B-1Bs over South Korea

USAF B-1B LANCER BOMBERS FLEW TO SOUTH KOREA. ONCE AGAIN.

By Dario Leone
Aug 1 2017
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“If called upon, we are ready to respond with rapid, lethal, and overwhelming force at a time and place of our choosing,” Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, PACAF commander

In response to North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs and as a part of the continuing demonstration of ironclad U.S. commitment to its allies, two U.S. Air Force (USAF) B-1B Lancer bombers under the command of U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), joined their counterparts from the Republic of Korea and Japanese air forces in a sequenced bilateral missions on Jul. 29, 2017.

According to a PACAF news release, this mission is in direct response to North Korea’s escalatory launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) on Jul. 3 and Jul. 28.

“North Korea remains the most urgent threat to regional stability,” said Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, PACAF commander. “Diplomacy remains the lead; however, we have a responsibility to our allies and our nation to showcase our unwavering commitment while planning for the worst-case scenario. If called upon, we are ready to respond with rapid, lethal, and overwhelming force at a time and place of our choosing.”

Noteworthy after taking off from Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam, the B-1s flew to Japanese airspace, where they were joined by two Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self Defense Force) F-2 fighter jets.

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. B-1B Lancer 28th FW, 34th BS Thunderbirds, EL/86-129 / 2005

The B-1s then flew over the Korean Peninsula where they were joined by four Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-15 fighter jets. The B-1s then performed a low-pass over Osan Air Base, South Korea, before leaving South Korean airspace and returning to Guam.

Throughout the approximately 10-hour mission, the aircrews practiced intercept and formation training, enabling them to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also strengthening the long standing military-to-military relationships in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Pacific Command maintains flexible bomber and fighter capabilities in the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater, retaining the ability to quickly respond to any regional threat in order to defend the U.S. homeland and in support of U.S. allies.

Photo credit: PACAF / U.S. Air Force

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com


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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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