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.

“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.

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.