Feb. 5, 2025 F-35 hot turns: enhancing survivability, lethality The 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron exercised rapid aircraft regeneration and employment procedures on the F-35 Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Feb. 5, 2025 35th FW leads bilateral CBRN training with JSDF The 35th Civil Engineering Squadron Office of Emergency Management conducted bilateral chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear small team operations training with Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Feb. 3, 2025 Cope North 25 send-off The 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the Traffic Management Office are preparing cargo shipments for the upcoming Cope North 25 exercise in Guam, a multinational training event that enhances interoperability and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Jan. 31, 2025 Tactical Leadership Course emphasizes Agile Combat Employment Airmen attended a Tactical Leadership Course in efforts to push the Mission-Ready Airman concept, equipping Airmen from various career fields to train in a multitude of skills necessary for Agile Combat Employment.
Jan. 31, 2025 Air Force kicks off roadshow, prepares Airmen for ‘Units of Action’ implementation This structural change increases the ability for commanders to focus on their mission and enables the creation of an Air Force "Unit of Action" capable of deploying as a cohesively trained and highly effective team of warrior Airmen.
Jan. 31, 2025 Air Force Wargaming Institute hosts tabletop exercise for the Department Level Exercise series 2025 The Department Level Exercise series, part of the DAF’s Reoptimization for GPC, is the integration of several disparate major command exercises, intended to synchronize and evolve operations to deter competitor aggression where able, and to defeat threats to national security when necessary.
Jan. 31, 2025 Air Force provides airlift support for NORTHCOM border mission This effort aims to enhance security and logistical capabilities as border enforcement agencies manage evolving challenges to protect the sovereignty of the U.S.
Jan. 29, 2025 AF/SG updates medical shaving profile guidance: Improving education and aligning standards The Department of Air Force updated a medical guidance memorandum, Jan. 24, 2025, to offer healthcare providers additional guidance when evaluating Airmen and Guardians for a Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) diagnosis.
Jan. 28, 2025 Belgian air, space commander visits Luke AFB As Belgium prepares to transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-35A Lightning II, the nation is focused on ensuring its pilots and maintainers are fully equipped to operate and sustain the fifth-generation aircraft effectively.
Jan. 27, 2025 CSAF Statement on Faithfully Implementing Executive Orders Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin releases a statement on Faithfully Implementing Executive Orders.
Jan. 24, 2025 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 24, 2025 Around the Air Force: Real ID Ready, C-17 Fuel-Saving Tech, Training Aircraft Update In this week’s look Around the Air Force, visitor access to military bases and some federal installations will be required to present Real ID credentials, microvane drag technology will modernize the C-17 Globemaster III fleet, and updates for the T-7A Red Hawk training aircraft.
Jan. 21, 2025 First F-15E Strike Eagles equipped with Advanced EPAWSS system arrive at Liberty Wing Two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System arrived at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, marking the delivery of the first F-15E Strike Eagles integrated with one of the world’s most advanced electronic warfare suites.
Jan. 17, 2025 CMSAF visits MAKOS CMSAF Flosi visited Homestead Air Reserve Base to discuss how the Air Force is reoptimizing for Great Power Competition and the importance of national security objectives.
Jan. 17, 2025 Around the Air Force: Selective Retention Bonus List, Missile Defense Breakthrough, Air Force JROTC Scholarships In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Selective Retention Bonus List was released in an effort to retain highly skilled enlisted personnel, a recent missile intercept experiment in Guam, and JROTC cadets receive scholarships to a private pilot training program.
Jan. 15, 2025 Wyoming, Nevada Guard aircrews assist California firefighters Three C-130 Hercules traveled to Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California to assist the state’s firefighting apparatus.
Jan. 15, 2025 Air Force updates T-7A acquisition approach to field operational capability A framework to adjust aspects of the T-7A Red Hawk acquisition approach to meet AETC's operational needs and deliver a platform that is safe, suitable, and sustainable to replace the aging fleet of T-38C Talon has been agreed upon.
Jan. 15, 2025 National Guard Bureau chief thanks firefighting guardsmen National Guard Bureau senior leaders visited guardsmen supporting firefighting efforts in Southern California.
Jan. 14, 2025 Kendall offers vision for the Air Force, Space Force of 2050 SECAF Kendall offers his vision for the security challenges the Air Force and Space Force could face in 2050 and what is needed to properly respond.
Jan. 10, 2025 Olympic athlete graduates BMT After winning a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Airman Alvarez made her way to the 737th Training Group to complete 7.5 weeks of BMT.
Jan. 8, 2025 Air Force partners with academia, industry to test future pilot production model AETC has partnered with the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation to test a new Initial Pilot Training model that enables students to earn essential certifications such as a private pilot’s license, instrument rating, and multi-engine rating.
Jan. 6, 2025 Air Force releases FY25 Selective Retention Bonus list The U. S. Air Force released the Fiscal Year 2025 Selective Retention Bonus list, effective Dec. 16, 2024. The FY25 SRB program consists of 89 Air Force specialty codes, reflecting the Air Force’s ongoing commitment to retaining highly skilled enlisted personnel.
Jan. 2, 2025 Flying the Jayhawk into the sunset The 86th Flying Training Squadron's T-1A Jayhawk made its final departure from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
Dec. 31, 2024 Navigating change: US Air Force, Space Force surgeon general discusses transformative leadership Lt. Gen. John DeGoes discusses transformative leadership and how it is rooted in purposeful communication, adaptability, and a commitment to the Air Force core values.
Dec. 30, 2024 Mission readiness: Air Force, Space Force surgeon general kicks off annual leadership workshop During the workshop, Air Force medical leaders celebrated 75 years of the AFMS community, discussed operational medical priorities and how the AFMC transition will enhance the ability of warfighters to deploy at a moment’s notice and provide optimized health care delivery and support.
Dec. 27, 2024 Air Force Accessions Center early wins pave the way for FY25 success Personnel at the Air Force Accessions Center demonstrated their ability to adapt quickly to evolving accession requirements, resulting in dozens of highly qualified cadets being notified of a pilot career field selection.
Dec. 23, 2024 Department of the Air Force streamlines IT functions The Department of the Air Force is aligning Headquarters Cyberspace Capabilities Center at Scott Air Force Base as a Field Operating Agency to the Office of the DAF chief information officer.
Dec. 20, 2024 USAF’s top leadership team concludes Standing Watch trip in Romania U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi met with key NATO allies in Romania to conclude their week-long Standing Watch trip on Dec. 20.
Dec. 20, 2024 Around the Air Force: Operation Christmas Drop 2024 In this week’s Around the Air Force, we highlight Operation Christmas Drop 2024: the Defense Department’s longest-running humanitarian airlift operation, which brings U.S. and partner nations together to provide food, tools and clothing to more than 58 remote islands in the Indo-Pacific region.
Dec. 19, 2024 Operation Christmas Drop 24 interfly showcases interoperability Allied aircrews from five nations took to the skies and executed a multinational “interfly” mission to culminate Operation Christmas Drop 2024, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
Dec. 17, 2024 CMSAF strengthens ties with ANZUS allies Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi met with partners to reinforce U.S., Australian and New Zealand military interoperability during a trip within Oceania Dec. 7–13.
Dec. 17, 2024 Aviano AB F-16s, Airmen test capabilities during NATO exercise Poggio Dart U.S. Air Force Airmen and aircraft assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, joined Italian and German forces for NATO Allied Air Command’s annual Poggio Dart 2024 exercise over Northern Italy, Dec. 2-13.
Dec. 13, 2024 Kirtland AFB to gain 306th Intelligence Squadron The Department of the Air Force selected Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, as the preferred location to host the 306th Intelligence Squadron.
Dec. 13, 2024 Around the Air Force: B-1B Lancer Beddown, New AETC Centers, and Pet Relocation Reimbursement In this week’s Around the Air Force, 17 B-1B Lancers and 800 Airmen from Ellsworth AFB will temporarily beddown at Grand Forks AFB, newly established AETC centers achieved Initial Operational Capability, and additional reimbursements are authorized for pet transportation.
Dec. 11, 2024 Maxwell AFB activates 24th Helicopter Squadron Maxwell Air Force Base marked a historic moment Dec. 6, with the activation of the 24th Helicopter Squadron.
Dec. 10, 2024 AFSFC activates squadrons to replace corrections, training detachments The Air Force Security Forces Center recently transitioned its detachments to a squadron structure to return the units to a familiar organizational framework.
Dec. 6, 2024 First Air Force warrant officers graduate, prepare to enter force The first 30 Air Force warrant officers graduate from the U.S. Air Force Warrant Officer Training School.
Dec. 6, 2024 Around the Air Force: Remote Start System, Engine Cover Prototype, and Fuel Efficiency Technology In this week’s Around the Air Force, a new remote start system for the KC-46A Pegasus, new B-52 engine covers prevent icing and damage in extreme cold, and a program to reduce drag on aircraft increases aerodynamic efficiency and flexibility while reducing fuel costs.
Dec. 6, 2024 The first Belgian F-35A arrives at Luke AFB The first Belgian F-35A Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Dec. 5, 2024 Air Force Accessions Center activation marks historic milestone The new center merges the AFRS and the Jeanne Holm Center which oversees officer training school, warrant officer training school and junior and reserve officer training corps, under one organization to oversee recruitment, officer accessions and citizen development.
Dec. 4, 2024 AFCEC awards leases for 5G service at all CONUS bases In collaboration with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the AFCEC Installations Directorate granted 25-year leases to private entities to install commercial broadband networks at DAF installations in the United States.
Dec. 2, 2024 AETC centers reach initial operational capability Three newly established centers under AETC achieved Initial Operational Capability, marking a significant milestone in the command’s efforts to reoptimize the DAF for GPC.
Nov. 29, 2024 Around the Air Force: One Force Design, Global Hydro-Intelligence, and the Rated Preparatory Program In this week’s Around the Air Force, leaders discuss ‘One Force Design’, U.S. Air Force and NASA celebrate the initial collaborative success and Air Education and Training Command is accepting applications for the Rated Preparatory Program.
Nov. 26, 2024 USecAF discusses national defense challenges, inspires cadets at Virginia Tech Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton visited Virginia Tech Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 875 to discuss national defense challenges and strategies.
Nov. 26, 2024 Kirtland AFB's participation in Operation Christmas Drop brings aid to Guam Since 1952, Operation Christmas Drop is one of the Defense Department’s largest and longest humanitarian missions and this is the first time Kirtland AFB will participate.
Nov. 21, 2024 Ebbing ANGB gains F-35s to support Foreign Military Sales The DAF selected Ebbing ANGB as the preferred location to host 12 additional F-35 Lightning IIs at the training center for Foreign Military Sales participants.
Nov. 21, 2024 CRUZEX 2024: Strengthening partnerships across the Americas Airmen and Guardsmen participated in CRUZEX2024, the largest Brazilian-led multinational air combat exercise in Latin America.
Nov. 21, 2024 PACAF commander makes historic delivery of T-6C Texan IIs to Vietnam The delivery signifies a milestone for the U.S. Air Force and the Vietnam ADAF, with the full complement of 12 T-6Cs scheduled for delivery by 2025.
Nov. 20, 2024 AETC accepting rated prep program applications through Dec. 9 Active-duty Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen interested in becoming rated officers can apply for the Spring 2025 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program through Dec. 9.
Nov. 20, 2024 Tyndall AFB hosts biannual combat airpower exercise Tyndall Air Force Base served as a proving ground where aircrew and maintainers worked together to load and launch live munitions, ensuring readiness to achieve and sustain air superiority in contested environments.
Nov. 19, 2024 Innovation Lab pioneers remote start system for the KC-46 Pegasus The APRUSS uses remote activation, cutting down on mission response times and enhancing mission efficiency by ensuring the aircraft is ready when crews arrive at the aircraft.
Nov. 13, 2024 Global Unity: US, Australia, Canada and UK In an era defined by rapid technology advancements and with a worldwide platform saturated with Great Power Competition, the Distributed Mission Operations Center on Kirtland Air Force Base, hosted its Virtual Flag: Coalition exercise, Oct. 21 - Nov. 4.
Nov. 13, 2024 Air Force, Space Force surgeon general shares vision for accomplishing AFMS strategic imperatives The Air Force and Space Force surgeon general outlined his vision for implementing four Air Force Medical Service strategic imperatives to ensure Airmen and Guardians health and medical readiness.
Nov. 8, 2024 The unbreakable bond between an Airman and the sky A retired fighter pilot and one of the last surviving veterans of WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam War, tells his story of service.
Nov. 6, 2024 DAF announces 2024 Spark Tank winner A prototype F-16 Fighting Falcon cockpit collapsible ladder for agile combat employment and contingency operations emerged as the 2024 Spark Tank winner at the Pentagon.
Nov. 5, 2024 SECAF highlights mobility initiatives, increasing role in Great Power Competition at A/TA Symposium Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall highlighted air mobility force’s growing role in Great Power Competition in his keynote address during the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium.
Nov. 4, 2024 DAF senior leaders emphasize reoptimizing for GPC, ready Airmen for future fight The 56th Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium underscored the critical role of the U.S. Air Force in a rapidly shifting global landscape with a focus on reoptimizing for Great Power Competition, Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.
Nov. 4, 2024 CSAF looks to air mobility past, present, asks Airmen to invest in DAF future Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin celebrated past and present air mobility achievements and provided insights on the way ahead for the Air Force and mobility forces during his keynote address at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium.
Nov. 4, 2024 CMSAF, SELs complete mission command training The training demonstrated the importance of mission command and rapidly changing environments through understanding commander’s intent, trust, shared awareness, and understanding of strategic mission intentions.
Nov. 1, 2024 950th Spectrum Warfare Group, 17th Electronic Warfare Squadron activate at Robins AFB The 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing activated the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group and the 17th Electronic Warfare Squadron in an assumption of command ceremony held at the Museum of Aviation.
Oct. 31, 2024 Ninth Air Force brings next generation of air refueling to CENTCOM The first enduring U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron was established in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility, with aircraft deploying to the region in early October.
Oct. 30, 2024 New York Air Guard wing welcomes new, high-tech helicopters The New York National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing marked the arrival of its new HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue fleet at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.
Oct. 30, 2024 Sheppard AFB unveils Airmanship 200 curriculum at conference The conference highlighted the significance of Airmanship 200 in developing the next generation of Airmen.
Oct. 23, 2024 CMSAF hosts senior enlisted mission command training The six-day training, hosted by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi, will place senior enlisted leaders in resource-limited locations and scenarios to see the capabilities and limitations of agile combat employment deployments.
Oct. 22, 2024 CSAF 23 Letter to Airmen – Following Through Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin released his latest letter to Airmen, following up on his previous letter.
Oct. 18, 2024 DAF senior leaders visit Korea to engage with allies, Airmen The senior leaders and allies discussed the current strategic environment and ways their two services can integrate even more effectively to deter aggression in the region.
Oct. 18, 2024 DAF announces new enlisted development and education policy The changes are part of an ongoing effort to streamline and modernize Total Force enlisted development following the separation of DAFI 36-2670, Total Force Development, into more specialized instructions.
Oct. 18, 2024 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 18, 2024 Readout of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin’s travel to Republic of Korea During his visit, Allvin met with ROK air force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su to discuss a range of shared interests and exchange views on the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.
Oct. 18, 2024 Around the Air Force: Overseas Absentee Ballots, TRICARE Changes for 2025, BLUE: An Agile Approach In this week’s look around the Air Force, overseas service members can send absentee ballots free, new TRICARE contracts impact referrals and specialty care, and the newest issue of BLUE on the Airman Magazine website explores the shift to ACE.
Oct. 16, 2024 Nordhaus assumes role of National Guard Bureau chief Gen. Steven Nordhaus assumed responsibility as chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Oct. 16, 2024 AFSOC activates 11th Air Task Force The 11th ATF was activated during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan AFB. The 11th ATF will serve as one of six of the Air Force’s units of action available to meet global combatant command requirements.
Oct. 16, 2024 DAF e-Learning hosts interpersonal skills simulations, feedback on demand Airmen looking to practice and prepare for one-on-one difficult conversations can now utilize scenario-based AI tools within DAF e-Learning.
Oct. 16, 2024 US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa completes Ramstein Flag 2024 U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa participated in NATO Allied Air Command’s Ramstein Flag 2024 exercise at Andravida Air Base, Greece.
Oct. 13, 2024 CSAF, CMSAF kick off INDO-PACIFIC trip to engage allies, partners CSAF and CMSAF began a week-long tour of the U.S. Pacific Air Force’s area of responsibility following a brief stop at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
Oct. 11, 2024 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 11, 2024 Around the Air Force: Air Task Force Combat Support Training, First Guardian Launches into Space, Childcare Pilot Program In this week’s look around the Air Force, Air Task Forces prepare for Combat Support Training, the first USSF Guardian launches into space on a NASA mission, and the DoD creates a pilot program to cover certain childcare costs after a PCS.
Oct. 9, 2024 A-29 Super Tucano joins Air Force Test Pilot School fleet Three A-29 Super Tucanos joined the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB modernizing and expanding TPS curriculum to accelerate the fielding of combat capability for the U.S. Air Force.
Oct. 9, 2024 ACC lays out new priorities As ACC adapts to meet the challenges of GPC, Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of ACC, has outlined a vision for the future by emphasizing four key focus areas for the command.
Oct. 9, 2024 Maxwell AFB activates Air Force Accessions Center Air Force officials hosted a ceremony at Maxwell AFB highlighting the activation of the Air Force Accessions Center (Provisional) at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
Oct. 4, 2024 AFGSC activates provisional 95th Wing at Offutt AFB In its full operational state, the new wing’s focus will provide combatant commanders with assured command and control (C2) over assigned forces through global command, control, and communication (C3) capabilities.
Oct. 2, 2024 First enlisted US Air Force air defense artillery fire control officers certified Two 225th Air Defense Squadron weapons directors attended a three-week Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers course and are now the only two U.S. Air Force enlisted certified ADAFCOs.
Oct. 1, 2024 Kentucky Air National Guard deploys for Hurricane Helene response The Kentucky Air National Guard deployed 11 Airmen to North Carolina on Oct. 1, 2024, to assist local authorities with the humane recovery of flood casualties in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Oct. 1, 2024 Rescue in the night On Sept. 25, Columbus Air Force Base hosted 16 A-10s, two HC-130s and three HH-60 aircraft from Moody AFB, Georgia, due to a weather evacuation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Sept. 30, 2024 Air Force gears up for first training events at Combat Support Training Range sites The Air Force is preparing for its first Air Task Force training events at Combat Support Training Range sites in November.
Sept. 27, 2024 F-16 pilot awarded Kolligian Trophy for aircraft recovery Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin presented the 2023 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy to Capt. Harry McMahon for his exceptional aviation skills and quick decision-making abilities.
Sept. 27, 2024 MH-139A Grey Wolf participates in first training event The 908th FTW’s MH-139A Grey Wolf participated in its first training event at Maxwell AFB.
Sept. 26, 2024 FEMA, Maxwell AFB prepare for Hurricane Helene's landfall As Hurricane Helene churns toward the southeastern U.S., the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up an incident support base in coordination with the 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base.
Sept. 26, 2024 USAF Warrant Officer Training School opens doors at Maxwell AFB WOTS is a 40-day training program, in-residence accessions program designed to educate and train candidates with specialized knowledge and technical skills on how to serve as technical advisors to command leadership in their future roles as warrant officers.
Sept. 25, 2024 Air Combat Command activates 3 Air Task Force units ACC activated three Air Task Force units marking the next step the Air Force is taking toward Combat Wings as units of action to present to combatant commands.
Sept. 24, 2024 NATO allied medics participate in European Role 1 Development week The USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon hosted European Role 1 Development week, a medical engagement with NATO and allied partners at Ramstein Air Base.
Sept. 23, 2024 86th AW, Poland forces participate in Aviation Detachment Rotation 24-4 ADR 24-4 was a training exercise between Polish and U.S. forces designed to strengthen interoperability, build trust between NATO allies and maintain the existing relationship between the two countries.
Sept. 23, 2024 Ebbing ANGB hosts ribbon-cutting for new international F-35 training facilities Military and community leaders gathered at Ebbing Air National Guard Base for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of new facilities for international F-35 pilot training through the Foreign Military Sales program, Sept. 20, 2024.
Sept. 23, 2024 Chief Leadership Course revamping for future fight The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education is developing a new Chief Leader Course with an increased focus on providing chiefs the education required for them to meet the challenges and excel in an era of Great Power Competition.
Sept. 20, 2024 DAF leaders reaffirm commitment to reoptimization for Great Power Competition The 2024 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, hosted by the Air and Space Forces Association, offered DAF senior leaders an opportunity to share their views on modernization and readiness in response to emerging security threats, while reaffirming the DAF’s commitment to reoptimization.
Sept. 20, 2024 Standing up new commands: designing the DAF for Great Power Competition The panel discussed the development and realignment of the department’s commands during an era of Great Power Competition.
Sept. 20, 2024 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year recognized at AFA The Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2024 were recognized and honored during the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 20, 2024 Historic exercise’s cultural exchange, tactical growth ripple back to 1942 Tarang Shakti 24 is an Indian Air Force-led exercise aimed at building upon international partnerships, ultimately strengthening a shared resolve to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Sept. 19, 2024 Secretary Kendall voices concerns to Congress about CR Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, in a Sept. 18 letter to congressional leaders, itemized the significant challenges a continuing resolution of any length would pose to the Air Force and Space Force.
Sept. 18, 2024 DAF provides B-21 Raider program updates The B-21 Raider will incrementally replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers to become the backbone of the Air Force’s flexible global strike capability.