Bombers arrive at Andersen

Airman, May, 2004 by T.D. Cooper

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Some temporary duty assignments are better than others.

"The temperature was 10 degrees with a wind chill of minus 60 when I left North Dakota," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Bleigh, 5th Bomb Wing aircrew life support. "Now I'm here in 85-degree weather. It's beautiful."

Sergeant Bleigh is part of a team bringing six bombers from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., for an undetermined amount of time at the request of U.S. Pacific Command officials. The bombers are the first rotation to deploy here as part of the command's ongoing force posture adjustment.

"While here, we'll support Pacific Command in enhancing the security of the region, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the western Pacific, and continuing to fight the global war on terrorism," said advanced echelon team member Lt. Col. Harry Bender.

He said this deployment is a great opportunity for the wing to fly in this region.

"It's a completely different flying environment, with many opportunities to integrate with joint and coalition forces," he said. "We plan on participating in multiple exercises throughout the entire PACOM mea of responsibility."

Being deployed to Andersen may be a new experience for these bomber crew members, but hosting B-52s is a part of the base's history.

"Andersen has always been, at its heart and soul, a bomber base, even when there were no bombers present," said Col. P.K. White, 36th Air Base Wing commander.

--Senior Airman T.D. Cooper 30th Air Base Wing Public Affairs