New Video: Another Close Encounter Between Russian & US Military Jets

© Denis Tyrin/TASS

The US Navy has released footage of the “buzzing” incident by a Russian Fighter Jet:

BLACK SEA (Jan. 29, 2018) A U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II aircraft flying in international airspace over the Black Sea was intercepted by a Russian Sukhoi Su-27. This interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the Su-27 closing to within five feet and crossing directly through the EP-3’s flight path, causing the EP-3E to fly through the Su-27’s jet wash. The duration of the intercept lasted two hours and 40 minutes. This video is a compilation of various cameras over a period of time as shown in the displayed timecode. (U.S. Navy video/Released)

On Jan. 29, 2018, a U.S. EP-3 Aries aircraft flying in international airspace over the Black Sea was intercepted by a Russian Su-27. This interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the Su-27 closing to within five feet and crossing directly through the EP-3’s flight path, causing the EP-3 to fly through the Su-27’s jet wash. The duration of the intercept lasted two hours and 40 minutes.

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. Russia’s Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US ЕР-3Е Aries II warfare and reconnaissance aircraft flying over the Black Sea towards the Russian border. All safety precautions were observed during the interception, the Russian defense ministry’s press service said on Monday, commenting of Western media allegations about unsafe interception of an Orion reconnaissance aircraft.

According to the Russian defense ministry, at about noon on Monday Russian airspace control alert means spotted an unidentified air target over the Black Sea neutral waters approaching Russia’s airspace borders.

“A Su-27 fighter jet from air defense alert force was used to intercept the target. The Su-27 approached the aircraft to a safe distance and identified it as a US ЕР-3Е Aries II electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft,” the ministry said.

According to the Russian ministry, the Russian fighter jet followed the US aircraft to prevent it from violating Russia’s airspace borders observing all necessary safety precautions.

After the US reconnaissance aircraft changed its course off Russia’s airspace border, the Russian Su-27 fighter jet returned to the base. “The Su-27 flight was performed in strict compliance with international rule of airspace use, not incidents were reported,” the ministry added.

Russia Statement on Intercept of US Fighter Jet: US Should Quit Whining (Sputnik Editorial)

CNN reported earlier that a Russian fighter jet had intercepted an Orion reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea. CNN said citing US officials that the interception had been unsafe.

Previous intercept:

Air Force Releases Video of Russia’s Su-30SMs Intercepted by NATO F-15s

Air Force Releases 2017 Year in Photos

Staff Sgt. Brenton Brown, 822nd Base Defense Squadron fire team leader, fires an M4 rifle during a mission readiness exercise, Oct. 22, 2017, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The squadron was tested on their capability to effectively operate in an austere environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Janiqua P. Robinson)

A C-130J Hercules assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, Port Hueneme, Calif., drops fire retardant chemicals onto a ridge line above Santa Barbara, Calif., Dec. 13, 2017, in an effort to contain the Thomas wildfire. (U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.)
Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group low crawl through an obstacle during an Army Air Assault School readiness assessment, Dec. 7, 2017, at Camp Blanding, Fla. The AAA readiness assessment is designed to prepare Airmen for the course curriculum as well as its physical and mental stressors. During AAA, service members are taught an array of skills associated with rotary-winged aircraft, which improves the 820th BDG’s ability to swiftly deploy and defend. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Snider)
Firefighters work to put out a blaze during nighttime live-fire training, Nov. 9, 2017, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. In addition to combatting fires outside the prop aircraft, firefighters had to enter and combat the fires inside. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Janiqua P. Robinson)

 

 

 

The Air Force successfully launched the ninth Boeing-built Wideband Global SATCOM satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle from Space Launch Complex 37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 18, 2017. WGS satellites play an integral part in the strategic and tactical coordination of military operations. With this launch, WGS-9 will significantly enhance the current WGS constellation by providing increased communication capacity and coverage. (Courtesy photo by United Launch Alliance)
A traumatic brain injury patient walks through a virtual reality scenario at the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment Laboratory at National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., March 20, 2017. The patient is attached to a safety harness and walks on a treadmill on a platform that moves and rotates in conjunction with movements of the projected environment. Motion capture cameras track the patient’s movements via reflective markers that are applied to the patient and supply data on physical deficits to physical therapists. (U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.)
Tech. Sgt. Michael Christiansen, a 100th Security Forces Squadron assistant flight chief, draws back a bow and arrow March 28, 2017, at RAF Mildenhall, England. Christiansen was selected to represent U.S. Air Forces in Europe at the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Chicago where he will compete in the rifle, pistol, recurve archery and sitting volleyball events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)
The U.S. Air Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 4 is seen at NASA ‘s Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida May 7, 2017. Managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the X-37B program is the newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft designed to perform risk reduction, experimentation and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies. (DOD photo courtesy of United Launch Alliance)

 

The two solo U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds’ F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation with #5 inverted above #6 during an air show at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., May 21, 2017. The Thunderbirds are highly experienced pilots and support personnel who act as official Air Force ambassadors to massive audiences each year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Greg L. Davis)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a fly-over as graduates from the Air Force Academy toss their hats in the air at the conclusion of their commencement ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Lee)
Rosalie Philebaum squirts water at her son, Col. Jonathan Philebaum, 932nd Airlift Wing commander, during his fini flight at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., May 31, 2017. Jonathan Philebaum’s wife, JoAnn Philebaum, and their son both look on with delight as he is shocked by his mother’s water blasts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Parr)
Staff Sgt. Victoria Dames, a 35th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, carries MWD Elvis during the second annual security forces advanced combat skills assessment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 6, 2017. The Defenders Challenge provided Airmen with invaluable interaction with other security forces members by exchanging tactics and skills between those in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis)
A 509th Bomb Wing B-2 Spirit conducts a fly-by during the Scott Air Force Base 2017 air show and open house June 11, 2017, which celebrates the base’s 100th anniversary. The B-2 is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions and represents a major milestone in the bomber modernization program. With a crew of two pilots, this aircraft brings a massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristin English)
Senior Airman Ryan Green, a combat broadcaster, fires at his target while Tech. Sgt. Samuel Weaver, weapons and tactics training instructor, both assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, observes his hits during weapons and tactics training on the shooting range at Fort Jackson, S.C., June 22, 2017. The Airmen of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron constantly train for readiness to document combat operations, exercises and other contingencies from the ground and in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.)
Lightning strikes behind a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 8, 2017. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can accomplish strategic attacks, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)
Crew chiefs from the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron await a C-130J Super Hercules engine to start during Exercise Beverly Morning 17-05 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 18, 2017. The training is designed to test the ability of Airmen to survive in austere environments with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive hazards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
Paratroopers assigned to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, descend after jumping from a C-17 Globemaster III out of Joint Base Charleston, S.C., while conducting airborne training over Malemute drop zone, JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 24, 2017. The Soldiers of 4/25 recently completed a series of jumps to ensure they maintain their airborne qualifications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña)
Senior Airman Austin Hellweg, a 129th Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, carries a dog and leads a family into an HH-60 Pavehawk for extraction to a safer location during the relief effort for Hurricane Harvey, Aug. 31, 2017, in Beaumont, Texas. The relief efforts have a conglomerate of active duty, Air National Guard and Reserve units from all branches aiding the federal government to help Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Castelan)
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 13th and 14th Fighter Squadrons, take part in an elephant walk in support of exercise Beverly Sunrise 17-07 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2017. The exercise was a simulated deployment to test the readiness of the 35th Fighter Wing, and assessed their ability to meet deployment and wartime requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Deana Heitzman)
An A-10 Thunderbolt II shoots a flare off after receiving fuel from a 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker in support of Operation Inherent Resolve Oct. 6, 2017. The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions. The wide combat radius, and short takeoff and landing capabilities, permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Battles)

For more photos, visit AF Year in Photos:

http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1414714/af-year-in-photos/

 

Secret Service Shares Photos of “The Beast” Heading to Asia

Fast Facts:

The Beast is The Presidential State Car.

Also known as Cadillac One

Code Name: Stage Coach

The Secret Service maintains all responsibility for the presidential cars. Consequently, much of its features are classified.

Armored and sealed. Driver’s window can open.

There are estimated to be about one dozen “Beasts.”

The Beast in Asia courtesy Pool Reporter Steve Herman. Flags are changed out for each country visited.

Equipped with communications gear, bulletproof glass, weapons, emergency medical equipment (including blood).

Once a car is put out of commission, it is destroyed to conceal design secrets.

Speculated to weigh about 15,000 pounds which limits speed.

No keyholes. Only the Secret Service knows the access to the vehicle.

Standard Washington DC License Plate.

The Beast and other presidential cars transported by air to Asia. Courtesy US Secret Service.

The automobiles are transported by the C-17 Globemaster III (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sean M. Worrell

General Characteristics
Primary Function:
 Cargo and troop transport
Prime Contractor: Boeing Company
Power Plant: Four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines
Thrust: 40,440 pounds, each engine
Wingspan: 169 feet 10 inches (to winglet tips) (51.75 meters)
Length: 174 feet (53 meters)
Height: 55 feet 1 inch (16.79 meters)
Cargo Compartment: length, 88 feet (26.82 meters); width, 18 feet (5.48 meters); height, 12 feet 4 inches (3.76 meters)
Speed: 450 knots at 28,000 feet (8,534 meters) (Mach .74)
Service Ceiling: 45,000 feet at cruising speed (13,716 meters)
Range: Global with in-flight refueling
Crew: Three (two pilots and one loadmaster)
Aeromedical Evacuation Crew: A basic crew of five (two flight nurses and three medical technicians) is added for aeromedical evacuation missions. Medical crew may be altered as required by the needs of patients
Maximum Peacetime Takeoff Weight: 585,000 pounds (265,352 kilograms)
Load: 102 troops/paratroops; 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients and attendants; 170,900 pounds (77,519 kilograms) of cargo (18 pallet positions)
Unit Cost: $202.3 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
Date Deployed: June 1993
Inventory: Active duty, 187; Air National Guard, 12; Air Force Reserve, 14

B-52 Bombers: A Brief History and Today’s Status

B-52 Stratofortress

Mission
The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

Features
In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.
During Desert Storm, B-52s delivered 40 percent of all the weapons dropped by coalition forces. It is highly effective when used for ocean surveillance, and can assist the U.S. Navy in anti-ship and mine-laying operations. Two B-52s, in two hours, can monitor 140,000 square miles (364,000 square kilometers) of ocean surface.

All B-52s can be equipped with two electro-optical viewing sensors, a forward-looking infrared and advanced targeting pods to augment targeting, battle assessment, and flight safety, thus further improving its combat ability.

Pilots wear night vision goggles, or NVG, to enhance their vision during night operations. Night vision goggles provide greater safety during night operations by increasing the pilot’s ability to visually clear terrain, to increase the peacetime and combat situational awareness of the aircrew and visually acquire other aircraft.

B-52s are currently upgrading from the Litening Advanced Targeting Pod to the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod.  Sniper pods provide improved long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground forces.  The pod’s advanced targeting and image processing technology significantly increases the combat effectiveness of the B-52 during day, night and under-the-weather conditions in the attack of ground targets with a variety of standoff weapons (i.e., laser-guided bombs, conventional bombs and GPS-guided weapons).

The use of aerial refueling gives the B-52 a range limited only by crew endurance. It has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8,800 miles (14,080 kilometers).

Background
For more than 40 years, B-52 Stratofortresses have been the backbone of the manned strategic bomber force for the United States. The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory. This includes gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions. Updated with modern technology the B-52 will be capable of delivering the full complement of joint developed weapons and will continue into the 21st century as an important element of our nation’s defenses. Current engineering analyses show the B-52’s life span to extend beyond the year 2040.

The B-52A first flew in 1954, and the B model entered service in 1955. A total of 744 B-52s were built with the last, a B-52H, delivered in October 1962. The first of 102 B-52H’s was delivered to Strategic Air Command in May 1961. The H model can carry up to 20 air launched cruise missiles. In addition, it can carry the conventional cruise missile that was launched in several contingencies during the 1990s, starting with Operation Desert Storm and culminating with Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The aircraft’s flexibility was evident in Operation Desert Storm and again during Operation Allied Force. B-52s struck wide-area troop concentrations, fixed installations and bunkers, and decimated the morale of Iraq’s Republican Guard. On Sept. 2 to 3, 1996, two B-52Hs struck Baghdad power stations and communications facilities with 13 AGM-86C conventional air launched cruise missiles, or CALCMs, as part of Operation Desert Strike. At that time, this was the longest distance flown for a combat mission involving a 34-hour, 16,000 statute mile round trip from Barksdale Air Force Base,Louisiana.

In 2001, the B-52 contributed to the success in Operation Enduring Freedom, providing the ability to loiter high above the battlefield and provide close air support through the use of precision guided munitions.

The B-52 also played a role in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On March 21, 2003, B-52Hs launched approximately 100 CALCMs during a night mission.

Only the H model is still in the Air Force inventory and is assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, North, Dakota, and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, which fall under Air Force Global Strike Command. The aircraft is also assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command’s 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB.

General characteristics
Primary function: heavy bomber
Contractor: Boeing Military Airplane Co.
Power plant: eight Pratt & Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 turbofan
Thrust: each engine up to 17,000 pounds
Wingspan: 185 feet (56.4 meters)
Length: 159 feet, 4 inches (48.5 meters)
Height: 40 feet, 8 inches (12.4 meters)
Weight: Approximately 185,000 pounds (83,250 kilograms)
Maximum takeoff weight: 488,000 pounds (219,600 kilograms)
Fuel capacity: 312,197 pounds (141,610 kilograms)
Payload: 70,000 pounds (31,500 kilograms)
Speed: 650 miles per hour (Mach 0.84)
Range: 8,800 miles (7,652 nautical miles)
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,151.5 meters)
Armament: approximately 70,000 pounds (31,500 kilograms) mixed ordnance: bombs, mines and missiles. (Modified to carry air-launched cruise missiles)
Crew: five (aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer)
Unit cost: $84 million (fiscal 2012 constant dollars)
Initial operating capability: April 1952

B-52 pilot logs historic 10,000 flying hours in B-52 Bomber (March 16, 2017)

/

When he first began his U.S. Air Force career, Lt. Col. Steven R. “Thirsty” Smith never expected to be flying the Boeing B-52 Bomber, let alone flying it for 30 years. Yet on March 3, 2017, he exceeded more than 10,000 flight hours in the iconic bomber, more than any other aviator currently serving in the Air Force. In fact, it’s a milestone that has not been accomplished since the Vietnam era.

With 496 combat hours beginning during Operation Desert Storm, Lt. Col. Smith describes the B-52 as a solid jet he will enjoy flying for several more years. Now an instructor with the 93rd Bomb Squadron, he’s training the next generation who will fly the aircraft into the future. Because the United States Air Force and Boeing are partnering to modernize and transform the B-52 for today’s flight, the aircraft, with accomplished pilots like Thirsty Smith at the controls, will continue to serve as the backbone of the nuclear and conventional bomber force for many years to come, to 2050 and beyond.

U.S. forces to participate in Seoul ADEX 2017

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstrates its unique flight capabilities for thousands of Korean civilians at the 2015 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition held at Seoul Airport, Republic of Korea, Oct. 24, 2015. The Seoul ADEX gives American service members a chance to showcase their outstanding aircraft and equipment to the Korean public. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm)

Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (Seoul ADEX 17) at Seoul Airport, Oct. 17-22, 2017.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii —The United States military will be represented at the 2017 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (Seoul ADEX 17) at Seoul Airport (Seoul Airbase), Republic of Korea, Oct. 17-22, 2017.

Approximately 200 U.S. personnel will facilitate a cross-section of U.S. military aircraft, which are scheduled for static displays and aerial demonstrations, including the F-22 Raptor, A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, B-1B Lancer, KC-135 Stratotanker, E-3 Sentry, U-2 Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter, the F-35A Lightning II. Additional displays will include a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon and a U.S. Army CH-47F Chinook.

This year’s airshow will feature demonstrations from U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; an A-10 assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan AB, Republic of Korea; and a C-17 with the 15th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The exhibition is an ideal forum to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment, particularly the latest in fifth generation capabilities.

Representing the U.S. Air Force will be Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of Pacific Air Forces, from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Gen. O’Shaughnessy commands a total force of 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. The general is scheduled to give remarks as a keynote speaker during the 20th International Aerospace Symposium Oct. 16 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul.

The U.S. military is honored to participate in and represent the U.S. at Seoul ADEX 17. Support to airshows and other regional events allows the U.S. to demonstrate its commitment to the stability and security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, promote standardization and interoperability of equipment, and display capabilities critical to the success of military operations. It also serves to strengthen long-standing military-to-military relations between the U.S., the Republic of Korea and partner nations.

Seoul ADEX 17 is the largest, most comprehensive event of its kind in Northeast Asia, attracting aviation and aerospace professionals, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike. The airshow portion of Seoul ADEX 17 is also a premier industry event showcasing the latest in aviation, aerospace, and defense technology. In 2015, Seoul ADEX attracted 386 companies and organizations domestically and internationally from 32 countries.

Follow #SEOULADEX2017 on Twitter for the latest info.

B-1 B Lancers conduct combined training with JASDF and ROKAF fighters at night: Bomber Presence Mission

First for U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea air forces: nighttime training near Sea of Japan, East Sea

“Using Andersen Air Force Base, Guam as a power projection platform, two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, flew a mission in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, East Sea, making this the first time U.S. Pacific Command B-1B Lancers have conducted combined training with JASDF and ROKAF fighters at night.”

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), S.D., prepare to take off from Andersen AFB, Guam to fly sequenced bilateral missions with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15s and two Republic of Korea air force (ROKAF) F-15Ks in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, East Sea, Oct. 10, 2017. This mission marks the first time U.S. Pacific Command B-1B Lancers have conducted combined training with JASDF and ROKAF fighters at night, demonstrating our increasing combined capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Smoot)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii —U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea air force units sharpened their combat skills during a recent sequenced bilateral mission in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, East Sea Oct. 10.

Using Andersen Air Force Base, Guam as a power projection platform, two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, flew a mission in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, East Sea, making this the first time U.S. Pacific Command B-1B Lancers have conducted combined training with JASDF and ROKAF fighters at night. 

Participating in bilateral training enables the operational units to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also building bilateral confidence and strong working relationships.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), S.D., take off from Andersen AFB, Guam to fly sequenced bilateral missions with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15s and two Republic of Korea air force (ROKAF) F-15Ks in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, East Sea, Oct. 10, 2017. This mission marks the first time U.S. Pacific Command B-1B Lancers have conducted combined training with JASDF and ROKAF fighters at night, demonstrating our increasing combined capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Skovo)

“Flying and training at night with our allies in a safe, effective manner is an important capability shared between the U.S., Japan and the Republic of Korea and hones the tactical prowess of each nations’ aviators,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Patrick Applegate, 613th Air Operation Center. “This is a clear demonstration of our ability to conduct seamless operations with all of our allies anytime anywhere.”

The recent mission, flown as part of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence mission, demonstrates how U.S. military forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific are always ready to defend the American homeland and how the U.S. stands resolutely with Japan and the ROK to honor their unshakable alliance commitments to safeguard security and stability.

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), S.D., taxis before take off from Andersen AFB, Guam to fly sequenced bilateral missions with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15s and two Republic of Korea air force (ROKAF) F-15Ks in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, East Sea, Oct. 10, 2017. The purpose of bilateral training is to foster increased interoperability amongst Japan, South Korea and U.S. aircraft. Participating in bilateral training enables the operational units to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also building bilateral confidence and strong working relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Skovo)

Continuous Bomber Presence missions ensure the U.S., along with key allies, have a credible capability to respond to a variety of levels and types of threats throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. These actions are consistent with long-standing and well-known U.S. freedom of navigation policies that are applied to military operations around the world.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), S.D., receives fuel during a sequenced bilateral missions with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15s and Republic of Korea air force (ROKAF) F-15Ks in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, East Sea, Oct. 10, 2017. The purpose of bilateral training is to foster increased interoperability amongst Japan, South Korea and U.S. aircraft. Participating in bilateral training enables the operational units to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also building bilateral confidence and strong working relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)