B-1B Lancer bombers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron of 28th Bomb Wing, Eighth Air Force of United States Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a flight mission in international airspace over waters east of North Korea on September 23.
US Department of Defense Chief Spokeswoman Dana W. White said “this mission is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat.”
The flight mission was conducted with US Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter escorts from Okinawa, Japan.
“This is the farthest north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) any U.S. fighter or bomber aircraft have flown off North Korea’s coast in the 21st century, underscoring the seriousness with which we take the DPRK’s reckless behavior,” she said.
“North Korea’s weapons program is a grave threat to the Asia-Pacific region and the entire international community. We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies,” Dana White added.