Category: US Strategic Command

Source: United States Strategic Command

Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.   –  

United States Strategic Command, along with Department of Defense and industry leaders, made significant progress in identifying electromagnetic spectrum modeling, simulation and analysis data usability processes during a technical interchange meeting Feb. 19-20 in Los Angeles, California.

The meeting, a third of its kind and led by USSTRATCOM’s Advanced Warfare Capabilities Division, focused on the need to strive for model-agnostic data, which is essential for interoperability and data reusability across different MS&A systems used by the DoD.

Meeting participants identified a set of core data issues and potential paths forward, prioritizing solutions into four key areas, which they called “make-or-break” for data usability:

1. Adhere to VAULTIS Principles: EMS data objects must strive to meet the following immutable data characteristics identified in the 2020 DoD Data Strategy: Visible, Accessible, Understandable, Linked, Trustworthy, Interoperable and Secure (VAULTIS).
2. Data Re-use: Participants agreed that leveraging large language models (LLMs) will be essential for efficient data reuse and for simplifying alignment with the DoD Data, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy.
3. Standardize Data Translation: LLMs can help translate disparate data objects into a globally re-usable format. Participants agreed that all EMS data objects should translate into Systems Modeling Language (SysML V2) format.
4. Create a Centralized Data Hub: A centralized repository will be established to house all SysML V2 EMS data objects. This aligns with the 2020 DoD Data Strategy’s emphasis on enterprise-wide data access and availability.

“Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations require data that meet the VAULTIS standards, and the work done here in modeling and simulation will help progress operational requirements,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center director, who has long focused on standardized EMS data.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division, a central USSTRATCOM mission partner for EMS MS&A, will provide a simple unclassified scenario, with corresponding mission threads. The scenario will serve as a baseline for all participants to test data objects and their integration within the disparate MS&A systems.

U.S. Navy CAPT. Travis Wood, USSTRATCOM Advanced Warfare Capabilities’ division chief, acknowledged the project’s ambitious nature, emphasizing the need for close collaboration between LLM developers, service partners, and industry experts. He stressed the importance of rigorous verification and validation of the EMS data objects to ensure their accuracy and reusability.

Mr. Tom Woods, USSTRATCOM’s lead for EMS campaign MS&A, also underscored the importance of common data.  

“Data is king,” said Woods. “Ensuring we can all use the same EMS objects impacts not only how the EMS is visualized within a model, but it also ensures analysis cohesion. This is one step in a long road, but it’s an important step.”

The EMS MS&A technical meetings are directly tied to accomplishing taskings within the 2020 Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy’s Implementation Plan and also support USSTRATCOM’s JEC mission.

United States Strategic Command, a global warfighting command, deters strategic attack through a safe, secure, effective, and credible global combat capability and, when directed, is ready to prevail in conflict.

Learn more about USSTRATCOM:

United States Strategic Command: Peace is our Profession…(YouTube.com)

About (stratcom.mil)

Mission, Vision & Intent (stratcom.mil)

Source: United States Strategic Command

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany   –  

U.S. Air Forces in Europe integrated with air forces from Romania, Croatia, and Bulgaria for ONYX CROSS, a Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission over Eastern and Southern Europe on March 3. 

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses operating out of RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom partnered with Romanian F-16 Vipers, Croatian Rafales, and Bulgarian MiG-29s to execute aerial maneuvers and refine combat tactics.  

“BTF missions serve as an assurance and deterrence initiative – they aim to provide a strategic element to NATO’s collective defense,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Gurley, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa BTF planner. 

The complexity of missions like ONYX CROSS demands agility from all participants, requiring seamless coordination and adaptability across air forces.

The mission began with B-52s integrating with F-16s for a standoff weapons simulation, practicing an advanced missile release while staying outside an adversary’s threat range. The bombers then executed a simulated bomb drop on pre-planned targets, integrating with Bulgaria for a dynamic targeting objective as MiG-29s provided close-air support. 

“The B-52 integrates seamlessly with Allied and partner forces through combined operations like ONYX CROSS,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Crash” Carlson, 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron pilot. “We refine tactics, communication, and operational coordination. Using secure networks, we share real-time data, ensuring close integration for strategic deterrence, close-air support, and precision strike missions.” 

Since arriving at RAF Fairford, the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron has flown seven missions, working with Allied and partner forces across multiple theaters. 

“Operating alongside partners has very much shaped my approach by emphasizing clear communication, adaptability to different frameworks, and leveraging coalition strengths to achieve mission success,” Carlson said. “These experiences have refined how we plan for contingencies, execute complex operations, and assess mission outcomes, ensuring we can operate as one unified force when called upon.” 

By integrating airpower across nations, missions like ONYX CROSS enhance NATO’s ability to operate as a cohesive force, reinforcing collective defense and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region. 

For more information, please contact the USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs office at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil.  

Source: United States Strategic Command

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo.  –  

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s ability to project U.S. airpower anywhere in the world is integral to deterring attacks from near peer adversaries and prevailing in conflict if called upon.

The success of the mission at Whiteman AFB is dependent on each Airman’s dedication to exemplary work performance. This spring, the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings will conduct a surety inspection to assess the wing’s safety measures and reliability.

Surety inspections occur every two years and thoroughly examine personnel, materials and procedures across the installation, with the goal of minimizing adverse incidents, bolstering global stability, and reinforcing the credibility of U.S. deterrence.

“These inspections serve as the opportunity for us to demonstrate to our nation’s military leaders that we are fully trained, fully compliant and fully ready to execute our strategic mission if called upon.” said Air Force Col. Keith Butler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “For us to successfully carry out our mission and deliver combat power anytime, anywhere, we need consistent, disciplined reliability in how we manage materials and maintain standards.”

Team Whiteman’s capabilities are a critical component to the success of U.S. Strategic Command and Air Force Global Strike Command, and these types of inspections are essential in maintaining high trust in mission capabilities. The high-stakes nature of Whiteman’s no-fail mission demands that performance across the installation stays consistent and meets all standards, ensuring the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings are always ready to deliver lethality.

People are the greatest asset within the Air Force and are the driving force behind AFGSC’s competitive strategic advantage. A successful inspection is dependent on an understanding of each Airman’s contributions and value to their unit.

Team members at every level take ownership of their responsibilities through meticulous attention to detail, disciplined checklist usage, and proper documentation of each area of review. A favorable rating on the inspection will require an all-hands approach.

“Our junior enlisted Airmen are the tactical force behind our operations and will be at the forefront of the inspection,” Butler said. “Our NCOs are the front-line supervisors and will manage the Airmen, aiding in preparation and execution. Our civilian employees bring a wealth of valuable experience and continuity, having been here for multiple inspections. Our quality assurance, standardization and evaluation, and inspector general teams will confirm we are meeting the standard. A successful outcome involves commitment from all team members.”

This inspection ensures that the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings continue to uphold the highest standards, with special attention to ensuring Team Whiteman maintains a safe, secure, and reliable strategic force, ready to deliver global strike capabilities when called upon.

Source: United States Strategic Command

WASHINGTON, D.C.   –  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, director of United States Strategic Command’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center, attended the Future Operating Environment workshop at National Defense University on Fort McNair, Washington D.C., Feb. 26, 2025.

Anthony participated in a fireside chat and hosted an international leadership panel of U.S. and allied flag officers during the event.  The workshop focused on incorporating Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations into professional military education across the Joint Force and infusing a better understanding of critical warfighting capabilities into the curricula.

During the fireside chat with Dr. Ling Yung, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for Force Education and Training, Anthony shared her insights on the importance of advancing the military’s EMSO capabilities and improving military leaders’ awareness of those capabilities.

“The electromagnetic spectrum is not simply a supporting element of military operations, it is the very arena where future conflicts will be won or lost,” said Anthony. “The EMS is not a separate domain itself, but rather an inseparable component of air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace operations. We must continue to advance our capabilities and empower our forces to showcase lethality within the EMS environment to deter aggression and maintain our competitive edge.”

Dr. Yung emphasized the significance of Anthony’s contribution to the workshop.

“Maj. Gen. Anthony’s expertise on this topic is why we were so excited to have her join us for this workshop. She has a passion for educating our force and strengthening our EMSO capabilities that is so motivating,” said Dr. Yung. “Add to that her ability to take incredibly complex subject matter and make it easy to understand for all audiences and you have a powerhouse in the EMSO space. She has a lot to say, and we should be listening.”

United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), a global warfighting command, deters strategic attack through a safe, secure, effective, and credible global combat capability and, when directed, is ready to prevail in conflict.

Learn more about USSTRATCOM:

United States Strategic Command: Peace is our Profession…(YouTube.com)

About (stratcom.mil)

Mission, Vision & Intent (stratcom.mil)

Source: United States Strategic Command

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D.  –  

Raider maintainers from the 34th & 37th Bomber Generation Squadrons recently mobilized Ellsworth’s entire fleet of B-1B Lancers; while most will temporarily relocate to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., some made their way to Anderson AFB, Guam for a Bomber Task Force deployment.

The temporary relocation is necessary to complete a runway construction project tied to the future bed down of the B-21 Raider and as the last B-1 departed January 25, 2025, it marked the first time in 30 years the Ellsworth flightline was empty of Lancers.

Generating aircraft sorties, especially B-1B Lancer sorties, requires an exceptional team of aircraft maintainers. “The mighty B-1 has been around for over 40 years and the foundational mission remains the same: win today, dominate tomorrow” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Feigen, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron commander. “From production to the technicians to the lowest level, elevating the lethality of the B-1 maintainer in partnership with Grand Forks will cause pause in our enemies.”

Before the wheels of a B-1 lift off the ground, maintainers are tasked to ensure aircraft are serviceable, safe and combat ready. They conduct detailed inspections, apply necessary repairs, and log every maintenance action for accountability.

“It’s a very high paced mission from where I stand. You’re always going from one job to the next. The game plan is always changing, quite literally by the minute on the flight line,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lane Benefield, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron B-1 crew chief. “This gave [our team] the opportunity to step up into different roles, showing great flexibility from enduring the cold and being away from family and loved ones,”

B-1 Maintainers work around the clock in all types of weather and conditions. Grand Forks is known for challenging winters, but the Raider maintainer’s work ethic remains, and the team ensures there are always combat-ready B-1s available. The Airmen of Grand Forks are also steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the B-1 mission continues.

“It’s been a long effort in coordination with our partners here at Grand Forks and our supporting agencies back home,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Mount, 28th Maintenance Squadron commander. “This is a once in a career moment for the B-1 community to relocate our fleet completely. It’s not every day that runway repair is done at wholescale. There’s a pride that follows in knowing all of our teams are succeeding in their mission and continue to present a credible threat to our adversaries through power projection.”

Whether from North Dakota, South Dakota or from a forward operating base Raider maintainers have the capability and capacity to enable long range strike, anytime, anywhere.

Source: United States Strategic Command

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo.  –  

The 582nd Helicopter Group achieved a major milestone in its modernization efforts as the MH-139 Grey Wolf completed its first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations on January 28, 2025.

The flight, conducted by the 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, tested the aircraft’s ability to support intercontinental ballistic missile convoy operations, a crucial mission for securing the nation’s strategic deterrence forces.

“This marks a significant step forward in ensuring the MH-139 is ready for full operational capability,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Lincoln, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center IOT&E test director. “This was the first of 37 planned flight events, and our objective was to integrate the MH-139 into convoy security operations while testing communication networks between air and ground forces.”

The MH-139 Grey Wolf brings enhanced speed, payload capacity and endurance, far surpassing the UH-1N Huey, which has been in service since the Vietnam era. As Twentieth Air Force transitions to the MH-139, the increased capabilities will streamline nuclear security operations and improve response times for Tactical Response Force teams.

“The MH-139 Grey Wolf fundamentally changes how we support nuclear security,” said Col. Philip Bryant, 582nd HG commander. “It can carry twice as many security forces, fly 1.5 times as fast and has a considerably longer loiter time than the UH-1N, which greatly strengthens our mission to protect the missile fields.”

During this first test event, the aircraft flew alongside a 341st Missile Wing convoy, validating mission effectiveness and operational suitability. The aircrew assessed the MH-139’s ability to insert and extract tactical response teams while maintaining seamless communication with ground forces.

IOT&E is scheduled to continue through June 2025.  The 550 HS will be performing tests at all three Missile Wings and at multiple ranges to fully analyze the MH-139’s performance for all its operational missions.

“Our Airmen are adapting quickly to this new platform,” said Bryant. “The MH-139 provides a game-changing advantage for our nuclear security forces, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition from the UH-1N to the MH-139 Grey Wolf.”

As testing progresses, 20 AF remains focused on delivering a modernized, effective nuclear security force, ensuring the protection of America’s ICBM fleet against evolving threats.

Source: United States Strategic Command

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  –  

A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle Feb. 19 at 1 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the primary testing ground for the Air Force Global Strike Command’s ICBM deterrent architecture. This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities designed to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring our allies. With over 300 similar tests conducted in the past, this particular test is part of the Nation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and is not a response to current world events.

“Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth. “It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.”

AFGSC Commander Gen. Thomas Bussiere added, “The nuclear triad is the cornerstone of the national security of our country and allies around the globe.”

“This test launch is demonstrative of our nation’s ICBM readiness and reliability,” he said. “Because of the skill sets and expertise of our maintenance personnel and our missile crews, our freedoms and the homeland remain secure.”

Vandenberg’s 377th Test and Evaluation Group, located at Vandenberg SFB, oversaw the test launch. It is the nation’s only dedicated ICBM test organization professionally executing tests that accurately measure the current and future capability of the ICBM force.

“During this test, we collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate current missile system competencies,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th TEG commander. “This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements. The data we collect and analyze is crucial for maintaining Minuteman III while we pave the way for Sentinel.”

The ICBM’s reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site located within Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Kwajalein Atoll. Reagan Test Site sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, as well as optical sensors and telemetry, support the research, development, test and evaluation of America’s defense and space programs. For these tests, RTS team members collect radar, optical and telemetry data in the terminal phase of flight to evaluate system performance.

“The Reagan Test Site serves as the supporting range for all Glory Trip missions,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Casey Rumfelt, RTS range director. “It’s a vital national asset used to support operational and developmental tests of our nation’s offensive and defensive systems. RTS provides a unique suite of instrumentation and an ideal geographic location to meet many of the U.S. testing needs that cannot be accomplished anywhere else in the world.”

The test launch is a culmination of months of preparation that involve multiple government partners.

Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force to support the test launch, while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Force Base, Wyoming, supported maintenance requirements. The missile bases within Air Fore Global Strike Command have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces. 

The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command, uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States’ ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.

The Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent.

Source: United States Strategic Command

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.  –  

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – For the past 37 years the Transporter Erector (TE) has been a fundamental piece of equipment for operational readiness of the Minuteman III (MMIII) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. These vital pieces of equipment are responsible for transporting MMIII across vast distances, utilizing public roads to reach strategic locations, and ensuring precise emplacement or removal at launch facilities. Due to maintenance requirements becoming harder to meet with the older model, these units will be replaced with newer, modernized equipment. The 91st Missile Wing is the last unit using the old TE systems, as the Roughriders are regularly relied upon to sunset programs being modernized.

“The retirement of these ‘legacy’ TE’s marks the end of a proud and extraordinary 37 years of service and life across thousands of personnel,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ethan Bowman, missile handling section team chief assigned to the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron.

 The retirement of the old TE systems also ushers in an opportunity to transition to more efficient and modernized equipment to support the MMIII weapon system more effectively. The TE’s being retired were made to the highest standard when they were designed in the late 1980s. The systems have served nearly four decades, reliably facilitating transportation, erection, and removal operations at critical ICBM launch facilities across the country.

“Milestones such as this demonstrate the commitment of the 91st Missile Wing Roughrider men and women to strategic deterrence,” said U.S. Col. Jimmy Schlabach, commander of the 91st Missile Wing. “Proud Airmen have operated the legacy TE systems, serving the most powerful weapon system in the world, the Minuteman III, admirably for decades.”

The decision to phase out the Legacy TE units is not just a practical choice but a strategic necessity. Replacing these aging units with modernized transporters ensures the MMIII can remain a credible component of the United States’ nuclear deterrence strategy. New units will incorporate advancements in materials, engineering, and technology to enhance reliability and reduce maintenance burdens. This modernization will enable smoother operations and better support for hoisting, transportation, and emplacement activities at operational wings and storage facilities.

“These replacements ensure that the 91^st Missile Wing will continue to provide always-ready lethal combat capability, without rest, to enable strategic deterrence so critical to our national defense for decades to come,” said Schlabach. “President Theodore Roosevelt famously said, ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.’ The Roughriders have used the TE systems to carry the nation’s biggest stick, and will use the new units to continue that legacy.”

The retirement of the Legacy TEs is a moment of reflection, honoring the remarkable engineering and unwavering commitment of the individuals who kept these systems operational for over three decades. Their contributions ensured the continuous support of one of the nation’s most critical defense assets, allowing the MMIII to remain a cornerstone of deterrence strategy.

As the Legacy TEs make way for their modern replacements, the Air Force is embracing the opportunity to improve mission effectiveness and long-term sustainability. This transition represents not only the end of an era, but also the beginning of a more robust and capable logistics infrastructure to support the MMIII weapon system until its eventual retirement. By investing in modernization, the United States ensures its strategic forces remain ready and reliable, reinforcing the principles of deterrence for decades to come.

Source: United States Strategic Command

RAMSTEIN, Germany  –  

The next Bomber Task Force-Europe deployment is scheduled to begin in the coming days with U.S. strategic bombers transiting from the continental U.S. to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.

The long-planned deployment is slated to kick-off with the U.S. Air Force bombers flying on a pre-filed flight plan through international airspace and with the appropriate diplomatic clearances in place for times when aircraft are transiting through a sovereign nation’s airspace.

During the deployment, U.S. bomber aircrews will train and operate alongside NATO Allies and partners for several weeks demonstrating the U.S. commitment to global security and stability. 

For more information, contact the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs Office by calling +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or e-mailing usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or e-mail usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.

Source: United States Strategic Command

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.  –  

 Global Thunder 25, the most recent iteration of U.S.
Strategic Command’s annual field training and command and control exercise, commenced here
Oct. 15.

Global Thunder exercises are annual Department of Defense training opportunities designed to
train forces and assess joint operational readiness and are not held in response to current real-
world events.

GT25 provided training opportunities and exercise scenarios for all USSTRATCOM mission
areas, with a specific focus on nuclear readiness. Airmen and B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to
the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, integrated with 5th Bomb Wing Airmen to
assess their readiness on the installation while 91st Missile Wing personnel ran exercise
scenarios at nearby missile alert facilities.

“Team Minot is composed of exceptional, mission-focused Airmen,” said Col. Jesse Lamarand,
5th BW commander. “The 5th BW Warbirds in concert with the 2nd BW Strikers were incredible
to watch during this exercise. The ability to credibly convey readiness and lethality is a key
component to strategic deterrence, and GT25 allowed us to do so.”

During the exercise, personnel assigned to the 5th BW and 91st MW tested their ability to
maintain a safe, secure, effective and ready strategic deterrent force by sustaining simulated alert
operations for more than a week. Defenders, aircraft maintainers, aircrew, missileers, munitions
specialists, airfield management personnel, food service specialists, and other mission essential
personnel worked around the clock amid heightened security conditions to accomplish exercise
objectives.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the effort the Roughrider Airmen put in during Global Thunder. They
are on watch 24/7/365 ensuring we’re available to provide combat capability and lethality that
national leaders use to deter potential adversaries from considering an attack against the U.S. and
our allies,” said Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91st MW commander. “Flexing our full readiness
capabilities to confront uncertainty during exercises like this ensures we maintain the effective
and ready force necessary to safeguard global security and stability by identifying strengths in
our force and ways for us to improve.”

The training opportunities presented by GT25 enable 5th BW and 91st MW personnel to
maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, validating Team Minot’s always-ready global
strike capability.