Ellsworth Airmen, B-1s deploy to Indo-Pacific region

By 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published July 20, 2020

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A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron launches from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., for a Bomber Task Force deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility July 16, 2020. The U.S. security presence, along with allies and partners, underpins the peace and stability that has enabled the Indo-Pacific region to develop and prosper for more than seven decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Quentin K. Marx)

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Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing board a Boeing 767 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., for a Bomber Task Force deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility July 14, 2020. During the deployment, approximately 170 Airmen and four B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron will conduct missions in the USINDOPACOM arena aimed at maintaining global stability and security in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin K. Marx)

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Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., have their carry-on items X-rayed as part of a mobility processing line prior to a Bomber Task Force deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility July 13, 2020. The BTF mission demonstrates USINDOPACOM’s continued commitment to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Quentin K. Marx)

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Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., receive a medical check prior to a Bomber Task Force deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility July 13, 2020. The U.S. security presence, along with allies and partners, underpins the peace and stability that has enabled the Indo-Pacific region to develop and prosper for more than seven decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Quentin K. Marx)

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A U.S. Air Force Airman boom operator assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels a B-1B Lancer from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., during a Bomber Task Force mission, July 17, 2020. Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate Pacific Air Forces’ lines of effort: sharpen lethality and improve interoperability; strengthen alliances and partnerships; and operating concepts for great power competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebeckah Medeiros)

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A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels a B-1B Lancer from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., during a Bomber Task Force mission, July 17, 2020. The Unites States security presence, along with our allies and partners, underpins the peace and stability that has enabled the Indo-Pacific region to develop and prosper for more than seven decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebeckah Medeiros)

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An Airman assigned to the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., checks luggage as part of a mobility processing line in preparation for a Bomber Task Force deployment, July 13, 2020. Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing deployed to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility to conduct Bomber Task Force missions, which help maintain global stability and security while enabling units to become familiar in different regions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Quentin K. Marx)

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A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron launches from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., for a Bomber Task Force (BTF) deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, July 16, 2020. Bomber Task Force missions help maintain global stability and security while enabling units to become familiar in different regions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Quentin K. Marx)

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A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron taxis on the flightline at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 16, 2020. Approximately 170 members and two B-1s deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a Bomber Task Force deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s continuing commitment to allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Quentin K. Marx)

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A B-1B Lancer, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., lands at Andersen AFB, Guam, July 17, 2020. The Bomber Task Force is deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

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A B-1B Lancer, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., as part of a Bomber Task Force, performs a flyover before landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, July 17, 2020. The BTF is deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

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Two B-1B Lancers, assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., arrive at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a Bomber Task Force deployment, July 17, 2020. Approximately 170 Airmen and two B-1s deployed to the Indo-Pacific in support of the BTF.(U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --

More than 150 Airmen from a variety of career fields and several B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth returned to the Indo-Pacific region July 17 to conduct Bomber Task Force operations out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Airmen and bombers from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to support Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces, and strategic deterrence missions to reinforce the rules-based international order in the region.

“Our team has been actively preparing for BTF operations to ensure we’re ready and capable of meeting any requirement across the globe,” said Lt. Col. Lincoln Coleman, 37th EBS commander. “We are excited for the opportunity to integrate with our partners and allies in the Pacific theater and increase our joint lethality.”

Before arriving in Guam, the B-1s conducted bilateral intercept training with Koku-Jieitai, or Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), F-15Js over the Sea of Japan to enhance readiness and interoperability.

“Koku-Jieitai has steadily and successfully enhanced bilateral response capability and TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) through the training,” said JASDF commander, Col. Teruaki Fujita, Director of Operations, Support Division, Air Staff Office. “We remain committed to bilateral training in order to strengthen alliance capabilities, as well as interoperability to deter and counter threats.”

U.S. Strategic Command routinely conducts BTF operations across the globe as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to collective defense and to integrate with Geographic Combatant Command operations and activities.

Andersen AFB last hosted B-1s in May 2020, when bombers from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas, conducted multiple sequenced bilateral missions.

With the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force. It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.

For imagery related to the deployment and bilateral training, visit https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/.