According to Air Combat Command, a leak in the hydraulic fluid system and sparks from a faulty brake caused the fire that damaged a B-1B landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on Sept. 15, 2005. An accident investigation report estimates the cost of the damage at more than $32 million, plus another $184,000 to repair the runway. The report notes that movement of one and failure of a second bushing allowed the brake to press into the wheel and gouge the rim. That action precipitated a critical pin to break, producing the hydraulic leak.
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.