69BS returns from deployment Published Aug. 26, 2016 By Senior Airman Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen from the 69th Bomb Squadron recently returned from a six-month deployment, which supported the continuous bomber presence mission throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. “This deployment once again demonstrated the 5th Bomb Wing’s ability to project power throughout the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility,” said Col. Matthew Brooks, 5th Bomb Wing commander. “To deter our enemies, assure our allies and when necessary, execute global strike on demand.” During the deployment, Airmen from the 69th BS accomplished a number of missions. “The continuous bomber presence mission has been live for over ten years now,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Smith, 5th Operations Group deputy commander. “It’s a variety of different things. They’re doing trade missions, they’re doing what they call Pacific Power Projection missions and operational sorties all across the Pacific. The bottom line is showing our enemies that our ability to employ if called upon to protect our interests and allies.” While the B-52 has been the exclusive bomber temporarily stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to support the CBP, this was the mighty BUFF’s final trip for a while, as the B-1 has assumed the mission there. Recently, the Air Force’s three bombers, the B-52, B-1 and B-2, were all together in Guam for the first time. “It was a huge demonstration,” said Smith. “The fact that we were able to get all of the bombers participating at the same time in a fly-by demonstration of our capability, it sends a message both to any potential force as well as our allies; to show that we’re ready at any time to project air power into the pacific theater and really anywhere around the world.” Minot AFB B-52s have been continuously deployed to Guam for over a decade. With a small break before heading to their new deployment location, the Airmen will have time to recuperate and then prepare for their new mission with Central Command. “It gives us the opportunity to catch up and do some training, then we’ll be back out the door,” Smith said. “B-52s are in demand, so our next stop is going to be CENTCOM out in Al Udeid supporting their mission there.” Although 5th BW Airmen have enjoyed supporting the CBP in Guam, they are excited for the B-52’s future missions. “There’s a lot of excitement with both the 23rd and the 69th getting ready to head out to the Middle East and get a chance to participate out there,” Smith said. “The continuous bomber presence mission has been very familiar to us, it’s challenging and we’ve enjoyed it, but CENTCOM is going to be a whole different flavor with no-kidding combat time and dropping bombs on targets. There’s a lot of interest and excitement to get out there and get on it.” No matter what future missions the BUFFs are involved in, they’ll continue to provide reliable air power to the force. “The B-52 continues to be the work horse of our nation’s bomber force,” Brooks said. “I’m tremendously proud of the missions we’re executing today and excited for what the future holds for this amazing air craft and the Airmen who operate, maintain and support it.”