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Airmen and bombers deploy to Pacific

March 8, 2003

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airmen supporting B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas and B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., deployed here with their bombers as other U.S. forces prepare for possible military action elsewhere in the world.

"These bombers and airmen are the finest in the Air Force and have answered the call to deploy to the Pacific as a defensive measure to ensure all countries in the region know that the U.S. military has its eyes wide open and not simply focused on the other side of the world," said Col. Jonathan George, commander of the newly formed 7th Air Expeditionary Wing. "People should not see this deployment as an act of aggression, it's merely a deterrent measure to ensure peace and stability in the Pacific region."

According to the 7th AEW commander the newly arrived airmen from stateside bases, along with the men and women of the 36th Air Base Wing, who are permanently assigned here, are prepared for anything if they are called upon.

"The airmen of the 7th AEW stand ready to provide all the services that come with our capabilities," said Colonel George. "However, our immediate mission is to provide a prudent measure to bolster the U.S. defensive posture in the region as a deterrent."

Guam is America's most western territory and has been a location of strategic importance for decades, said Colonel George, and Andersen AFB has supported several operations that have required increased military presence on the island.

"Our mission is to support people, planes and equipment," said Col. Joseph Mudd, 36th Air Base Wing commander. "The deployment of additional forces to Andersen is typical, and as the U.S. prepares for possible conflict in other parts of the globe we want to ensure our backdoor is covered; Guam offers a great place for these people and their aircraft to provide the appropriate level of deterrence." (PACAFNS)