A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, prepares to take off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to fly a bilateral mission with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15’s over the East China Sea, July 6, 2017. On conclusion of the bilateral operations, the B-1Bs proceeded to the South China Sea before returning to Andersen Air Force Base. The U.S. conducts continuous bomber presence (CBP) operations as part of a routine, forward deployed, deterrence capability supporting regional security and our allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)