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Minot's Nighthawks fly to where America's day begins

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Preparations for the deployment of Air Force Global Strike Command's 69th Bomb Squadron are underway as they head to Guam--a first since the Vietnam War.

The deployment is in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence. An advanced team of approximately 30 Airmen departed Nov. 13 for Andersen AFB, Guam. The 5th Bomb Wing continues to process approximately 200 Airmen that are scheduled to depart Nov. 18-20 for the island.

A total of six B-52 Stratofortresses will be in place at Andersen AFB, after two aircraft depart from Minot later in the week.

"We are the newest B-52 squadron in the Air Force," Lt Col Michael Cardoza, 69th Bomb Squadron commander said. "Our job is to ensure peace and stability in the Pacific region.

The deployment is another milestone for the 69th BS which reactivated here Sept. 4, 2009.

This also will be the first time the 5th BW has back-to-back deployments in support of the CBP at Guam.

"We are ready to deploy anytime, anyplace," said Col. Douglas Cox, 5th BW commander. "Our job is to safely, securely and effectively deter and dissuade any potential regional aggressors and assure the U.S. and its allies of our commitment to the Pacific region."

The 23rd Bomb Squadron is scheduled to return late November from Guam, after almost six months, and the 69th BS will be in place for the next rotation scheduled to last about the same time.