Ellsworth AFB Airmen train with foreign allies

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., refuels during a 10-hour mission mission from Andersen AFB, Guam, flying in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, the East China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula, Aug. 7, 2017. During the mission, the B-1s were joined by Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2s as well as South Korean air force KF-16 fighter jets, performing two sequential bilateral missions. These flights with Japan and South Korea demonstrate solidarity between Japan, South Korea and the U.S. to defend against provocative and destabilizing actions in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gerald Willis)

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Ellsworth AFB Airmen train with foreign allies

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., prepare to take off from Andersen AFB, Guam, for a 10-hour mission, flying in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, the East China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula, Aug. 7, 2017. During the mission, the B-1s were joined by Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2s as well as South Korean air force KF-16 fighter jets, performing two sequential bilateral missions. These flights with Japan and the South Korea demonstrate solidarity between Japan, South Korea and the U.S. to defend against provocative and destabilizing actions in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

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Ellsworth AFB Airmen train with foreign allies

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., flew from Andersen AFB, Guam, for a 10-hour mission, flying in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, the East China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula, Aug. 7, 2017. During the mission, the B-1s were joined by Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2s as well as South Korean air force KF-16 fighter jets, performing two sequential bilateral missions. These flights with Japan and the South Korea demonstrate solidarity between Japan, South Korea and the U.S. to defend against provocative and destabilizing actions in the Pacific theater. (Courtesy photo)

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Ellsworth AFB Airmen train with foreign allies

Published Aug. 9, 2017
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Bombers, under the command of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, joined their counterparts from South Korean and Japanese air forces in sequenced bilateral missions, Aug. 7, 2017.

This serves as the first mission for the crews and aircraft recently deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s continuous bomber presence missions.

After taking off from Andersen AFB, Guam, the B-1s assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flew into Japanese airspace, where they were joined by Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self Defense Force) F-2 fighter jets. The B-1s then flew over the Korean Peninsula where they were joined by South Korean air force KF-16 fighter jets. The B-1s then performed a pass over the Pilsung Range before leaving South Korean airspace and returning to Guam.

Throughout the approximately 10-hour mission, the aircrews practiced intercept and formation training, enabling them to enhance their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also strengthening the long standing military relationships in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Ellsworth AFB B-1s were last deployed to Guam in August 2016 when they took over CBP operations from the B-52 Stratofortress bomber squadrons from Minot AFB, North Dakota, and Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.

“How we train is how we fight and the more we interface with our allies, the better prepared we are to fight tonight,” said a 37th EBS B-1 pilot. “The B-1 is a long-range bomber that is well-suited for the maritime domain and can meet the unique challenges of the Pacific.”

Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel, will continue generating B-1 bomber sorties to demonstrate the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, providing commanders with a strategic power projection platform and fulfilling the need for anytime mission-ready aircraft, an important part of national defense during a time of high regional tension.

“While at home station my crews are constantly refining their tactics and techniques so that we can better integrate with our counterparts from other nations,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Diehl, the 37th EBS, commander. “As demonstrated today, our air forces stand combat-ready to deliver airpower when called upon.”

The U.S. has maintained a regular bomber presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific since 2004 and this mission demonstrated our continued ironclad commitment to regional allies. Further, it increased our readiness and exercised our rights under international law to fly legally in the place and time of our choosing.