10 August, 2017
Cruz calls the threat "very disconcerting", saying, "It forces us to pause and to say a prayer for the safety of our people". "My heart is pumping right now".
This serves as the first mission for the crews and aircraft recently deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence missions.
The governor of Guam said Wednesday the administration of the US Pacific island was anxious but not in panic over North Korea's threat of a missile strike, APA reports quoting sputniknews.
Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel will continue generating B-1 bomber sorties to demonstrate the continuing USA commitment to stability and security in the region, providing commanders with a strategic power-projection platform and fulfilling the need for aircraft that are mission-ready at any time, an important part of national defense during a time of high regional tension, Pacific Air Forces officials said.
Bordallo called on President Donald Trump to show "steady leadership" and work with the global community to de-escalate tensions and stop North Korea advancing its weapons programme. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says he doesn't believe there is "any imminent threat" from North Korea, including to Guam. "They're going to take care of us".
Trump issued the warning during a briefing on opioid addiction at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey. But it is as steeped in American culture as any small city on the mainland - even if shoppers at its Kmart (the biggest in the world) can look outside and see a lush Pacific island setting.
That's a key benchmark in the country's attempt to become a full-fledged nuclear power.
North Korea said it was preparing to send intermediate-range missiles near Guam, which was home to more than 160,000 U.S. citizens, including some 6000 members of the armed forces.
Washington's alarm over North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's pursuit of a nuclear capability has intensified in the past month after the North conducted two tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles last month.
Separately, Japan's defense ministry assessed in a report Tuesday that it is possible that North Korea has achieved the miniaturization of nuclear weapons and has developed nuclear warheads.
