The US Air Force (USAF) has deployed B-1B Lancer bombers to Misawa Air Base in northern Honshu Japan for bomber training operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The first deployment of its kind in Japan since the Vietnam War, the fleet includes airmen and support equipment from the USAF’s 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. It will focus on familiarizing crew members with various air bases and different areas of operations.
Squadron director of operations lieutenant colonel Christopher Travelstead stated that the move showcases the US’ commitment to promoting regional stability.
“These missions in the Indo-Pacific ensure our B-1 crews are highly trained and ready to respond anytime, anywhere, to defend U.S. interests and support our allies, securing a stable Indo-Pacific,” he said.
The deployment is part of the US Bomber Task Force (BTF) initiative, which seeks to help its allies in maintaining security and rules-based order in the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa.
The Bomber Task Force
Seeking to efficiently integrate with ally nations, the BTF supports major USAF commands in countries such as Germany, Norway, and Spain.
For its Europe missions, NATO allies escort the task force’s bombers flying in and out of Fairford Air Base in Gloucestershire in the southern UK.
In March, the task force collaborated with the Italian Air Force in Exercise Spartan Mace, which aimed to enhance the two nations’ close-air support interoperability.
The USAF also deploys B-2 Spirit aircraft for its exercises, showcasing the fleet’s effectiveness in long-range penetrating strike force.
