Andersen Air Force Base

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A B-1B at Andersen

This B-2 Spirit was photographed in 2004 at Andersen

Andersen Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force on the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean. The base, located on the north end of the island approximately 15 miles (24 km) from the capital, Agana, is home to the Pacific Air Forces, 36th Wing. In May 2005, the Thirteenth Air Force moved its headquarters from Andersen Air Force Base to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

1 History
2 Education
3 Units
4 Command
5 See also

[edit] History

Emblem of the 36th Wing

Andersen Air Force Base traces its roots back to the early days of World War II when a forest area at the northern end of Guam was turned into what was then known as North Field. By June 1945, North Field aircraft had begun bombing missions over Japan.

The field was redesignated North Guam Air Force Base in 1947. Two years later, the base was renamed in honor of Brigadier General Roy Andersen. Andersen had been chief of staff at Harmon Field, Guam.

During the Korean War, Guam became a focal point for aircraft and material flying west. In 1951, bomber deployments from stateside bases also flew out of Guam. The first were B-29 Superfortress units, then eventually Convair B-36, B-47 Stratojet and, in 1964, B-52 Stratofortress units.

During the Vietnam War, B-52 bombers were launched from its runway in Operation Arc Light — bombing missions over Vietnam to strike Viet Cong base operations and enemy troop concentrations and supply lines. Arc Light missions continued from 1965 to 1973. In 1972, over 15,000 people and more than 150 B-52s carried out Operation Linebacker II. In December 1972, bombers stationed at Andersen flew 729 sorties in 11 days.

Andersen forces also played a key role in Operation New Life, the evacuation of thousands after the fall of Saigon in 1975.

In 1989, Andersen transitioned from Strategic Air Command to Pacific Air Forces.

Andersen played a vital role in Operation Fiery Vigil, the evacuation of the Philippines following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991.

Today, Andersen is an important forward-based logistics-support center for exercise and contingency forces deploying throughout the Southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean area. It is home to the 36th Wing and, since 2004, a rotational Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.

[edit] Education

Andersen Air Force Base is home to two schools: Andersen Elementary School and Andersen Middle School.

Higher educational opportunities for those in the military and working for the Department of Defense, as well as for family members at Andersen are available through contracted academic institutions such as: [1]