JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI -- Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted a flyover during the 2017 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (Seoul ADEX 17) at Seoul Airport, Republic of Korea, Oct. 21, 2017 (Korea Standard Time).
The B-1B flyover is part of the U.S. presence at Seoul ADEX, the largest, most comprehensive event of its kind in Northeast Asia. Approximately 200 U.S. personnel and a cross-section of U.S. military aircraft are represented at the event.
“The U.S. is honored to participate in this year’s Seoul ADEX,” said Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander. “Our steadfast relationship with the Republic of Korea, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together every day across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through positive events such as this.”
Supporting Seoul ADEX 17 provides the U.S. with an opportunity to deepen ties with its ROK partners and enhance regional security through expanded military-to-military cooperation.
The two Lancers took off from Andersen Air Force Base and flew north where they integrated with two Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) F-2s south of Korea before conducting the flyover with two Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K fighters and then continuing west.
The sequenced flights with Japan and the ROK are a demonstration of the strength of the bilateral alliances between U.S. partners and allies.
The bombers were operating as part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s continuous bomber presence missions, which have been routinely employed since March 2004 and are in accordance with international law.