Bombers from the United States will continue their mission on Guam for at least another four months, officials confirmed Monday.

Andersen Air Force Base welcomed 250 airmen and six B-52s from the 2nd Bomb Wing, 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., this weekend for the start of a 120-day Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, according to an Andersen news release.

The airmen replaced those from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron — also part of the 2nd Bomb Wing — who deployed to Andersen on May 25 for a 90-day rotation.

The new unit is the third of four existing B-52 bomber squadrons in the U.S. Air Force to deploy to Guam as part of continuous bomber rotations directed earlier this year by Pacific Command leaders.

“America’s airpower [has] enabled a show of freedom and resolve around the globe,” stated Col. Eldon Woodie, 36th Expeditionary Operations Group commander.

Of the unit that just left Guam, Woodie stated: “Despite some weather difficulties, the team produced more than 130 B-52 sorties, which flew in numerous joint and coalition exercises and dropped hundreds of munitions.”

The bomber deployment enhances regional security and underscores the U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific, Andersen officials stated in the release. The addition of B-52 bombers to Guam gives the PACOM commander short-notice global strike and strategic engagement capabilities that otherwise would not exist in the region, officials stated.

The rotational deployment also increases training opportunities that integrate B-52 bomber operations into PACOM’s joint and coalition exercises from forward-operating bases such as Andersen, according to the release.

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