(b) (I) (A)

CLASSIFICATION:

HISTORY
OFTHE
36

TH

AIR BASE WING , 36

TH

AIR EXP EDITIONARY WING , 36TH WING

1 January 2004 - 31 December 2006

Assigned to Pacific Air Forces
Stationed at Andersen AFB , Guam

DOUGLAS H. OWENS
Brigadier General , USAF
Commander, 36 th Wing

DATE: 23 March 2008

OFFICE OF ORIGIN : 36 WG/HO

UNCLASSI FIED (b)( I)

"If declassified , review the document to ensure material is not FOUO and exempt under
AFI 37-131 before making a public release ."

CLASSIFICATION :

UNCLASSI FIED (b)( I)

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

SECURITY STATEMENT (U)

(U) Th is volume is classified

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(I )

by multiple sources to conform to the classification in the source

documents. It contains information affecting the national defense of the United States. It
will be handled in accordance with the provisions of DOD 5200.1R, Management.
Accordingly, utmost security will be given , and distribution and dissemination of its
contents will be restricted on a "need to know" basis. Records supporting derivative
classification are listed in the footnotes.

(U) The following special notations appear in this volume on these pages:
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(I)

(U) Each page is marked with the highest class ification of the material contained
on that particular page (with the exception of the first and last pages, which are required
to be marked with the highest classification contained in the volume). On those pages
where the overall page marking is higher than the paragraphs contained therein , the
paragraph markings take precedence. If declassified , review under the provisions of AFI
37-131 before public release .

(U) This volume contains information that is For Official Use Only (FOUO) .
Review the document to ensure material is not FOUO and exem pt under AFI 37-131 ,
Air Force Freedom of Information Act Program , before making a public release .

(U) This document is not releasable to foreign nationals.

(U) All titles and source citations contained in this volume are unclassified .

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

CLASSIFICATION:

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Issue One
Rotational Deployments to Andersen
Historical backg round

(U) From February 2004 into the first months of 2006 th e 36 th Air Base Wing was
th

also the 36 AEW to account for the expeditionary elements at AAFB during this time;
notably rotational bomber, tanker, and fighter squadrons and their personnel. The 36 th
ABW, despite becoming an expeditionary wing as of February 2004, did not disappear
until re-designation as the 36 th Wing on 15 March 2006. 1
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l )

SO GS-06-026 (U), HQ PACAF. 16 Mar 06, SD 0484.

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61

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(U) The short-lived

ih

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Air Expeditionary Wing made up of twelve 8-52s and

twelve 8-1s during spring 2003 was the first glimmer that a new bomber era was
dawning at Andersen, a glimmer that became a sustained glow during 2004-2006 with
the permanent return of rotational bombers (B-1s, B-2s, and B-52 s) to Guam.4 Parallels
exist between the current bomber situation and Andersen's heyday as a bomber base
during the early SAC period , details of which can be found in the hyperli nked historical
essay below s

UN
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Photos (U), A 1C ,1""

'1'
.\~11 ~"'"
II"
, 7 AEW B-1sand 8-52s at AAFM14 March 03, SD
1275.
SIT
5 Study (U) , 36 WG /HO, "A Concise History of Bomber Rotationsl3tIAndersen Air Force
Base" (unpublished), 2007, SO 1000.
(b)
(1)
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62

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Preparing for the Continuous Bomber Presence

(U) Th is section of the 2004-06 36 th Wing history is a study of bomber and fighter
deployments to Andersen during 2004, 2005 and 2006. KC-135 and KC-1 0 tanker
rotations, though a key aspect of the AEF operations, will only be referred to in passing .
The appearance of bombers and , to a lesser extent fighters, at Andersen was the
dominant feature of the base's air operations during this history's reporting period , and
thus shall be covered in a fair amount of detail. Howeve r, readers are reminded that
fu rther information on a variety of topics can be found in the hyperlinked source
documents in the footnotes.
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(U ) Nevertheless , the introduction of rotational bomber squadrons (and later

fighters) to Andersen AFB called for the creation of a new command structure. On 20
February 2004 the 36
th

th

Wi ng," with 36 ABW/CC

ABW received its alternative designation "Air Expeditionary

as the first 36th AEW commander.
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AEF 7/8 2004: Rotations Begin : B52s

th

(U) On 20 February 2004 the 36 Air Expediti onary Wing was activated in order
to oversee perman ent rotationa l bomber, fighter, and tanker squadrons under the
direction of US Pacific Command (PACOM). The 36 ABW/CC became the 36 AEW/CC ,
while the OG commander from the deployed bomber squadron's home bomb wing
headed the 36 EOG. Deployed bomber and fig hter squadrons retained their numerical
designator, but became expeditionary bomb squadrons (EBS) and expeditionary fighter
squ adrons (EFS) for the duration of their stay at Andersen. The first bomb squadron
arrived at Andersen in February 2004, while the initial expeditionary fighter squadron
did not appear at And ersen until spring 2005 (more on the fighter units below).
Deployed maintainers at Andersen fell
Maintenance Squadron (36

th

under the

36 th

Expeditionary Aircraft

EAMXS) . Rotational ta nker units at Andersen , filled

prim arily with Guard and Reserve units on twoweek deployments, were referred to as
the "Tan ker Task Force" th rough late 2005. After that they were collectively ca lled the
th

506 Exped itionary Air Refueling Squadron .

(U) As a direct result of bomber and fighter rotations the 36 th Munitions Squadron
(which had split off from 36 th MXS into a separate unit in July 2004) and its massive
munitions storage area (M SA) became increasingly busy throughout 2004. Because
this section of the peri odic history is devoted chiefly to bomber and fighter operations
MUNS activities unfortunately do not receive the kind of attention that they deserve.
Further details on 36 th MUNS activities under the 36 AEW through mid2005 can be
found in the hyperlinked attachment below containing multiple quarterly How Goes It
Reports generateo ",1UN S.

'

th

(U ) The 36 EOG existed until 15 March 2007 when the Operations Group was
activated. The EOG was under the leadership of the following commanders duri ng the
200406 timeframe:
20 Feb 2004
nd

Rpt (U), 36 MU NS, "How Goes It Reports," 1st Quarter 04 throug h 2

1011 .

2'

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

68

Quarter 05, SO

IN CLASSIF[ED (b)( 1)

14
5 Jun 2004
9 Sep 2004
9 Jan 2005
1 Mar 2005
3 Jun 2005
29 Aug 2005
28 Dec 2005
27 Apr 2006
30 Aug 2006

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(1)
-,-

-f-

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(J)
69

f-

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(J )
th

(U) The first couple of months of the inaugural deployment - B-52s from the 5

Bomb Wing, Minot N'B - went -elatively smoothly as described by the 36 th AEW/CC
Col
PACAF Thirteenth AF and the 36th AEW integrated bomber team
members quic~ly into all fu nctions. The command structure is a success,
all players agree it's the test solution .. . especially in light of the multiple
platforms that will share the ramp both now and in the future .... The
bomber crews are getting high-quality, diversified training working dry TST
and CAS here and in Hawaii . local live drops, figh ter intprrp.nt p', p",j".,,,
through out the AOR, and dry mining activity. Col
EOG/CC) stressed the importance of this opportunity I rega
orientation and professional growth, especially in our young aviators. Also ,
he reiterated tneir living and working conditions are more than fai r for a
deployed environ ment.
(U) In order to keep the public informed about the upcoming changes at
th

Andersen the 36

ABW Public Affairs Office actively en gaged the local media

th roughout February 2004 with a series of news releases about the expeditionary bomb
squadron's impending arrival, as well as outlining the bombers' mission , the
expeditionary co mmand structure, EBS aircraft. PA also made it clear that bombers
would deploy to Andersen into the foreseeable future.23

22
23

Rpt (U) , 36 AEW/CC. "How Goes It Report,"8 April 04, SO 0501 .

Releases (U), 36 AEW/PA, February 04, SO 1013.
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

70

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(I)
UNCLASSIfIED (b)(I)

(U) After two months the first 36 EOG/CC was followed by Col _
completed AEF 7/8 . Col

was the second of a total of eleven 36

who
th

EOG

commanders during 2004-06. Overall, the bombers under AEF 7/8 flew 133 sorties,
achieving a 98.5 overall mission effectiveness rate, a 99.8 weapo ns release rate , an
overall Mission Capable (MC) rate of 76.8, and 1,061.1 flight hours without a Class A
rd

mishap. 23

EBS B-52s engaged with Thai and Australian armed forces, co nducted

24 U

N
C

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71

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joint-operations training with US Navy, Marine, and Army units, carried out aerial mine
laying tra ining and precision attack training with LGB and JDAM, and participated in
four important exercises in spring 2004. 26
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(J)

(U ) The tree other spring exercises were:

18-23 April: Exercise Jungle Shield in wh ich B-52s participated in Air
th
Intercept Training with F- 6s deployed to Andersen from the 35 Fighter
Wing at Misawa AB, Japan.
9- 15 May: B-52 Carrier Integration with the USS Kitty Hawk, retargeting
and Joint Maritime Operations (JMO) with the USS Essex.
17-21 May: B-52s participated in Exercise COBRA GOLD, carrying out
long range bombing trainirg on ranges in Thailand 2
Second and Th ird Rotations, 2004

(U) Six B-52s from the 2

nd

Bomb Wi ng (Barksdale AFB) arrived at Andersen in

early June 2004 for AEF 9/10, forming the 96

th

EBS. Whi le deployed the unit flew 890

hours an d 131 sorties, had an overall MC rate of 84 .1%, and dropped 450 bombs with a
98.5% weapons release rate.

25

29

The 96 th also participated in the following exercises:

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(J)

Rpt (U ), "36 EOG, 36 EAMXS End of Tou r Report for AEF 7/8 , 20 February 2004 to 7
June 2004," SD 1015.

27U

--

N
29

<Rpt (U ), 36 AEW/CC, "H ow Goes It Report," 9 July 04, SD 0534.

Rpt (U ), 36 AEW/C C, "H ow Goes It Report," 8 Oct 04, SO 0562.
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

72

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(I)

9-22 July: RIM PAC , conducting CAS/M aritime operations coordinated with the PAOC
and USS Stennis.
9-14 August: JASEX near Okinawa , exercising both bombing and mining capabilities.
26 August -1 September: Exercise ULCH I FOCUS LENS during wh ich Andersen-based
8-52s flew sorties over Korean Peninsula in su pport of the yth Air Force's C2 exercise.30
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30 Ibid.
31U

C
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73

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(U) The 20th E8S, also from the 2nd BW at Barksdale, took over operations from
th

the 96 on 10 Septe ' lber. As w th the previous two B-52 squadrons, the 20 th achieved
solid results while on Guam as explained by the 36 th AEW commander:
The 2C EBS had a '1ighly successful deployment, flying 142 sorties
fo r 944.2 hours. Overall mission-capable rate for the deployment was
79.6%, above the ACC 3tand ard of 78%, and we achieved a 99.7%
weapons rele ase rate for 315 bombs. We conducted a CALCM load
exe rcise in Oct, fine tuning aircraft generation timelines. During th is
quarter, our B-52s flew multiple missions across the PACOM AOR,
demon strating long-range strike capabilities. We are seeking opportunities
to expand ou, reach across the AO R, to include reestablishing presence
in Australia. Rega rding logistics, we continue to receive outstanding
support from the PACAF RSS. 32
(U) Significantly, on 22-23 November 2004 Andersen 's 20 th EBS engaged in
another SINKEX that highlighted the unique capabilities inherent to the Air Force 's
bomber fleet: Exercise Resultant Fury. During Resultant Fury four B-52s, supported by
tankers from Andersen, flew six long-endura nce sorties to the Barking Sands range,
Kauai , and destroyed moving maritime targets using modified JDAMs. On 22 November
the B-52s scored direct hits from 30,000 feet, destroying the small moving tethered
vessels. The ta rget on 23 November was the Navy's ex-USS Schenectady, a
decomm issioned LST. which two B-52s struck with seven AMSTE-modified JDAMs.
This attack, severely damaging the ship, was followed by another B-52 attack
consi stin g of four GBU-10s, all of which scored direct hits. The Schenectady soon sank,
proving the B-52's capability in th is area .
(U) Resultant Fury was not a complete success: A B-1 scheduled to participate
did not have the necessary tanker support, and thus stayed home. A Navy P-3 slated to
shoot a missile at the Schenectady had to abort whe n civilian fishing boats appeared in
the area, while F-18s dropping inert AMSTE-enabled AGM-154 JSOWs missed the

32 Rpt (U), 36 AEW/CC, "How Goes It Report," 10 Jan OS, SO 0595.

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(J)

74

L'NCLASSIFIED (b)(I)

tethered targets on 22 November. 33 The problems suffered by the Navy served to

further emphasize the capabilities of the Air Force's B-52 fleet and its weapons
systems.
(U) An early example of a ' lightning" mission took place in December 2004 when
th

20 EBS B-52s flew eight Blue lighting sorties fro m Andersen to th e Korean peninsula
and back. W hile over Korea '.

aircrews practiced CAS procedures with tactical air

contro l parties from Osan AB, and Time Sensitive Target procedures with the PACAF
AOC and Korea-based U-2s. Dissimilar air co mbat training was also accomplished with
Osan-based F-16s. "3< During the 2004-06 reporting period Andersen's bombers flew
four types of "lighting " missions
Code Name

Destination

Blue lighting

Korea

Koa lighting

Hawaii

Green lightning Australia

Polar lighting

Alaska

The Blue lightning mission was not the only B-52 mission to Korea in 2004. From 26
August to 1 September 2004 Andersen bombers participated in the annual Koreabased Exercise Ulchl Focus Lens.

35

(U ) The next bomber unit to deploy to Andersen was the 93'd EBS from
Barksdale AFB. The 93rd is an Air Force Reserve un it under the 91yth Bomb Wing , and
the 93'd,S two-m onth deployment to Andersen was the only time a reserve bomber unit
served on Guam dUring 2004-06. The Reserve unit's late February departure was also
noteworthy that it marked the end of a B-52H presence that had gone on at Andersen
for an enti re yea r. It would be a year and a half before the B-52s returned to Andersen .
33 Rpt (U ), PACAF/DOTW, "Resultant Fury 05-01. Interim After Actio n Report (version
1, draft)," December 04, SO 0614.
34 Rpt (U ), 36 AEW/CC, "How Goes It Report," 10 Jan 05, SO 0595.
35 Rpt (U), 36 AEW/CC, "How Goes It Report," 8 Oct 04, SD 0562.
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(\)

75

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6-25 Arrive
(U) The first non-B-52 bomber unit under the 36 th AEW was the arrival in late
February 2005 of 239 Airmen from the 393'd E8S (Whiteman AF8) flying 8-2 stealth
th

bombers . The long-term presence of ste alth bombers at Andersen under the 36 AEW
was not just operatio nally significant, but had symbolic value as well. Unlike the
rotationa l 8-52s that started out tne AEF operations at Andersen in February 2004, and
th at have a 40-year r:story at Andersen, the striking and heavily guarded B-2s were a
novelty in 2005 whether seen on the ground or in the air. This was not the first time 82s had fiown to Andersen -- for instance, they were here briefly as part of a Global
Powe r mission on 19 July 2004 What was new was the permanent deployment of the
stealth bombers, syr bolizing g,aphically the drastic cha nges Andersen underwent in
the 2004-06 ti mefra me
(U) 36 th AE'" commar der Col

summ arized Andersen 's first

prolonged experience with 8-2s to the PACAF commander:

Originally, three B 2s arrived the last week of February, but as
many as fi ve 8-2s have b"en on And ersen 's ramp during March. The 393
EBS planned 'or 38 sorties during its first month in the AOR. The unit
accomplished only about two-thirds of its scheduled activity due to other
taskings. Of the missions flown, considerable em phasis was placed on
command a r'~ control , bombing activity, and mission planning cell
operations. Although flying was less tha n expected, training during each
sortie was optimized with longer duration missions. Additionally,
opportunities for ground 'raining were fantastic. As far as maintenance
and logistics , the B-2's greatest challenge has been working aft deck tile
issues. For much of the 30-plus days the 8-2s have been at Andersen
they have remained outside but have effectively utilized the available
hangar facilities when perform ing low observable maintenance. Support
for getting req uired parts in the AOR has been outstanding. 36
(U ) One 8-2s was put to work on a long-ra nge mission almost immediately, flying
a successful Polar lighting sortie to the Yukon Ra nge in Alaska on 25-26 March

36

Rpt (U), 36 AEW/CC , "How Goes It Report," 8 Apri l 05, SO 0633.

UNCLASSlFIED (b)(I )

76

UN CLASSIFIED (b)(I )

2005. 37 The 325 th BI"l"1b Squadron (B-2s) took over from the 393'd in April , and in May it
too flew a 24-hour two-sh tp Pola r Lightni ng mission. 38
(U) The six-month long 6-2 experien ce at Ande rsen was a leaming experience
for all involved with operations and reade rs are encouraged to view the 325 th EBS'
After Action Report (see hyperlink below) for full details. One obvious problem for the
unit was th at the AEr AOL hangar (Hangar 1) was under construction throughout 2005,
impacting the maintainers' ability to provide low observability maintenance in the
necessary climate-col trolled er ironment. Regular B-2 tile maintenance was another
on-going issue, as was exhaust tailpipe maintenance. The 36th EAMXS commander
outlined

the key

r a intenan c~

problems encountered during the

deployment,

reproduced here in fLJ,

Aft dec~ and exhaust lip tiles are one of the hottest issues that are
facing the B-2 ~eet. Thert IS not a ship set in supply at this time and with
a significant -e-work ra 9, down ti me can become extensive. We
coordinated a exception ,0 policy and started ordering two tiles at once.
This was apn oved by ftCC and PACAF/RSS until a full ship set is in
place, red UCing wait time 'or tiles. Tail pipe coatings are a problem that we
have noticed a little bit more while being at the FOL - engineers are
assessing roo' causes. The coatings can cau se radar cross signature
(RCS) impact' they go without repai r. The repair for these is roughly six
day of dowf' me. Facilities here are limited until the opening of the
AEF/FO L har "ar. There are currently two hangars that low observable
(LO) maintena 1ce can be accomplished. 95% of LO maintenance needs
to be completed in a clim ate controlled hangar. The new AEF/FOL hangar
will house two B-2s which will greatly help in the LO department. A longer
deployment has resulted in a broade r range of aircraft challenges for us.
It's tough to be prepared for every scenario and balance the mobility
footprint it takes for all of the support eqUipment and supplies. More
equipmenUmaterials have been shipped over since we fi rst arrived in
order to overcome several challenges. 39

Ibid.
Rpt (U), 325 EBS/CC et ai, "Accomplishments, Issues, and Lessons Learned , MayAugust 2005," August 05, SO 1023.
39 Rpt (U), 36 EAMXS/CC. "Lesson#: 01816-86899, Comm ander's Summary Report,
AEF 5/6-05 ," 25 Aug ust 05, SO 1024.
37

38

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77

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

(U) A signifie' and une, nected environmental that affected flying 8-2 and F-15
training was ash plumes from the volcanic isl and of Anatahan wh ich spewed dust into
the air during muc:,

'the

middl~

of 2005, a particular problem when attempting to use

th

the bombing range at rarallon de Medinilla . The 36 EAMXS com mander continued:
One c Ie cnaller "es we faced at the tail end of our deployment
was volca nic ash that wa~ drifting across the island-with limited hangar
space, we had ,0 pull son- e strings to get one of our 8-2s that was outside
space in the ~w AEF/F:JL hangar to keep it out of the ash. We have
engineers we' Ing the im : act assessment of volcanic ash on the surface
of an LO [Low Observability] platform and forma lizing procedures to clean
the aircraft if '1angar wa not available. F-15E challenges: Th e potential
for F.O. D. da .. ~ge has b' .en high on t e ram p--o ne engine lost to F.O.D.
damage; loca: rOD. program was expanded during our TDY to put more
emphasis oJ'1 r.O.D. acnss the board, especially with fig hters on the
ra mp. We experienced limited access to covered maintenance facilities;
however, there was incredible teamwork by all to overcome this when
needed .
We a'3" had lirr ted local back shop capability wh ich drove
increased log,stics/main'cnance footprint for fighters; we depended
heavily on st:e:ched supply pipeline for components not repairable this
station, Genel "I challeng es: The B-2 was origina lly deployed here with a
JCS project cede to give supply/shipment priority for MICAPS, etc. That
code was downgraded in th e middle of the deployment. The F-15s never
had a JCS profect code to begin with . It was less of an impact on the B-2
since we were not competing with other like MDSs for parts-it only
impacted our ,hipment pri ority for transportation; however, the F-15Es
had significant issues with getting priority for their parts to begin with and
th en the shipm ent priority to get those parts here once released from
depot, etc. Another challenge , although not a show stopper at all, was that
Andersen has no hangars that are certified for loading wea pons (for net
explosive weight reasons). We did our wea pons loading in the center
ramp and our 8-2s had to sit out in the weather for extended periods
sometimes; thiS is not preferred due to the special LO materi als. A
concern for OPSEC was also expressed due to the lack of weapons
certified shelters. 4o

40

(U), Ibid.

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

78

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

Althoug h the tailpipe oroblem did not stop flying, it did have an effect on the squadron 's
41

MC rate .

Also, a Polar Lighting mission in July was cancelled because of tanker

coordination issues. and in Aug ust a mi ssion to Australi a was cancelled at the State
Department level for unstated reasons, forcing the B-2s to instead again fly to the
Yukon Range.

42

Rpt (U), 325 BS/CC "Lesson# 01149-24102, AEF 5/6-05 ," 25 August 05, SD 1025.
Rpt (U ), 325 EBS/CC et ai, "Accomplishm ents, Issu es, and Lessons Learned,"
August 05, SD 1026

41

42

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

79

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(I)

(U ) Overall, however, the 36 AEW commander stated that the B-2 deployment
was "a great success

,,44

Further details on the 325 th ,s enti re deployment can be found

in the 325 EBS/CC's Lesson' s Learned package , as well as in the series of classified
and unclassified individual lessons learned statements hyperJi nked below.45

43

UN
CL
AS

Rpt (U), 36 AEW /CC, "How Goes It R ep ort," ~ October 05, SD 0682.
45 Rpt (U ), 325 BS/CC et ai, "AEF 5/6-05, Lessons Learned Statements," August 05, SD
1029.
L"NCLASSIF1ED (b)(l)
80

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(I )

(U ) In the firs, .;eventeen months of bomber operations at Andersen AFB, from

26 February 2004 to 28 July 2005, the B-2s and 8-52s co mbined had flown 586 sorties
for a total of 4,392 ' ght hours ,; Andersen became even busier with the addition of
fighters .

Theater Fig hter Presence

(U ) Meanwhile during the second quarter of 2005 the 36 th EOG saw a significant
addition to ad dition to its on-going operations with the April 2005 arrival of the 391 5t
Expediti onary Fi ghter Squadron with twelve F-15Es from Mountain Home AFB , Idaho.
comm anded the 391 5t EFS while deployed to Andersen from

Lt Co

26 April 2005 to 31 July 2005. accompanied by 300 deployed Airmen from the 39 15t
Fighter Squadron. 366 th Aircraft Maintenan ce Squadron, 366 th Component Repair
Squadron, and the 366th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. The unit did an intrath eater deployment to Kadena AB, Okinawa for the month of Aug ust and then returned
to Mountai n Home.
(U) Andersen s long history as a bomber base overshadows the fact that there
has been some limited fighter activity here in the past. From 1956 to 1960 the 415t
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, a PACAF ten ant unit, was stationed at Andersen for
Marianas defense. This was followed by a fl ow of numerous TAC F-100s and F-105s
into Asia (and older aircraft out) - coro net missions -- during the early 1960s, handled
by TAC's Det 11, 4440-1 1 Aircraft Delivery Group 47 During the 1990s Air Force and
Navy fig hters also used Andersen for tra ining and exercises. Th roughout Andersen 's six
decades howeve r, fighters have been relatively rare on the fligh tline , a reason why the
391 5t EFS' three months on Guam - the first Expedition ary Fighter Unit in Andersen 's
history -- was both an unusual and wel come event, all the more so since it overlapped
with the on-going B-2 deployment

46 Database (U) , 36 EOSS , "Bomber ops spreadsheet," n.d. (ca. 27 July 05), SD 1030.
47 Article (U), "Small unit keeps TAC's planes moving," Tropic Topics, 11 October 63, p
3.

UNCLAS SIFIED (b)(l)

81

UNCLASSIFIED (b)( 1)

(U ) The unit carried out a rigorous training schedule that included Dissimilar
Aircraft Combat Tral ing

( DAC~),

Large Force Exercises (LFE) with the US Navy's

Nimitz and Kittyhawk carrier battle groups, and two Dynamic Targeti ng Exercises with
B-2s from the 3251h ""BS The unit also participated in Exercise Cope North,48 and
49
deployed aircraft to usan AB , Korea. and to RAAF Base Darwin, Australia.
(U) Ap proxir' lely two- irds of the way through the fighter squadron 's
deployment the 36 1h A~W Commander wrote the following:
"This is the r5t large-:_ale continuous AF fig hter operati on out of
Andersen in 'lpprox 10 Jears. The 391 EFS monthly training cycle
includes a we ek of Basic "'ighter Ma neuvers, followed by a week of Air
Combat Mane Jers and Basic Surface Attack. and culm inates in two
weeks of Surf&~e Attack Ta ctics. During the quarte r the 391st successfully
executed 720 rs and 480 sorties, averaging 62 sorties/90 hrs a week to
put the m app'ox 6% ahead of their program . Despite challenges like
standing up a lew fighte JPS facility, distended supply lines, and lack of
hangar space the 391 st co nsistently met its MC rates. They sustained a
21 monthly UTE rate cOfT1oared to the ACC fleet standard of 16.4 basis.
391 EFS opfimx co re ,ompetencies and camaraderie are high. In
addition, the Pt..CAF LC staff has provided outstanding assistance in
helpin g us obtain generators for our F-15Es. However, timely receipt of
the generato rs continues to be a cha llenge. We currently have three on
order - two pulled from th e CANN jet, one pulled from the jet currently in
phase. As we near the 39 1'1 departure from Andersen to Kadena, long
lead times ano lower pri Orities will be an issue. The PACAG LG staff is
aware and full y engaged to assist.',50
(U) Overall, during its three months at Andersen the 391 '1 EFS flew 690 sorties
for 1,152 flying hours. including a four-ship fly-by for Guam's July 41h celebration SI As
with the B-2 s, the 391 ,I had to deal with the problem of ash plumes from Anatahan
volcano in the area a' the Farall on de Medinilla range. 52 Deteriorating pavement on the
48 Rpt (U ), 5 AF/A37 Cope North 05-2 Consolidated After-Action Report," 12 October
05, SD 1032.
49 Rpt (U), 391 EFS/CC, "Lesson# 01359-34259, 391 EFS CC Summary AEF 5/6," 25
August OS, SO 1031 .
50 Rpt (U), 36 AEW/CC, "H ow Goes It Report," 8 July OS, SD 0632.
51 Rpt (U), 36 AEW/CC. "How Goes It Report," 11 October 05, SO 0682.
52 Rpt (U ), 391 EFS/CC, "2005 391 EFS End ofTour Report for AE F 5/6," 22 July OS,
SO 1033.
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(\)
82

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(1 )

Andersen's ramps along with 'Iightline-area construction (including Hangar One)

5t
created unforeseen FaD issues that the 391 tackled vigorously through twice-daily
FaD wal ks and the use of a FOG Boss. 53

6-15 Arrive

(U) FollOWing

complete year of B-52 operations, and then six months of B-2

activity, six B-1 s ana ..:50 airmen arrived at An dersen from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota
to become the 37" EBS for AE F 7/8-05. This was the second B-1 deployment to
Andersen in two yea s, the first having occurred under the 7'h AEW in 2003. The 37'h
th
EBS was fo llowed by the 34 EBS, another B-1 unit. Interestingly, only the personnel
changed at the end of the AEF cycle , as the aircraft and equipment remained in place
th
through the end of tCie 34 s deoloyment In support of AEF 9/10. Therefore, at the
conclusion of th e 36'-" AEW's seco nd anniversary it had successfu lly hosted all th ree of
the Air Force's bomber platforms
(U ) The 37th EBS airmen and planes arrived on Guam from the end of August to
the first days of September 2005. an extend ed period caused by the effects of Typhoon
Nabi. Over the neXT three mO'lths the 37

th

flew 155 sorties for 761 flight hours,

achieving a 98% execution rate The average MC rate fo r the deployment was 72.9%.
The 37'h EBS sent B-1 s to three air shows in foreign countries during AEF 7/8: Misawa
AB , Japan (the first B- 1 ever to land in Japan), Seoul, South Korea , and RAAF Base
Pearse, Australia S4

UNCLASSIfIED (b)(l)

Rpt (U), 391 EAMU/OIC, "Lesson#: 01650-66495, Foreign Object Damage

Prevention: 25 Augu st 05, SD 1034.
54 Rpt (U ), 36 EAMXS/CC et ai, "B-1 Maintenance Accomplishments , Issues, and
Lessons Learned, Aug-Dec 2005." 26 Dec 05, SD 1035.
55
L"ICLASSIFIED (b)(l)
53

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

83

m-.CLASSIFIED (b)( I)

U Like the 391'1 EFS, FOD was a persistent

N
issue that was manaqed through daily FOD walks and the use of a FOD Boss, and the
3yth EBS did have ore Class C Mishap because of FOD. 57 Beyond FOD concerns, the
B-1 s also suffered in Guam's high humidity and torrential rains s8 A set of unclassified
commanders' after action re ports on 7/8-05 can be found in the supporting
documents.59
(U) 37 th EBS' operations were largely positive , but those efforts were marred by a
multi-million dollar Class-A Mishap that occurred on 15 September 2005. 60 Upon
landing the right main landing gear of B-1 8 #85-0066 caught fire, severely damaging
the right wing , right 'lacelle, and engines 3 and 4. Worse, all the tires on the right
landing gear blew, stranding the B-1 on the runway for 48 hours.61 An interim safety
board was convened locally that gathered statements and other pertinent information.62
The SI B arrived or 22 September, finishing its investigation on 12 October. 16
November 2005 a te am of fo ur engineers from Boeing and Tinker AFB arrived at
Anderse n and deterMined that the aircraft was repairable. Meanwhile, based on the
severity of dama ge to th e aircraft caused by the fire , in mid-2006 Andersen 's leadership
seriously expl ored

rning the aircraft into a static display, a plan that failed to

56 Database (U), 37 E8S. "41h Quarter 2005 Summary of Hours and Sorties," Dec 05,
SD 1037.
57 Rpt (U), 36 EAMXS/CC, "AEF 7/8-05 , Commander Summary Report," 23 December
05, SD 1038.
58 Rpt (U), 37 AMU/O IC, "AEF 7 13, ID# 01740-54958, 8- 1 Aircraft Environmental
Cooling System WatE' Intrusion . 30 Decem ber 05 , SD 1039.
59 Rpt (U), 36 EOG/CC et ai, AE F 7/8-05 After Action Reports, December 05, SD 1041.
60 Rpt (U), 36 SFS, "Blotter Input." 15 Sep 05, SD 1040.
61 Rpt (U), 36 EAMXS/CC, "AEF 7/8-05, Commander Summary Report," 23 December
05, SD 1038.
62 Brfg (U), ISB Board President Co
(36 C RG/CC ), "Turnover Brief," 19
September 05, SD 1042; Rpts (U),
,""-v"'vv 15 September 2005
Mishap W itness Summaries," n.d., SD 1043.
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(1)

84

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

materialize.63 As of the end of this history's reporting period the B-1 is still at Andersen
where it receives a regular 45-day wash cycle and is kept in Hangar 3 whenever
possible.64
th

EBS replaced the 37th at the very end of 2005 , and executed
th
operations through the end of Apri l 2006. The 34 picked up where the 37'h left off,
(U ) The 34

flying multiple Blue Lightning sorties to Korea, Green Lightning Sorties to Australia , and
Koa Lighting sorties to Hawaii. A 34 th EBS B-1 was also sent to the Asian Aerospace
Air Show in Singapore at the end of February.65 Overall, the unit flew 163 of 163
scheduled sorties (including 21 long-range "lightning" sorties) in the face of such
issues such as accelerated tire wear due to Andersen's pavement conditions.66 In April
the Airmen and six B-1 s from the 34 th EBS retumed to Ell sworth AF B.

63 Email (U), 36AEW/C Cetal ,"PossibleB-1staticd isplaY,"31 May-6June06, SO

1044; Rpt (U ), 36 MXS/MXN , "Talking Paper on A5066 Cost Estimate," n.d ., SO 1045;
Brfg (U) 36 CES/C ECC. "B-1 Sta tic Display Options," 1 June 06, SO 1046.
64 Rpt (U) 36 MXG/CC. "Qu arterlv How Goes It Inputs," 4th Quarter 06, SO 1047.
65 Rpt (U ), 36WG /CC "How Goes it Report," 10 April 06, SD 0750.
66 Rpt (U ), 36 EOG/CC et aI, "AEF 9/10 After Action Reports ," 26-28 April 06, SO 1049.
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l )

85

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l

825 and F155 Return: 2006

(U) The return of the B-LS under the 393'd EBS (late April 2006) and the 13

th

EBS (end of June), ana F-15Es under the 90 th EFS (Elmendorf AFB) co incided with an
obvious high point of 'ile 36 th EGG's operations at Andersen. It was during this time that
the 36

th

Wing , EOG . OSS, ano Andersen as a whole - beyond normal training and

operations -- successfully hosted numerous aircraft and multiple platforms in two

important

ba c k-to-b ac~

exercises. The annual joint US-Japan Exercise Cope North from

1-1 0 June, and Exercise Valiant Shield, a massive joint-services exercise orchestrated
by PACOM from HawaII and co nducted out of Andersen from 19-23 June.
(U) The scope of Valiant Shield was impressive and on day one of the event
there were more than 70 jets on Andersen 's ramp .67 Overall , more tha n 1,000
personn el participated at Andersen supporting twelve F-15Es, twelve F-16CJs, twelve
F-15Cs, six USN F/A-18s, fou r B-2s, two B-52s, five USMC KC-130s, as well as
numerous KC-1 35s, KC-10s, C-2 P-3s, H-60s, and more.68 It was the largest exercise
th

in the Pacific AO R slrce the Vietnam War in which the 39 3'd EBS, 90 EFS, 36th EOG,
36 th EAMXS, and 36 MUNS participated heavily. A number of foreign observers were
also on Andersen during Valiant Shield, includi ng officers from China .69 (See the
following paragraphs fo r further cetalls on local Valiant Shield operatio ns).
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

67 Email (U) ,36 WG /CCto PACAF/A3A5,"Weekin Review," 18June06, SO 0796.

68 Email (U). 36 WG/CCto PACAF/A3A5 ... WeekinReview." 25June06. SO 0791;
Photos (U), USAF, Va liant Shield flightline from control tower, 21 June 06, SO HZQ;
Photo (U ), USAF, Va liant Shield fig hters on flightline, 17 June 06, SO
USAF, Valiant Shield 'Iightline, 22 June 06, SO 1475; Photos (U) , S
Valiant Shield flightline aerials, 22 June 06, SO 1476; Photos (U ), u':>.l-\r .
2 ARS refueling F-1 8s. 23 June 06. SO 1477.
UNCLASSIFlED (b)(l)

86

UNCLASSIFlED (b)(l)

JNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

(U) The activilles and In"reased numbers of deployed person nel at the base
during this AE F cycie strained Andersen's basic capabilities, as described in the 36 th
EOG commander's end of tour report:
"Limited bille, ng and vehi cles for multiple exercise participants and
multiple AEF operations squadrons. Extremely sparse Anderson OSS
manning to support rotati"nal operations squadron s and exercise surges;
36 OSS requires a plus-up with AEF personnel to sustain flig hVplanning
operations unti permanent manning positions are created. Present barrier
co nfiguration and single runway operations prevent simulta neous 8-2 and
fig hte r launches and recoveries. 8-2 deployments during typhoon season
(Aug-Oct) reduced training opportunities due to weather. No scorable
training range fo r weapons releases Limited radar significant targets at
the Fara llon bombing ra llge (range requires new conex-type targets).

69
70
71

Photos (U), USAF Valiant Shield foreign observers, 19 June 06, SO 1474.
- I CLASSIFIED (b)(l)
Email (U). 36MXS/M XMt036MXS/CCetal.6June06. S01053.
UNCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

87

 -CLASSIFIED (b)(I)

Recommen d '1s,alling r "lote scori ng capability and threat emitters to

increase tacti", i-aining.(U) Despite lir lations, aCnievements were considerable during the back-to-back
B-2 deployments, ~ peclally \ l en the first B-2 deployed to Darwin, Australia's
Delamere Range or ?4 July ar dropped four inert 2.000 pound bombs 73 The 13th
EBS co mmander Lt _::II Will iam ~I dnge assessed the accomplishments as follows:
"The 393 EBS ;Iew 76 sorties. 483 hours , released 150 munitions, and
conducted se"~-al exerc' es' "'OLAR LI GHTNING (long duration sorties
to Alaska) 'y,.. I...,ANT SH ELD (largest joint Pacific exercise in 30 years),
and NORTHE RN EDGE 'Olr>t trai ning in Alaska). The 13 EBS flew 76
sorties, 590 'lours relea sed 189 weapons, and participated in several
exercises: GR >-EN LlGJ- 'N II~ G (firsl B-2 deployment to Au stralia) and
POLAR Ll GH NING. Both squadrons integrated with the 90 EFS (F15Es). The 13 EBS also integrated with RC-135s. Tanker support from
rotational units and business effort units proved ir>valuable for training and
mission acconnlishmen! '4
(U) The 90

th

'FS was

Eo

wally bu sy while deployed to Andersen, whether in

exercises such as Cope Nortr and Valiant Shield , or during its daily training and
operations:
"The 90 EFS eployed 1 F-' 5E Stn ke Eagles and over 300 operations
and mainten l",e perso 'lel to Andersen AFB, Guam from May to
September 20r6 in supp' 1 of PACOM's Theater Support Package (TSP)
operations T - s de ploy ~ent facilitated the success of Exercises COPE
NORTH 06-2 AUANT ~-lI E ,-D 06, and JUNGL::: SHIELD 06-2. Aircrew
sharpened key combat s ,,,1 sets focusing on Maritime Interd iction, Close
Air Support, 'Jefensive Counterair, Kill Box Interdiction, and Strike
Coordination " j Reconr, Issance. The 90 EFS flew over 600 sorties and
over 1350 hcu's com pie: ng continuation, flight lead , flig ht surgeon and
instructor upgrade training The 90 EFS fired over 17,500 rounds of 20mm
bullets and delivered over 350 BDU-33s, and 1 inert GBU-15 data link
weapon in a co mbined SINKEX with the USN during Exercise VALIANT
SHIELD. 90 EFS and 13 EBS crews flew strike coordination scenarios,
with F-15Es directing B-2 live JDAM deliveries in a fl uid tactical
environment. r Ir-to-grou n~ training however is limited by the basic nature
of Farralon de Medinilla c.=:DM) range. 90 EFS personnel were exemplary
ambassad ors to Japanese Self-Defense Force (JASDF) aircrew and
Rpt (U), 36 EOG/CC. "After Action Report, 10#: 01617-52348," 30 August 06, SD
1054.
ITEmaii (U).36 WG/CCto PACAF/A3A5 ... Weeki n Review." 30July06. SD 0805.
74 Rpt (U ), 13 EBS/CC, "After Action Report," 30 August 06, SD 1056.
72

88

CLASSIFIED (b)(l)

'''IrLASSIFIED (b)(l)

maintainers (I ring Exerrse COPE NORTH 06-2, an historic step in

Japanese de f , 'se capat lities . Though the exercise was marred by the
90 EFS' late -rival, we "ew dissimilar air co mbat maneuvering sorties
under JAS DF .-2C contr and JASDF fighters dropped live ordnance in a
bilateral large Jrce exerc, e, again under E-2C co ntrol, for the first time in
their existence The 90 ::FS played a key role in Exercise VALIANT
SHIELD 06 sccess, st, 'lIng with conducting the exercise inbrief at
Andersen AF E PACOM premier air combat exercise offered priceless
joint training ""dth robust C2 and air refueling forces and allowed 90 EFS
aviators to he, 'e r1aritimE; nterdiction skills versus a floating "red force" an extrem ely r .re opp ortL.~ ity . A deployment to Osan AB and the Korean
theater of o;Jerations i r~rodu ced the newest 90 EFS members to
operations on and fighting over, the Korean peninsula, Squadron aircrew
fl ew close air support miSSions with A-10s from the 25 FS in restricted
area P-51 8 on .he Korear demilitarized zone, com municating with US and
Korea n Joint ~a ctical Air Controllers on the ground. Additionally, the 90
EFS participated in a Korean-led Combined Large Force Exercise. 51 FW
support was 'le best seen to date. Exercise JUNGLE SHIELD 06-2
refo cused the squadron on defensive counter air and alert procedures
under Operatio n NOBLE EAGLE. KHQ deployed a C2 element and
directed four issions (2 alert scrambles and 2 airborne retaskings),
resulting in four intercepts and meeting/exceeding all exercise
objectives." 75
(U) Further details on this period are available in tne hyperlinked documents
found below.76

75
76

Rpt (U), 90 EFS/CC, "After Action Report," 18 August 06, SO 1057.

Rpt (U ), 36 EAMXS/CC, "Afte r Action Report " 28 August 06, SO 1058.
;'"NCLASSIFIED (b)(\)

89

j_ 'C LASSIFIED (b)(l)

8-525 Return
(U ) After seventeen stra ight months of having B-2s and B-1s on Andersen 's

f1ightline , B-52s once again made their appearance here on 29 August 2006 under the
comma nd of Col TOM Gilbert wno headed the 36th EOG through 31 January 2007

For the next five months SIX B-525 from the 23'd EBS (out of Minot AFB) flew 200 of 200
planned sorties for a total of more than 1,500 flight hours. The effective weapons
release rate was 99.8%, while the 36 EAMXS achieved an average MC rate of 76.5%.
There were zero Class A mishaps and one Class B mishaps (One B-52 's brakes
overheated while lane ng at Hickam AF B).78
(U) Am ong the unit's variOUS accomplishments during its deployment were the

following missions which continued to build on the progress of the previous AEF
cycles J9

The final month of 'r,e 36 EOG occurred in 2007, but will be treated as part of the
2004-06 time period for this histo -y
78 Rpt (U ), 36 EOG and 36 EAMXS 'End of Tour Report for AE F 3/4," 31 January 07,
SD 1059.
79 Rpt (U), 23 EBS/CC "Comma Ider's Comments for AEF 3/4 ," 31 January 07, SD
1060.
77

'iNCLASSlFlED (b)(l)
90

~CLA SSIFTED

(b)(J )

(U) GREE c 'GHTNINC (October 2006): A PACOM-directed exercise

during which 23'd EBS B-52s executed two long-duration sorties to
Australia, demon stratin g .ne B-52's global strike capabilities staged from
Guam . The e: ercise incl ded air refueling and the successful release of
eight BOU-5C (500-pcJ ld inert) bombs or Australia's Oelamere
Weapons Ra .ge in the lorthern Territory. All eight weapons, delivered
from high-altitude, landea within 100 feet of the planned target, and range
officia ls observed multiple direct hits.
(U) KOA LIG HTNIN G: 23,d EBS B-52s flew sixteen long-duration (18
hours) rou nd-tnp sorties to Hawaii, which included multiple air refuelings ,
CAS procedures with live JTACs , standoff-weapons training, fighter
intercepts, and air defense exercises.
lJ'.lCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

80

L 'CLASSIFIED (b)(J )

Rpt (U ), 23 EBS/CC, "Commander's Comments for AEF 3/4," 31 January 07, SO

1060.
82
U'\ CLASSIFIED (b)( 1)

L'NCLASSlFIED (b)(l)

91

UNCLASSIFIED (b)(J)

UNCLASSlfIED (b)(J )

(U) For further details or the 36 th EOG's activities during AEF 3/4, please see
the series of Weekly Activity Reports to PACAF attached as a hyperlink below. 85

83

L"'lCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

Article (U) , SSgt

"Air Force, Navy wrap up joint mining exercise, " AF

Link, 13 November
on
, SD 1064.
85 Email (U), 36 WG /C C to KHQ/CC, "Weekly Activity Reports18 June 06 - 25

December 06, SD 1065.

l,"iCLASSIFIED (b)(l)

92

UNCLASSIfIED (b)(J )
Conclusion

(U) Overall , 2004-06 was an imoortant span of time for An dersen AF B, not least of
which was due to the continuous presence of bomber, fighter and tanker operations. As
seen above, the 36 th AEW and 36 th EOG deftl y handled rotations of B-52H , B-2, and B1 units, as well as two F-15 squadrons. whi le deployed personnel from the 36th EAMXS
successfully managed the maintenance of those disparate aircraft. Apart from the B-1
fire in late 2005, there were no significant mishaps. At the same time the base handled
numerous exercises such as Cope North and Valiant Shield , as well as Navy SFARPs
which increased the operations tempo tremendou sly. When the 36 th EOG converts to
an OG in February 2007 Andersen's expeditionary period will effectively come to a
conclusio n, rendering the nearly three years of fully expeditionary operations here as a
distinct historica l period. For an even fuller picture of the above events and operations,
please explore the source documents that have been attached via hyperlinks.

UNCLASSIFIED (b)( I)

93