in Yemen, contributing to the complex dynamics and tensions, particularly in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
