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Operations on Korean Peninsula nothing new for B-1

  • Published
  • By 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
  • 28th Bomb Wing
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  While the world was abuzz touting the recent landing of a B-1 bomber on the Korean Peninsula as the first such appearance by the highly versatile, long-range conventional bomber in that region in the last 20 years, those who fly the aircraft state that is not completely accurate.

Digging a little deeper into the historical archives, officials have confirmed a B-1 from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, landed at Osan Air Base, South Korea, as part of a Global Power mission in May 2000 and employed weapons on a range near the demilitarized zone there.

The crew was comprised of aviators from the 77th Bomb Squadron, one of two B-1 squadron at Ellsworth at the time, who successfully completed the mission, including a stop at Osan. A global power mission is a long duration, round trip sortie flown from a stateside base to bomb training ranges on other continents.

Ellsworth is currently home to the 34th BS “Thunderbirds” and the 37th BS “Tigers.” In August of this year, several B-1 bombers and about 300 Airmen from Ellsworth deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support the U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence mission, bringing with them a unique perspective and years of combat and operational experience in the U.S. Central Command theater.

While it is the first time in 10 years that B-1 units have been stationed in Guam, operating in the Pacific region is not something unfamiliar to many in the B-1 community.

“It is important that people understand that conducting B-1 missions on and around the Korean Peninsula isn’t something new for us,” said Col. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing. “While the political landscape continues to evolve, our relationship and commitment to our allies is enduring. Ellsworth’s ability to provide combat airpower – anytime, anywhere – remains robust. We will, as we have always done, continue to provide a significant rapid global strike capability that enables our readiness and commitment to deterrence, offers assurance to our allies, and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”