US deploys B-2 bombers to Guam, unclear if related to Mideast tensions: official

Amidst the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, recent reports have confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers have been deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Guam. The purpose of this deployment remains unclear, as no orders have been given to move the planes beyond Guam. However, the UK Defense Journal suggests that the ultimate destination of the stealth bombers may be Diego Garcia, a U.S. base in the Indian Ocean.

The B-2 stealth bombers were accompanied by eight KC-135 Stratotankers, which would allow for midair refueling. Retired Navy Cdr. Jim \”Puck\” Howe has stated that the B-2s could easily reach Guam with one mid-air refueling, but it is unlikely that the Stratotankers’ fuel capacities would be sufficient to reach Diego Garcia, which is significantly farther away.

Diego Garcia, located 2,400 miles south of Iran, holds strategic importance due to its deep-water port, long runway capable of accommodating heavy bombers, and advanced satellite communication systems. The U.S. has previously utilized the base when managing threats from Iran, and it is believed to be a key asset in any potential military action against Iran.

The B-2 stealth bombers are vital in the current conflict due to their capability of carrying two 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators. These bombs are believed to be the most effective means of destroying the Iranian nuclear site at Fordow, which is reportedly buried deep underground. Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, has stated that destroying Fordow from the air is a task that only the U.S. can effectively carry out.

As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, the deployment of B-2 stealth bombers to Guam and potentially Diego Garcia highlights the U.S.’s readiness to respond to any threats posed by Iran. The strategic positioning of these bombers and the advanced weaponry they carry serve as a deterrent to any potential aggression from Iran. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but the presence of these stealth bombers underscores the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining stability in the region.