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US Air Force deploys four B-1 Bombers to Guam

Two military jets, B-1B "Lancers" parked on the tarmac at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
A pair of B-1B Lancers assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., arrive at Andersen AFB, Guam, Jan. 15, 2025.

The U-S Air Force has deployed four B-1 bombers to Guam. This is part of its first Bomber Task Force mission of 2025.

The deployment comes amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, with China’s military activities around Taiwan and North Korea’s ongoing weapons tests.

Two of the bombers took part in a rare tri-lateral flight with Japanese and South Korean fighter jets on their way to Guam, marking a first for these three nations.

A statement from Pacific Air Forces called the flight a step toward quote “coordinated responses to regional security challenges.”

Bomber Task Force missions allow U.S. bombers to operate from strategic locations, strengthening partnerships, and demonstrating military readiness.

The B-1 bombers, known as “Lancers,” are capable of carrying large payloads of conventional weapons, and flying long distances.

Mia Perez is a CHamoru woman who grew up in San Jose, California.
Naina Rao serves as Isla Public Media's first News Director. She's extensively produced for National Public Radio's Morning Edition, Culture Desk, and 1A.