Sept. 20, 2024 DoD leaders discuss the future of Air Force nuclear deterrent systems Senior leaders discuss strategic deterrence during a time of Great Power Competition.
Jan. 19, 2023 SecAF immerses into Nuke Treaty Monitoring Center mission Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited the Defense Department’s sole nuclear treaty monitoring center at Patrick Space Force Base Jan. 18 to learn more about how the organization performs its global mission.
Aug. 11, 2021 Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness as safe, effective deterrent The launch involved a Hi Fidelity Joint Test Assembly re-entry vehicle that detonated conventional (i.e. non-nuclear) explosives prior to hitting the surface of the water approximately 4,200 miles downrange near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
June 19, 2021 UIPE protective gear completes ground compatibility testing A joint military test team recently conducted ongoing developmental and operational testing of the Uniform Integrated Protective Ensemble Air 2 Piece Under Garment at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
May 19, 2021 2020 nuclear deterrence, missile operations awards announced These awards recognize the accomplishments of Airmen contributing to nuclear deterrence operations across the Department of the Air Force and the achievements of officers within the nuclear and missile operations career field.
Nov. 6, 2020 Around the Air Force: Agile Flag 21-1, re-designed G-Suits, and Testing the Minuteman III Today’s look Around the Air Force highlights Air Combat Command’s “Agile Flag” exercise, incorporating the “Lead Wing” concept for agile combat employment, a test run of modified Advanced Technology Anti-Gravity Suit “G-suits” for female pilots, and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test
Oct. 29, 2020 AFNWC team supports ICBM test launch An unarmed LGM-30G Minuteman III missile equipped with a single test reentry vehicle launched at 12:27 a.m. Pacific time on Oct. 29 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The Minuteman III missile’s reentry vehicle contained test instruments and traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the
Sept. 11, 2020 Around the Air Force: Testing Future Warfare, New ICBM, and Tax Deferment Today’s look Around the Air Force features a look at the second phase of testing for the Advanced Battle Management System, a contract award for development of a new intercontinental ballistic missile and information on the government tax deferment plan. (Hosted by Senior Airman Angelo Rosario)
Sept. 8, 2020 Department of the Air Force awards contract for new ICBM system that enhances, strengthens US triad The contract award of $13.3 billion is an investment in enhancing the United States’ nuclear deterrence, as it is the cornerstone of national security policy and fundamental in continued protection for the U.S. and its allies.
July 30, 2020 Experiment enhances C-130’s competitive edge against CBRN threat The vapor purge tests look to determine how long it takes for a chemical contaminant, such as tear gas, to purge itself from an aircraft as well as potential best practices to reduce the amount of chemical particles in the air in the most efficient way possible.
March 9, 2020 Senior leaders visit B-21 design, development headquarters Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett was joined by Dr. Richard Joseph, Air Force chief scientist, and Dr. Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, in touring on-site facilities to observe B-21 engineering and manufacturing developments.
Dec. 9, 2019 Global Strike commander addresses industry, academic leaders Gen. Timothy Ray was the keynote speaker at the event coined “Nuclear Forces and 21st Century Strategic Deterrence” with a program theme of “An Air and Space Force Designed for the Future.”
Dec. 6, 2019 VCSAF meets with nuclear scientists, engineers about future operations The visit gave the leaders an opportunity to discuss future operations and algorithmic warfare – the method by which battles are fought using artificial intelligence and machine learning as a weapon system – with members of the Defense Department’s sole nuclear treaty monitoring center and the
Oct. 2, 2019 AFGSC tests Minuteman III missile with launch from Vandenberg AFB The test demonstrates that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is robust, flexible, ready and appropriately tailored to deter 21st century threats and reassure our allies. Test launches are not a response or reaction to world events or regional tensions.
July 31, 2019 International, technical partnership continues to flourish Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Preparatory Commission executive secretary, Dr. Lassina Zerbo, traveled from his headquarters in Vienna to meet with Air Force Technical Applications Center commander, Col. Chad Hartman, in Florida July 25, to discuss modernization of the National
April 15, 2019 2018 Nuclear Deterrence Operations and Nuclear & Missile Operations awards winners announced These awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Airmen contributing to nuclear deterrence operations and the missile operations career field respectively.
April 11, 2019 Using dynamite and TNT to enhance nuclear mission With the assistance and expertise of explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron, AFTAC’s Systems Development Directorate personnel tested a new system to determine if their creative ingenuity could be operationally deployed in the field.
March 8, 2019 Ramstein wraps up Exercise Operation Varsity 19-01 Ramstein wrapped up Operation Varsity 19-01, a week-long exercise testing the response capability of multiple base agencies.
Aug. 29, 2018 Around the Air Force: Aug. 29 On this look around the Air Force, Medal of Honor recipient Tech. Sgt. John Chapman's name is unveiled at the Air Force Memorial, Gen. Timothy Ray takes command of Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Forces Cyber joins Air Combat Command. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Miguel Rosario.
Aug. 22, 2018 Passing the guidon: Ray takes command of AFGSC Gen. Timothy Ray took command of Air Force Global Strike Command from Gen. Robin Rand, outgoing AFGSC commander, during a ceremony, Aug. 21. He is the newest leader of the Air Force’s portion of the nuclear enterprise, which maintains the nation's only force of Minuteman III intercontinental
July 9, 2018 Headquarters merger streamlines logistics, resources for nuclear enterprise system management In an effort to increase synergy and coordination in support of the Air Force’s nuclear modernization efforts, two Air Force Materiel Command directorates merged to form a single Logistics, Civil Engineering, Force Protection and Nuclear Integration Directorate. The organizational change took effect
March 27, 2018 2017 Nuclear Deterrence Operations, Nuclear & Missile Operations awards winners announced Air Force officials recently named the winners of the 2017 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award and the Nuclear & Missile Operations Award.
Jan. 19, 2018 Airmen travel to Earth’s southernmost point for annual maintenance With 24 hours of daily sunlight in their favor, a team of seismic technicians traveled to the southernmost point on Earth to conduct annual maintenance of the equipment they use to monitor global nuclear treaties.
Dec. 7, 2017 Upgrades to missile detection radar earns civilian recognition Dr. Donald Hoying, the radar’s program manager at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, leads a team of 50 military and government civilians and contractors who are working to upgrade these SSMs while improving the radar’s satellite, space-borne object and missile detection capabilities. In November,
Nov. 9, 2017 Wilson, Goldfein emphasize need for FY18 budget in State of the Air Force address The Air Force must have a higher and more stable budget to provide security for the nation, said Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during the State of the Air Force address Nov. 9, 2017, at the Pentagon.
Oct. 5, 2017 AF awards contracts for next-generation ICBM airborne launch control system The Air Force awarded two contracts Oct. 3, 2017, for upgrading the system that enables an aircraft to control an intercontinental ballistic missile’s launch from a silo in the ground.The three-year contracts of about $81 million each were awarded to Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton,
Sept. 28, 2017 Road Warrior exercise tests defenders’ combat capabilities Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming; 91st MW at Minot AFB, North Dakota and the 341st MW at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, participated in the Road Warrior exercise at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, Sept. 9-28, 2017. The 20th Air Force’s exercise has strategic and tactical
Sept. 14, 2017 SecAF visits Minot AFB Airmen Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson met with Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing, 91st Missile Wing and community leaders during her first visit as SecAF to Minot Air Force Base, Sept. 7-8, 2017.
Aug. 23, 2017 USAF awards contracts for new nuclear missile to Lockheed, Raytheon The Air Force is on track to replace the aging AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile with modernized weapon capabilities designed for its nuclear bomber fleet, to include the B-21.
Aug. 20, 2017 AFIT prepares nuclear enterprise to deal with any scenario With talk of nuclear weapons returning to Americans’ everyday conversations, it might be excusable for the average person to think that the technology somehow had left the mainstream; this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Aug. 18, 2017 AFNWC expert wins AFA Welch award The Air Force Association recently honored an Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center colonel with the 2017 Gen. Larry D. Welch-Officer Award.
Aug. 10, 2017 AFTAC, University of Texas to partner on nuclear forensics research The Air Force Technical Applications Center will collaborate with the University of Texas at Austin to conduct research in the field of nuclear forensics.
Aug. 2, 2017 F.E. Warren AFB tests Minuteman III missile with launch from Vandenberg A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single test reentry vehicle Aug. 2, 2017 at 2:10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time from Vandenberg AFB,
July 31, 2017 AF offers high year of tenure extensions to retain experienced Airmen The Air Force is offering high year of tenure extensions to active-duty Airmen in certain shortage Air Force specialty codes and grades effective Aug. 1, 2017.
June 27, 2017 ICBM Country: Ogden Air Logistics Complex restoring Air Force’s nuclear launch facilities For more than 50 years, rural American pastures in the Great Plains have housed a key leg in the air, land and sea based strategic deterrent triad – mission-ready Airmen controlling highly-survivable, nuclear-armed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.
April 7, 2017 Around the Air Force: April 7 On this look around the Air Force, a team of communication specialists travel to Kodiak Island, Alaska, to provide communication assistance and Air Force Global Strike Command stands up a nuclear command, control and communications center.
April 4, 2017 AF stands up nuclear command, control, communications center Air Force Global Strike Command stood up a new organization to oversee the Air Force’s nuclear command, control and communications systems in an activation ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, April 3, 2017.
March 8, 2017 Selva: Nuclear deterrent is the joint force modernization priority The joint force puts the U.S. nuclear deterrent at the top of its list for modernization and recapitalization and these no longer can be deferred, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told House Armed Services Committee members this morning.
Sept. 27, 2016 Carter visits Minot, emphasizes nuclear mission Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited Minot Air Force Base Sept. 26, giving Airmen who support the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile and strategic bomber forces a chance to engage with him.During the visit to the 5th Bomb and 91st Missile Wings, Carter emphasized the importance of the
Aug. 5, 2016 Tankers enable long-range bomber capability during Polar Roar Mobility Airmen play a vital role in deterrence and stand ready to operate in support of global operations at a moment’s notice. Air Mobility Command Airmen, 15 KC-135 Stratotankers and 10 KC-10 Extenders enabled Air Force Global Strike Command B-52 Stratofortresses and B-2 Spirits to sustain air
July 29, 2016 AF releases new ICBM solicitation The Air Force released July 29 a request for proposals for its Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system program; up to two contract awards are expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017.
July 29, 2016 AF releases request for proposal for nuclear air-launched cruise missile replacement The Air Force released July 29 a request for proposals to industry for its Long Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile program; up to two contract awards are expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017.
July 26, 2016 2015 nuclear operations awards winners announced Air Force officials recently announced the winners of the 2015 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award and the Nuclear and Missile Operations Award.
June 28, 2016 AF moving forward with restructure of missileer career field The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command directed a review of the nuclear and missile operations career field earlier this year, with the goal of creating a self-sustaining career field. The review was recently completed, and over the past week, Maj. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 20th Air Force
April 7, 2016 AF to restructure nuclear, missile operations (13N) career field The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, in concert with Headquarters Air Force Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Directorate, has directed a review of the 13N career field.
Jan. 25, 2016 STRATCOM chief talks nuclear deterrence, modernization The global security environment calls for a continued strong nuclear deterrent along with modernization for elements of the nuclear triad and advanced training for U.S. Strategic Command’s workforce, the STRATCOM commander said Jan. 22 during a Washington, D.C., event.
Jan. 12, 2016 Air Force 101: Talks aim to improve legislation for AF missions A day after the Air Force flew a B-52 Stratofortress over South Korea in the wake of their northern neighbor’s nuclear bomb test, Air Force officers discussed the service’s nuclear capabilities with policymakers Jan. 11.
Nov. 17, 2015 13 selected for nuclear, missile squadron command, chief of safety The Air Force has selected 13 lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects for nuclear and missile operations squadron commander and chief of safety positions.
Sept. 10, 2015 Yesterday’s Air Force: The B-36 After World War II the threat of nuclear weapons was felt by every man, woman and child in the country. America knew it needed a platform to help deter a nuclear strike, and the solution was the B-36 Peacemaker.
Aug. 6, 2015 CSAF listens to Airmen, discusses nuclear enterprise mission Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A Welsh III visited three Air Force Global Strike Command bases to listen to Airmen of all ranks who support the Global Strike mission on a daily basis, while addressing the importance of the nuclear enterprise and its future.
Aug. 4, 2015 AF Global Strike Command establishes school for its best, brightest The Cold War ended in 1991, and with it, a comprehensive knowledge of the nation's deterrence capability. The link between strategic deterrence and technical competence faded away, with Airmen often gaining expertise in other areas, according to Air Force Global Strike Command staff. This shortage
July 25, 2015 SecAF addresses priorities at Aspen Security Forum Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James discussed her top national and homeland security issues, as well as current personnel challenges, during a Q-and-A session with Fox News at the sixth annual, three-day Aspen Security Forum in Colorado July 24.
July 17, 2015 Nuclear, missile operations squadron command, chief of safety candidates named Thirty lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects have been selected as candidates for nuclear and missile operations squadron commander and chief of safety position opportunities.
July 17, 2015 2014 Nuclear Deterrence, Missile Operations award winners announced Air Force officials recently named the winners of the 2014 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award and the Nuclear and Missile Operations Award.
May 18, 2015 Increased mission requirements open doors for continued service The Air Force is introducing several personnel and manpower initiatives to meet increased mission requirements outlined in the fiscal year 2016 President’s Budget. The Air Force is undergoing a concerted effort to stabilize and grow the force by fiscal 2017, to include addressing key gaps in the
April 20, 2015 BLUE: A nuclear family This edition features how an intercontinental ballistic missile has the power to change the course of human history – or possibly end it. That is why protecting America’s nuclear arsenal is our nation’s number one defense priority. This episode of BLUE goes behind-the-scenes for a rare look at the
April 18, 2015 Missile alert facility life: 60 feet under For 24 hours, two officers are confined 60 feet below a missile alert facility (MAF), to a metal pill no larger than an average bedroom. Containing a vast array of Cold War-era technology, the capsule houses the ability to launch nuclear equipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, with the power
April 1, 2015 AF Nuclear Weapons Center reorganizes The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) reorganized its structure March 30, realigning responsibilities, authorities and accountability to better serve the nuclear enterprise.
Feb. 20, 2015 Nuclear oversight board members visit Minot AFB More than three dozen members of the Air Force's senior leadership, including Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, converged on Minot Air Force Base for a meeting of the Nuclear Oversight Board here today. The NOB is a quarterly
Nov. 26, 2014 8 selected for nuclear, missile squadron command, chief of safety Eight lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects have been selected for nuclear and missile operations squadron commander and chief of safety positions, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Nov. 25.
Nov. 14, 2014 DOD, Air Force nuclear force reviews consistent with force improvement efforts The Secretary of Defense announced the results of the Nuclear Enterprise Review during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Nov. 14.
Oct. 7, 2014 FIP provides new career path for missileers Steps to implement the "3+3" operations tour construct for the missile combat crew officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana have begun to meet the Nov. 1, 2014, implementation date.
Oct. 2, 2014 AF approves special pay for nuclear career fields Assignment incentive pay and special duty assignment pay for select total force nuclear career fields became effective Oct. 1, following Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James' recent announcement.
Sept. 19, 2014 Modernization of US nuclear forces not optional The need for modernization of the U.S. nuclear forces was made clear by speakers at a strategic nuclear enterprise symposium here, Sept. 18.
Aug. 27, 2014 Nuclear deterrence: The silent sentinel Global conflict and instability have always been a part of human history, and America’s nuclear forces serve as the nation’s ultimate form of deterrence in a world where global engagements are becoming increasingly complex.
July 10, 2014 AFGSC to kick off Striker Trident professional development program Striker Trident is an Air Force - Navy exchange program that supports professional development of company grade officers trained and qualified in similar nuclear deterrence missions.
June 26, 2014 Force Improvement Program changing future of Global Strike Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, addressed members of the Air Force Association on how the Force Improvement Program, or FIP, is fostering a culture of empowerment among nuclear enterprise Airmen and helping restore nation’s trust in the Air Force’s
June 18, 2014 SecAF outlines changes for nuclear force Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James outlined new incentives and measures designed to change the culture of the service's nuclear force June 17. Following a cheating scandal involving intercontinental ballistic missile launch officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, and the subsequent
April 11, 2014 AF leadership reinforces importance of nuclear mission on the Hill Air Force nuclear deterrence operations serve a central role in providing deterrence and maintaining stability in today’s increasingly complex national security environment.
March 6, 2014 AF nuclear enterprise: 'the way forward' The Senate Armed Service Committee’s Subcommittee on Strategic Forces heard testimonies from key defense and military leaders on nuclear forces and policies in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2015 and the Future Years Defense Program during a hearing, March 5.
Nov. 26, 2013 Air Force focuses on nuclear security, operations The Air Force's nuclear mission continues to have the attention of leaders across the discipline, the Air Force chief of staff said here yesterday. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III categorically stated that he is not worried about the surety and security or the operational capability of the Air Force's
Aug. 9, 2013 First ANG bomb wing certified for nuclear operations The Air National Guard celebrated a historic milestone this week as the 131st Bomb Wing, the nation’s only Guard unit to fly and maintain the B-2 Spirit, was certified to conduct the nuclear mission upon completion of their initial nuclear surety inspection.
Aug. 8, 2013 For missileers, perfection is the goal One of the three core values in the Air Force is “excellence in all we do.” Missileers take this core value to heart, and for good reason.