US flies nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over South Korea amid rising tensions with North Korea Published March 19, 2013 Associated Press March 19, 2013: Visitors look inside a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber on display at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, South Korea. (AP) WASHINGTON – The United States is flying nuclear-capable B-52 bombers on training missions over South Korea to highlight Washington's commitment to defend an ally amid rising tensions with North Korea, Pentagon officials said Monday. Pentagon press secretary George Little said one B-52 flew over South Korea on March 8, and the deputy defense secretary, Ashton Carter, said during a visit to Seoul that another bomber mission is scheduled for Tuesday. B-52 bombers are capable of launching nuclear-armed cruise missiles, but Little said those participating in the Korean exercise are not armed with nuclear weapons. The use of Air Force warplanes as part of an annual U.S.-South Korean military exercise called Foal Eagle is not unusual. But the Pentagon used the occasion to draw attention to the role B-52 bombers play as part of an American nuclear "umbrella" over South Korea and Japan -- both of which feel threatened by North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. "We're deeply concerned about North Korean behavior and rhetoric," Little told reporters. In a more dramatic demonstration of that concern, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Friday announced that the U.S. is beefing up its defenses against a potential North Korean missile attack on the U.S. He said that over the coming four years the Pentagon will add 14 missile interceptors to the 26 it already has in place at Fort Greely, Alaska, at an estimated cost of $1 billion. Hagel cited three recent developments in North Korea that prompted the Obama administration to act, including a nuclear test in February deemed reckless by Washington and condemned by the United Nations Security Council. Hagel also cited Pyongyang's launch in December of a rocket that put a satellite into orbit and demonstrated mastery of some of the technologies needed to produce a long-range nuclear missile. And he noted that last April the North Koreans put on public display a road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile, the KN-08. Navy Adm. James Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that missile is believed to be capable of reaching U.S. territory. Although not mentioned by Hagel, the North Koreas raised tensions further by threatening last Thursday to pre-emptively attack the U.S. Among its recent declarations, North Korea has said it will no longer recognize the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, though it has made such remarks before. Carter said in Seoul on Monday that he discussed with South Korean officials the North's "continued pattern of provocative actions" and offered assurances that the budget crisis in Washington will not weaken the U.S. military commitment to South Korea. North Korea routinely condemns U.S. and South Korean military exercises as provocations and unwarranted preparations for war. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/19/us-flies-nuclear-capable-b-52-bombers-over-south-korea-amid-rising-tensions/#ixzz2O1VqXQIj
He (or his handlers) won't believe until something makes him (them) believe. I honestly do not think he's in control. The generals have the reins firmly in hand. He's the face and kept around for "popular" unity. "Nuclear capable" B-52s? Of course, that's what they were built for.
Wish it was that simple. They have over 30,000 artillery tubes (guns, not just shells) pointed at 25 million South Koreans. Seoul would be wiped out in 2 minutes. Every flight over Japan is within their SAM range. I'm not saying we can't beat them, but it would be ugly, very ugly. That B-52 would have a hard time making it within 200 miles of North Korea in a hot war. As a combat veteran of two wars, I personally would take great pause before committing to a war with NK. Edited because I just realized I said "can beat them" rather than can"t.
well.hey if he's out front he's the first one to get his @$$ spanked. then the rest of them. look i'm not for war or anything like that. but the jarhead in me is just tired of all these nations that get by with the stuff that they do!.
I can't believe they're dragging out the BUFFs for this, but I guess they aren't too worried about NK's defences.
The only way I would do it (at this stage in the game) is to empty out a few dozen holes in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. One swift decisive strike. Even then, you could plan on a few million SK deaths from the fallout.
Not a problem, they can also launch cruise missiles. Then there are subs hanging around off the coast with Tomahawks in the tubes. The thing is, it'll have to happen rapidly, starting with all the southerly aimed guns and long range missile sites, then flatten Pyongyang. I hate it when non-combatants take a hit, but war is what it is.
And people thought Afganistan was a meat grinder- NK would produce very high casulties. They are solely focused on their military and if they throw the first punch, it will be really ugly. Will we stomp them- yes, but at a high cost. And who is to say the Chinese or Russian's step in to supply or reinforce them, to keep us busy and stretch our resources.... like they have done before. Our current government would tie one arm behind the militaries back just like vietnam. I don't think Barry has the stones to nuke anyone.
I believe this is just the distraction de jour from the real issues facing the USA. What reason would the powers that be engage the USA in open war with NK? Who profits from it? I guess it would ultimately further weaken the USA with more debt, terrified sheep, further international resentment against the USA, maybe some false flag operations against infrastructure or other critical USA targets deemed worthy to the PTB. Let no crisis go to waste.
Wag the dog. Wonder what kind of legislation they are wanting to sign in DC right now. FindTheSwines? NDAARedux? It's a dangerous game. Emasculating a leader of a hostile nation? Not a very smart move on Zeros part IMO. Big old game of chicken. What happens if neither step back. Fukashima, meh. That wouldn't even be a foot note in Japanese history cause if the nukes go, so goes japan and our west coast. Lots of fallout. Yep, something surprising in DC will be enacted methinks. Maybe I'm just cynical.
the Navy just finished the convert on four of the big old missle subs to all Tomahawks ..... some crazy number of launchers .... all of them are supposed to be Pacific stationed .... intent is more toward China .... but a threat is a threat ....