A trio of B-2 stealth bombers have redeployed to the continental United States from Andersen AFB, Guam, after a three-week rotation to support US Pacific Command’s continuous bomber presence rotation, Andersen officials announced. The rotation was the first deployment of B-2s to the island since January 2012. Some 200 support airmen accompanied the three bombers from 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., to support readiness training and familiarity with PACOM operations. Maj. Arron Hager, the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, said the training on Guam ensures crews are proficient in skill sets such as command and control, aerial refueling, and weapons loading. Guam-based training also tests skills needed in a contingency, such as turning aircraft quickly. TSgt. Daniel Youman, a quality inspector with the 509th AMS, noted he participated in “hot refueling” a B-2 during training, which involves refueling an aircraft while still running so it can take off again more rapidly.
Former AFCENT Commander Reflects on Lessons of Epic Fury
Sept. 13, 2026
Operation Epic Fury marked the U.S. military's largest air campaign in a generation, with strikes on 13,000 targets in Iran before the first in a series of shaky ceasefires began in April. Now, even as hostilities continue to flare up, Lt. Gen. Derek C. France sees several clear lessons that…
