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A US Air Force B-1B Lancer launched from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to conduct a Bomber Task Force mission in the Indo-Pacific, working in partnership with USAF F-22 Raptors.
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The 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, sent one bomber from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) to conduct rapid response training with two F-22 Raptors from the 94th Fighter Squadron (FS), 1st Fighter Wing, located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
Prior to integrating with the 94th FS, the B-1 Lancer travelled to the South China Sea to conduct stand-off weapons training with the goal of improving co-ordination with command and control elements.
The F-22 mission commander said, “This mission gave us the opportunity to integrate with the B-1s and several agencies across the US Air Force to test the alert posture and readiness of Andersen AFB against symmetric and asymmetric threats.
“It was a unique experience to be able to launch F-22s at a moment’s notice to intercept simulated air threats and hone our skills.”
The Indo-Pacific region serves as the priority theater for the Department of Defense. Bomber Task Force missions provide units the opportunity to challenge and train members to adapt to new environments and become familiar with the geographic area.
Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Coleman, 37th EBS commander, added, “One of the benefits of Bomber Task Force deployments is the ability to integrate with other assets. The ability to work alongside the 94 FS was a unique experience for our aircrew and provided a rare training opportunity.”
The US remains committed to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, and will continue to seek out ways to train and improve readiness with both fighter and bomber operations.
Lt Col Coleman added, “These missions display our resolve, as well as commitment to Allies in the region. They also demonstrate the ability of Bomber Task Forces to operate across the globe.”
