This marks the second deployment of the B-1B Lancer to the Indo-Pacific this calendar year, signifying the increasing level of importance the White House places on U.S. air superiority in Asia.
At least two United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer long-range strategic bombers from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at Dyess Air Force Base (AFB), Texas, flew across the Pacific Ocean and landed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on Tuesday.
The Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) announced that the bomber, airmen, and support equipment were deployed to the Land of the Rising Sun as part of the first rotational Bomber Task Force mission to the island nation.
As with past BTF missions, it will likely last around six weeks. During this time, the aircraft will train alongside allies and regional partners to show the U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific.
“BTF 25-2 showcases the U.S. commitment to deterring threats and maintaining regional stability,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Travelstead, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations.
“These missions in the Indo-Pacific ensure our B-1 crews are highly trained and ready to respond anytime, anywhere, to defend U.S. interests and support our allies, securing a stable Indo-Pacific—where all nations operate freely under a rules-based order while promoting global peace and prosperity.”
B-1Bs Are Becoming a Familiar Sight Across Asia
This marks the second deployment of the B-1B Lancer to the Indo-Pacific this calendar year. Bomber Task Force 25-1, which began at the end of January and concluded last month, saw four Lancers and an undisclosed number of personnel deployed from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, to Andersen AFB, Guam.
During that BTF mission, one of the B-1Bs took part in drills with South Korean F-35 Lightning II and F-15 Eagle jets and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons, marking the first exercises over the Korean Peninsula since President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
The two B-1Bs from Texas also flew over South Korea on Tuesday, escorted by U.S. Air Force F-16s, Republic of Korea Air Force F-35s, and Fighting Falcons.
“The fighters and bombers engaged in offensive and defensive counter-air training, refining combined tactics, techniques, and procedures. The bombers then performed a low pass over the flightline of Osan AB before departing Korean airspace,” the U.S. 7th Air Force announced in a statement.
According to Air & Space Forces magazines, Tuesday’s flight “came as North Korea celebrated the anniversary of state founder Kim Il Sung, great-grandfather of North Korea’s Kim Jong-un” and followed news that North Korea may be building a large warship.
B-2 Bombers Continue to Flock to Diego Garcia
The presence of the bombers in Japan also comes as the United States Air Force has at least six Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers deployed to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia to serve as a deterrent against Iran, and possibly to strike the Islamic Republic should a nuclear deal not be reached.
The U.S. Navy has also beefed up its presence in the Middle East, with two Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers operating in the region. At least two additional carriers are now reported to be operating in the Pacific Ocean.
The B-2 Spirits have reportedly carried out multiple strikes against the Tehran-backed Houthis in Yemen, employing the GBU-57 Ordnance Penetrators to strike the militants’ groups deep bunkers.
The U.S. operates forty-five Cold War-era B-1B Lancers and nineteen B-2 Spirits.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons/ Master Sgt. Lance Cheung.
