U.S. Air Force B-52 to take part in bilateral training at RAAF

Release Number: 020114

1/23/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  --  The U.S. Air Force will send a B-52 operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base (RAAF) Darwin, Australia, later this week to take part in short term bilateral training with the RAAF. The B-52 is assigned to Andersen AFB as part of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Air Force rotational presence in the Pacific.  

These rotations enhance U.S. ability to train, exercise and operate with Australia and with other allies and partners across the region, further enabling the U.S. to work together with these nations to respond more quickly to a wide range of challenges, including humanitarian crises and disaster relief, as well as promoting security cooperation efforts across the region.

The last landing of B-52 at RAAF Base Darwin took place in August of 2012 after the multilateral Exercise Pitch Black. The Royal Australian Air Force was a key part of this event, as their C-17 brought forward personnel and critical equipment from Andersen AFB to support the B-52 arrival at RAAF Base Darwin.  Decisions on future aircraft rotations and bilateral training opportunities are still under discussion.  

For additional information, please contact Pacific Air Forces public affairs at +1 808-448-3226 or by e-mail at pacaf.paops@us.af.mil. Duty hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time.