Lancers are headed to Guam for the first time in 10 years, as US Pacific Command replaces the nuclear-capable B-52s with conventional B-1s as part of the continuous bomber presence mission. B-1Bs from Ellsworth AFB, S.D., will touch down later this month at Andersen AFB, replacing B-52s from Minot AFB, N.D. The deployment includes 300 airmen. The B-1 fleet has recently undergone a large-scale upgrade program, which forced the Air Force to return the aircraft from its continuous presence in the Middle East. “With a large weapon capacity and exceptional standoff strike capability, the B-1 will provide US Pacific Command and its regional allies and partners with a credible, strategic power projection platform,” Pacific Air Forces said in a news release. The deployment marks the first time B-1s have deployed to Guam since April 2006, and the first time they have deployed to Andersen while aligned under Air Force Global Strike Command.
Among the 14 general officers dismissed or retiring early since President Trump took office in January, two appear likely to have long-term institutional impact for the Air Force: the departures of Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Slife in February and the pending retirement of Chief of Staff Gen. David…
