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By 2nd Lt. Michael Caggiano 28th Expeditionary Bomb Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron supported Aero India 23 with flyovers at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, India, Feb. 13-17.
The Lancers, who are forward deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for a Bomber Task Force deployment, provided a flyover each day they were in the country, demonstrating the United States’ relationship with like-minded partners who have a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“We are extremely grateful for the warm welcome we received during our stay in Bengaluru for Aero India 23.” said Capt. Cody Gondek, a pilot assigned to the 34th EBS who was at the event. “Every day we were impressed by the size of the crowd and their curiosity about our supersonic bomber. It was a very memorable experience and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have been there with my fellow Thunderbirds and partners from India,” added Gondek.
The U.S. and India share an interest in advancing security and prosperity in the region, and Aero India offered a venue to build compatibility and interoperability between the U.S. and other countries.
“The 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron was honored to be invited to support Aero India 23. As our second time here in two years, we truly enjoyed our time in India and appreciate the opportunity to strengthen relations with India, through tangible interactions, as one of our many regional teammates in efforts to keep a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Ross Hobbs, 34th Bomb Squadron commander. “The 34th ‘World Famous Thunderbirds’ truly hope our Indian friends enjoyed the B-1 full afterburner passes!”
Major General Julian C. Cheater, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, said, “The B-1 offers flexible options to senior leaders and combatant commanders. Greater integration with our Allies and partners throughout the region is a positive step toward greater interoperability.”
Through exercises and engagements, the United States continues to improve its ability to work together with Allies and partners in upholding a rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific; where all nations work to protect the sovereignty of every nation, ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes without coercion, promote free, fair, and reciprocal trade, and preserve freedom of navigation.