A B-52 Stratofortress moves into a pre-contact position. A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., moves into a pre-contact position to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean during an exercise on Jan. 9, 2009. The B-52 is deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. The bomber rotation to Andersen provides the U.S. Pacific commander a continuous presence to deter and dissuade any potential aggressor in the region. The rotation to Andersen is aimed at enhancing regional security and demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region. The KC-135 is assigned to the 434th Aerial Refueling Wing from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. This is one of the first exercises the 434th has participated in over the Pacific since assuming the refueling operations at Andersen in early Jan. 2009. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.03 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 470141-J-STY64-902.jpg Photo Gallery