The Bomber Switch

The Bomber Switch: Two B-2 bomber units from Whiteman AFB, Mo., have switched places—the 13th Bomb Squadron has replaced the 393rd Bomb Squadron for the next rotational bomber duty at Andersen AFB, Guam. The bomber unit joins other deployed USAF fighter and tanker forces that have been boosting the muscle of US Pacific Command. Being the second B-2 unit to participate in the Pacific rotation enabled the 13th BS aircrews to fly soon after arriving at Andersen. Lt. Col. Leonard D’Amico, 13th BS director of operations, says that “employing shortly after deploying is an Air Force specialty.” In a combat environment, USAF units would be “ready to fight only hours after arriving,” explained D’Amico, but he added that doing so “in peacetime is risky,” so the crews generally fly after a couple of days.