Team Minot Members Return

Members of the 5th Bomb Wing exit an aircraft at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 4, 2016 returning from Andersen Air Base, Guam. Air Force Global Strike Command continues to routinely deploy bombers to Andersen AB which provides opportunities for our Airmen to advance and strengthen regional alliances and our long-standing military-to-military partnerships throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class J.T. Armstrong)

Team Minot members return

Col. Kieran Denehan, 5th Operations Group commander, greets a member of the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 4, 2016. Approximately 275 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortresses returned after a six month deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photos/Senior Airman Sahara Fales)

23rd Bomber Barons Return from Guam

Senior Airman Jacob Dumbrill, an Airman assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, greets his girlfriend Heather Fritch and dog, Tucker. Dumbrill, as well as approximately 275 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortresses, returned from a six month deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica Weissman)

23rd Bomber Barons Return from Guam

Staff Sgt. Toby Kourtney, an Airman assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, reunites with his daughter, McKinley. Kourtney, as well as approximately 275 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortresses, returned from a six month deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica Weissman)

23rd Bomber Barons Return from Guam

Amn Penielmichael David, (left) an Airman assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, is greeted by his wingmen at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 4, 2016. David, as well as approximately 275 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortresses, returned from a six month deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica Weissman)

23rd Bomber Barons Return from Guam

Senior Airman Halina Nichols, (left) an Airman assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, reunites with friends at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 4, 2016. Nichols, as well as approximately 275 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortresses, returned from a six month deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica Weissman))

5th Bomb Wing deployers return from Guam

Published March 4, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Jessica Weissman
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Returning home to a hero's welcome, Airmen of the 5th Bomb Wing reunited with friends and family at the base theater today following a six-month deployment in the Pacific region supporting the continuous bomber presence mission.

During the deployment, approximately 275 Airmen and four B-52 Stratofortresses from the 5th BW and 23rd Bomb Squadron were based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam where U.S. Pacific Command has maintained a continuous bomber presence in the region for more than a decade.

"I am so proud of the men and women of the 23rd Bomb Squadron and supporting squadrons for their service this deployment," said Katie Gorecki, wife of Lt. Col. Ryan Gorecki, commander of the 23rd Bomb Squadron. "I watched with pride seeing their accomplishments in international news headlines and missed them here at home especially over the holidays."

Air Force Global Strike aircraft conducting CBP missions include the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer and the B-2 Spirit aircraft. These aircraft, according to officials and the men and women who fly and support them, provide a significant capability that enables readiness and commitment to deterrence, provides assurances allies and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"It's very exciting to see families being reunited," said Capt. Margaret Ingerslew, 69th Bomb Squadron. "There is a huge support system in place here at Minot for those here and away, but nothing beats having your family complete again. We are so proud of what all the Barons accomplished while away - they represented the B-52 community incredibly well and are a true testament to our global mission of providing continuous assurance and deterrence."

Earlier in the week, the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and support personnel, also located at Minot, departed North Dakota to replace the 23rd in the Pacific region. Minot AFB is the only dual-wing, nuclear-capable base in the Air Force, hosting two legs of the strategic deterrence triad.