B-1B bombers deployed to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, recently joined Exercise Keen Sword for the first time. Keen Sword is a bilateral exercise between U.S. forces and the Japan Self-Defense Force.
161111-N-OI810-772 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 11, 2016) U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force ships and aircraft, steam and fly in formation during Keen Sword 17 (KS17) including, USS Shiloh (CG 67), USS Barry (DDG 52), JS Oumi (AOE 426), JS Ashigara (DDG 178), JS Akizuki (DD115), JS Kurama (DDH 144), JS Yamagiri (DD 152), USS Chancellorsville (DDG 62), USS Chicago (SSN 721) and JS Souryu (SS 501). KS17 is a biennial, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed, U.S. Pacific Command-sponsored Field Training Exercise (FTX). KS17 is designed to meet mutual defense objectives by increasing combat readiness and interoperability between Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and U.S. forces. The units are on patrol in the Philippine Sea supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Burke/Released)
Lt. Col. Seth Spanier, commander of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, said his bombers conducted joint close air support alongside JASDF F-2s for this exercise.
