Pacific Perspective:B-52H Strategic Bombers Deployed from Minot Air Force Base

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers of the 23rd Bomb Wing out of Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota,have been deployed by Air Force Global Strike Command to Andersen Air Base,Guam on a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission.The mission will accomplish goals of the National Defense Strategy of the United States,projecting power for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is committed to this strategy of upholding a rules-based,free and open Indo-Pacific Region that protects the sovereignty of every nation and preserves freedom of navigation.Together with our Allies and Partners,the command says,the US is dedicated to maintaining a region comprised of nations that adhere to the international rule of law.* BTF missions keep aircrews in a high state of readiness,proficiency,and validate our always-ready global strike capability.The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defence and deterrence of any malign actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests.BTF missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific Region by demonstrating the United States Air Force 's ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the National Defense Strategy.Moreover,BTF missions provide opportunities to train and operate with Allies and Partners in joint and combined operations and exercises.BTF enhances readiness,to include joint and multilateral,to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific Region.*BTF supports national security objectives through the speed,flexibility,and readiness of our strategic bombers.BTF also demonstrates cutting-edge capabilities;forward presence;and committment to our Allies and Partners.It augments the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) under the command of GEN Kenneth Wilsbach,USAF.He is also Air Component Commander,U.S. Indo-Pacific Command,and Executive Director Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff.PACAF is responsible in USAF activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports over 46,000 Airmen serving primarily in Japan,Korea,Hawaii,Alaska and Guam.GEN Wilsbach is a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida's ROTC program and earned his pilot's wings in 1986 as a distinguished graduate of Laughlin Air Force Base,Texas.He has commanded a fighter squadron;operations group;two wings;two Numbered Air Forces;and held numerous staff assignments.Prior to his current assignment,GEN Wilsbach was Deputy Commander U.S. Forces Korea.He also served as Commander Seventh Air Force,Pacific Air Forces,Osan Air Base,South Korea.*GEN Wilsbach is a command pilot with more thn five thousand hours in multiple aircraft,primarily in the F-15C,F-16C,MC-12W and F-22A.He has flown 71 combat missions in Operations Northern and Southern Watch (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).*GEN Wilsbach was promoted to General on 8 July 2020.*GEN Wilsbach's Awards and Decorations include:Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters;the Bronze Star Medal;the Meritorius Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;and the Air and Space Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.*In one BTF mission,two Boeing B-52H Stratofortress nuclear-capable strategic bombers conducted a flyover at Changi Airbase East on 22 February 2024 at the Singapore Air Show 2024.The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the event with aerial demonstrations and static displays to build on already strong ties with Singapore;demonstrate flexible aircraft capbility;enable engagement with foreign Partners;and expand power projection capabilities.*Boeing (BA)