8th Air Force (SAC) Andersen AFB Guam

The 8th Air Force, a key component of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), played a significant role at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. Activated at Andersen in 1970, the unit served as a command center for SAC’s bomber and tanker forces deployed to the Pacific, supporting operations such as Arc Light and Linebacker during the Vietnam War. The 8th Air Force orchestrated massive B-52 Stratofortress bombing campaigns from Guam, projecting American airpower across Southeast Asia. After the end of major hostilities, the unit continued to provide strategic deterrence in the Pacific before transitioning to other responsibilities as part of the evolving U.S. Air Force structure.