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REMEMBERING LINEBACKER II: It's about the heroes, not the missions

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - --  A ceremony to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of Operation Linebacker II took place at Arc Light Memorial Park here Dec. 17.

Often referred to as the 11-day war, Operation Linebacker II was conducted from Dec. 18, 1972, to Dec. 29, 1972, after peace talks between the U.S. and North Vietnam broke down. Linebacker II led to the renewal of the Paris Peace Talks and, on Jan. 28, 1973, the signing of a cease-fire agreement with the government of North Vietnam.

"Linebacker II was one of the most successful campaigns in the history of airpower and is often held up as an example of how air wars should be fought," said Lt. Col. Mike Cardoza, 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander.

During operations, Andersen Air Force Base was the site of the most massive build-up of air power in history.

"The objective was to destroy major target complexes such as radio stations, railroads, power plants and airfields located in the Hanoi and Haiphong regions," Colonel Cardoza said. "More than 15,000 people and 150 B-52s lined the flightline. Eighty-seven B-52s were launched from Andersen in less than two hours. Throughout the 11-day operation, Andersen-based B-52s flew 379 of the 729 sorties."

Despite the success of the offensive, 33 B-52 crewmembers were killed or missing in action when the smoke cleared and Operation Linebacker II concluded.

"It is important that the Airmen who gave their lives to the pursuit of freedom be celebrated for the magnitude of their accomplishment," said Brig. Gen. John Doucette, 36th Wing commander. "It is because of their unyielding commitment to the mission that Andersen Air Force Base has become the premier source of air power in the Pacific Region."

The sacrifices made by those lost in Linebacker II paved the way for the current iteration of expeditionary bombers.

"This really helps us remember what our profession is all about," Colonel Cardoza said. "By continuing this warrior legacy as a part of the continuous bomber presence, we honor their legacy every day. Events like this really help drive that point home for many of us."