While Ellsworth gets empty, its B-1Bs are deployed to Guam
On 15 and 17 January, the first Bomber Task Force (BTF) of the year 2025, started with the arrival of four 28th Bomb Wing B-1B Lancers at Andersen AFB (Guam).
BTF 25-1, which was concluded at RAF Fairford in December last year was the first of the new year. The actual USAF Fiscal Year (FY) starts in October before the new year begins.
Making up the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron "Thunderbirds", its B-1Bs flew already with two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2s and two Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) F-15Ks somewhere in the airspace between Japan and South Korea.
Strikingly, the US had previously flown bilateral bomber-fighter flights with either Japan or South Korea. This latest trilateral flight reflects the growing ties between the three countries in response to tensions with China and North Korea. Regular USAF BTF deployments and operations support US Indo-Pacific Command’s missions by integrating strategic bomber capabilities in a joint and coalition environment.
On 22 January 2025, the last two B-1Bs, 86-0121 (as 28OG) and 86-0138 assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB (SD) flew to Grand Forks AFB (ND) for their planned relocation. It is expected that a total of 17 Ellsworth Lancers will fly out of Grand Forks for about 10 months.
Ellsworth is the first base to receive the new, next generation B-21 Raider bomber. The temporary relocation allows Ellsworth to complete a runway construction projection as part of the base’s preparations for its arrival.
After the runway construction is completed during 2025, the B-1Bs and Airmen will return to Ellsworth. The B-21 Raider is projected to arrive in the mid-2020s.
The following four EL coded B-1Bs are now present at Andersen; 85-0060, 86-0120 (loan 37th BS), 86-0137 (loan 37th BS as flagship "37BS") and 86-0139. The last one, named "Drifter", was also present at Andersen last year while being deployed to Guam.
Credit photos: USAF