Submitted Photo A B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, taxis on the flight line at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on Jan. 30. Bomber missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and validate the United States global strike capability. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa Bankston.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – B-52 Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base landed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, at the end of January as part of a Bomber Task Force to support strategic deterrence missions aimed at reinforcing the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

While forward deployed to Guam, B-52 operations and support personnel are designated to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. The 23rd EBS will integrate alongside Allies and partners to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to security and stability throughout the region.

Bomber Task Force missions aim to influence and dissuade aggression from adversaries or competitors.

Reacting to the arrival of the aircraft, Capt. Zachary “Smash” Holmes, 23rd EBS weapons officer, said it was great to “finally have some iron on the ground.”

“It’s great to finally receive our crews so we’re ready to go out and take part in the mission as well as get our maintenance personnel ready to support where they’re needed,” Holmes said. “We’re ready to go.”