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Bombers Arrive at Andersen

PACAF Release

Release Date: 2/22/2004

By Senior Airman T.D. Cooper

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - The first three B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Minot AFB, N.D., arrived here Sunday under overcast skies. A total of six bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing will make Andersen their new home for an undetermined amount of time at the request of the U.S. Pacific Command.

The bombers are the first rotation to deploy to Guam as part of the command's ongoing force posture adjustment.

"While here, we'll support Pacific Command in enhancing the security of the region, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific, and continuing to fight the global war on terrorism," said Lt. Col. Harry Bender, 5th Bomb Wing advanced echelon team.

The B-52 ADVON team arrived about a week prior to the first set of planes to ensure Andersen was prepared to receive its new guests - and Andersen was.

"We have received outstanding support, and the hospitality has been exceptional - a very warm reception from all. One thing for sure is the great potential Andersen has to offer," Colonel Bender said.

"We're happy to be hosting our new teammates," said Col. P.K. White, 36th Air Base Wing commander. "The support units here have worked very hard to provide our guests with the best we have."

Colonel Bender said this deployment is a great opportunity for the 5th BW to fly in this region's theater.

"It's a completely different flying environment, with many opportunities to integrate with joint and coalition forces. We plan on participating in multiple exercises throughout the entire PACOM area of responsibility."

Being deployed to Andersen may be a new experience for these bomber crewmembers, but hosting B-52s is a part of the base's history.

Colonel White said, "Andersen has always been, at its heart and soul, a bomber base - even when there were no bombers present."

"The last B-52 crews to die in combat ate their last meal at the base. So, it really means a lot to have B-52s here again. With these B-52s coming to Andersen, it's like welcoming them back home again," said Colonel White.

Not only was Andersen ready for the 5th Bomb Wing, but the 5th Bomb Wing was ready for Andersen.

The crew from North Dakota was ready to leave Minot's freeze. And even Sunday's damp weather didn't put a damper on the crewmembers' joy to be on the island.

"I'm excited to be in a place with my sleeves rolled up in the middle of February," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Bleigh, 5th BW aircrew life support. Sergeant Bleigh was the first one in his shop to volunteer for the Guam assignment. This is his first trip to Guam, and he said so far, he loves it.

"The temperature was 10º with a wind chill of minus 60º when I left North Dakota," said Sergeant Bleigh, "now I'm here in 85º weather. It's beautiful." (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)