This training deployment demonstrates continuing U.S. commitment to regular, global strategic bomber operations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the report says.
Air Force Global Strike Command continues to routinely deploy bombers to Andersen, providing commanders from Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Pacific Command a global strike capability and extended deterrence against potential adversaries.
At the same time, The National Interest magazine says that the United States has undertaken a military buildup in Guam since the early years of the 21st century. In the initial years of the buildup, U.S. officials cited North Korea and tensions over Taiwan as the main rationales driving the military buildup.
Guam’s importance has only grown in importance since the Obama administration initiated its rebalance to Asia policy in 2010. U.S. officials, including then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, have regularly referred to Guam as a “strategic hub” of operations for U.S. military forces operating in the Indo-Pacific region. Andersen Air Force Base is located roughly 1,800 miles (2,900 km) east of China.
