CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii, Aug. 31, 2017 — The United States’
newest and most advanced fighter, the Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning II, joined
U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers for the first time in a sequenced bilateral
mission with Japan and South Korean air forces in Northeast Asia yesterday,
according to a Pacific Air Forces news release.
Two B-1Bs from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; four U.S.
Marine F-35Bs from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan; two Japan Air
Self-Defense Force Koku Jieitai F-2s; and four South Korean air force F-15Ks
executed this mission to emphasize the combined ironclad commitment to the
defense of allies and the U.S. homeland. Enhancing combined military readiness
through integrated missions ensures national leaders of viable and ready
military options.
This mission was conducted in direct response to North
Korea’s intermediate-range ballistic missile launch, which flew directly over
northern Japan on August 28 amid rising tension over North Korea’s nuclear and
ballistic missile development programs.
North Korean Threat
"North Korea's actions are a threat to our allies,
partners and homeland, and their destabilizing actions will be met accordingly,”
said Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander, U.S. Pacific Air
Forces, who just returned from an unscheduled visit to Japan to meet with his
counterparts.
“This complex mission clearly demonstrates our solidarity
with our Allies and underscores the broadening cooperation to defend against
this common regional threat,” O’Shaughnessy added. “Our forward-deployed force
will be the first to the fight, ready to deliver a lethal response at a
moment’s notice if our nation calls."
Over the course of the 10-hour mission, the F-35Bs, B-1B
bombers and Koku Jieitai fighters flew together over waters near Kyushu, Japan.
The U.S. and South Korean aircraft then flew across the Korean Peninsula and
practiced attack capabilities by releasing live weapons at the Pilsung Range
training area before returning to their respective home stations.
"The F-35 embodies our commitment to our allies and
contributes to the overall security and stability of the Indo-Asia Pacific
region," said Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commander, U.S.
Marine Corps Forces Pacific. "By forward basing the F-35, the most
advanced aircraft in the world, here in the Pacific, we are enabling the Marine
Corps to respond quickly during a crisis in support of Japan, the Republic of
Korea, and all our regional partners."
U.S. Pacific Command maintains strategic bomber and fighter
capabilities in the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater, retaining the ability to respond
to any regional threat at a moment’s notice.
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