More than 250 airmen and untold number of B-2 bombers from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., arrived at Andersen AFB, Guam, this past weekend to start a new rotation, maintaining a continuous bomber and fighter presence on the island as part of Pacific Air Forces global strike force. The Whiteman bombers are replacing the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron’s B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth AFB, S.D., which had been deployed to Andersen since January.
While the Pentagon has signaled its intent to scale technology, field new systems faster, and work more with nontraditional vendors, a new report identifies persistent manufacturing capacity, resourcing, workforce, and modernization challenges that could hinder its ability to deliver on those goals.