B-52H task force deploys to Guam in support of Pacific Air Forces

Feb. 1 (UPI) -- A task force of four B-52H Stratofortress bombers from the 96th Bomb Squadron has been deployed in support of Pacific Air Forces' training efforts.

The task force from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived last week at Anderson AFB, Guam, for deployment, a U.S. Air Force statement said Monday.

Allies, partners and joint forces joined the bombers in "strategic-deterrence missions," part of the U.S. military's effort to "reinforce the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region," according to the statement.

The "Stratofortress" is a strategic bomber that can fly at high subsonic speeds and altitudes up to 50,000 feet, and has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8,800 miles, according to U.S. Central Command statement said.

"Deploying as a Bomber Task Force exercises our ability to produce agile, combat power in any location we are needed," 96th Bomb Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Christopher Duff said in a press release.

"Our strategic bomber missions demonstrate our always-ready global strike capability. We remain ready to deploy to reach anywhere in the world at any time," Duff said.

The 96th Bomb Squadron last deployed a task force to Guam in December 2018.

"Bomber Task Force deployments also provide our Airmen opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in realistic, joint coalition operations and exercises," Duff said.

"It ensures that we continue to maintain the highest level of proficiency and readiness," he added.

Last week B52H crews assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB completed the third "presence patrol" in the Middle East this year.

The long-range, short-duration defensive missions are aimed to show the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy air power anywhere in the world.