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Andersen Air Force Base

From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.

Andersen Air Force Base ,a base of the United States Air Force, is located on the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean, on the north end of the island approximately 15 miles (24 km) from the capital, Agana. Headquarters for the 13th Air Force are located at Andersen Air Force Base. In May 2005, 13th Air Force will relocate off of Andersen Air Force Base to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

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History

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 Brig. Gen. 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. First with B-29, and eventually hosting B-36, B-47 and, in 1964, B-52 units.

During the Vietnam War, B-52 bombers were launched from its runway 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 more than 15,000 people and more than 150 B-52s caarried 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.

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