The deployment wasn't without cause either:
3/17/1998 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- For the first time, the Air Force is deploying two B-2 Spirit bombers to a forward location to conduct sustained training operations. source
[snip] Kim Il-sung died in 1994 at age 82, and Kim Jong-il assumed control of the Party and state apparatus. Although the post of President was left vacant, and appears to have been abolished in deference to the memory of Kim Il-sung, Kim took the titles of General Secretary of the Party and chairman of the National Defense Commission, the real center of power in North Korea. In 1998 this position was declared to be "the highest post of the state," so Kim may be regarded as North Korean head of state from that date. [/snip] source 2
This exercised was shortly after the start of the "Sunshine talks" with South Korean President Kim Dae-jung which had as their provisions:
-Revival of the stalled inter-Korean dialogue through the exchange of high-level envoys and implementation of the 1991 Basic Agreement.
-Recognition of the importance of safeguarding national security and deterring North Korea.
-Commitment to providing $3.2 billion (75 percent) of the total project cost of building two light-water reactors in North Korea.
-Separation of politics from business. Simplification of legal procedures and lifting of investment ceilings on South Korean business operations in North Korea.
-Humanitarian food and agricultural aid to North Korea to enable it tide over famine and food crisis. Encouragement of family reunions.
-Government-level aid to North Korea to be extended on the principle of reciprocity. Given the existence of military tensions, no aid or cooperation to be extended unconditionally.
-Expanding North-South links beyond governmental agencies by including non-profits, private sector, and other civil society organizations.
source 3
Interesting ping to read later