Category: US Strategic Command

Source: United States Strategic Command

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam.  –  

Bomber task force deployments are a critical means to support global stability and security by demonstrating the ability to operate in diverse regions across the globe.

In order to support the pilots and weapon systems officers in the jet, operations support personnel deploy on BTF missions to not only oversee airfield operations, but to restore communication hardware and security-based systems that lay within the B-1B Lancer itself.

The intelligence analyst and crew communication Airmen assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron provide the ability to talk securely with allied forces, and obtain pertinent information to the mission at hand.

“We focus all our efforts towards supporting the aircrew and provide up to date information that will help them make decisions in and out of the jet,” said Staff Sgt. Priscilla Ramirez, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron all-source intelligence analyst non-commissioned officer in-charge. “We want them to have situational awareness of the region and of the potential threats around them to ensure mission success.”

Ramirez’s passion for the job stems from the satisfaction she feels going through the processes of mission planning to seeing the jets soar into the sky.

“I really enjoy seeing the B-1’s take off and seeing the products I created being used by aircrew,” Ramirez said. “There are a lot of times during debrief where I see that I made an impact during the mission, especially on BTF missions where we work more hand-in-hand with aircrew.”

After obtaining the information needed for the flight, aircrew step into the B-1 bomber, ready to communicate with Allies and partners through satellite communication and encrypted devices as needed. To ensure these communication devices work effectively, a specialist is required to be on scene ready to troubleshoot any issues before takeoff.

“My preparation starts well before pre-flight crews arrive to ensure all their equipment is ready, then I transition to be on standby until the jet takes off,” said Senior Airman Nicholas Early, 28th Operations Support Squadron crew communications technician. “Because things are more tight-knit out here, I am getting to know the crews better and seeing what experiences and issues they are having, which gives me the chance to better prepare things on my end.”

BTF missions outside the United States enable aircrew and Airmen to become familiar with other theaters and enhance their skills needed to confront everyday challenges.

“Back home we operate out of multiple different facilities, so we don’t get to see the fruit of our labor as much,” said Early. “Here it’s rewarding because I can see the jets take off every other day.”

This specific deployment highlights the importance of working with Allies, partners and other U.S. joint military units, bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. The operations support personnel are at the forefront working side-by-side in creating an environment suitable for aircrews to have a successful mission.

Source: United States Strategic Command

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.   –  

Airmen from the active-duty 2^nd Bomb Wing and Air Force Reserve 307^th Bomb Wing teamed up with Nebraska Air National Guardsmen and Army Reserve soldiers to practice remote refueling capabilities on a B-52 Stratofortress during the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise (QLLEX) June 6, 2024, at Lincoln Airport and Air National Guard Base, Nebraska.

The nine-hour mission, which refueled the B-52 using a portable fuel bladder system, highlighted the logistical interoperability of U.S. service members while practicing Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts designed to make Air Force combat operations more difficult for near-peer threats to predict.

“It gave us the opportunity to practice refueling at an airfield that can handle a B-52 but may not have the infrastructure in place to refuel one,” said Lt. Col. Samphun Tobler, 343^rd Bomb Squadron director of operations. “That makes targeting harder for our adversaries because they don’t know where we are or where we can set up.”

Tobler also said the crew was able to practice unloading and reloading the jet’s drag chute in an off-base location. This task is typically performed at a home station where facilities exist to ease the process.

Along with the B-52, service members refueled a KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus assigned to Air Mobility Command and a Nebraska Air National Guard C-130 Hercules.

This exercise has showcased the impressive capability of our joint force to tackle the tough scenarios,” said Col. Matthew Howard, 131^st Bomb Wing deputy commander, who served as on-site commander for the effort. “It has been awesome watching members of the Air Force, Air National Guard, and Army Reserves to work so seamlessly to accomplish this mission and meet all exercise objectives.” 

Source: United States Strategic Command

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.  –  

A U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command team played an important behind-the-scenes role in supporting the Air Force’s Glory Trip-249, June 4, and GT-250, June 6.

Two unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, during Air Force Global Strike Command’s operational test and impacted in a pre-established target zone roughly 4,200 miles away near USASMDC’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. RTS is a range and test facility located 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii.

Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, commanding general of USASMDC, witnessed the first of two ICBM tests. The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system and to ensure the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter 21st century threats and reassure America’s allies.

“The history and enduring partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States is critical to the peace and stability around the globe in this time of rapidly developing technology,” Cotton said. “Simply put, the mission of Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site cannot be completed anywhere else on Earth. Having a partnership like this is vital to the deterrence mission.”

RTS sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, as well as optical sensors and telemetry, play a role in the research, development, test and evaluation in support of America’s defense and space programs. RTS provides range instrumentation, ground range safety, meteorological support and data analysis and uses a full spectrum of support, including multiple radar frequencies, telemetry, and multiple high-speed optical and camera systems to capture every measurable data opportunity and provide information critical to system performance evaluations.

RTS is one of the major range and test facility bases supporting Glory Trip missions in the terminal phase of flight on behalf of the Air Force customer and tracks vehicles down range. For GT-249 and GT-250, RTS provided scoring data from when the vehicle impacts into the Kwajalein Missile Impact Scoring System.

Lt. Col. Casey A. Rumfelt, RTS range director, said the biggest challenge with a rapid mission set like this is the pre- and post-mission work that is associated with each one.

“Every mission regardless of the name is doing something a little bit different,” Rumfelt said. “Additionally, the compact timeline doesn’t allow for any response to something unforeseen. What I mean by that is if one test is delayed for any reason it puts the follow-on mission at risk.

“Our planning must take into account all contingencies,” he added. “To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, ‘A failure to plan is planning to fail,’ and it’s certainly true in this case.”

Rumfelt said RTS works closely with mission partners years before a test to ensure the objectives of the test are met on the day of flight. He added that months before the test, the RTS team ensures sensors and equipment are calibrated and prepared to collect vital information from the system being tested.

Then finally, he said, RTS provides a safe environment for the U.S. to conduct the test.

“The capability that RTS manages on behalf of the United States informs future development and employment of weapon and defense systems that ensure the enduring freedom of our citizens,” Rumfelt said. “Not to overexaggerate, but without the capability of this range, the United States would have never achieved superpower status on the global scale. Yes, it’s that critical.

“RTS is a small part in the overall test of the system,” he added. “RTS, both here on Kwaj and in Huntsville, primarily ensures that the systems are ready to collect and ensures a safe environment to collect that data during the testing window.”

Rumfelt said this piece of ground could not be purchased at any price today.

“The testing done here keeps the United States at a tactical edge,” Rumfelt said. “Our space mission provides a unique level of situational awareness that physically cannot be done from another location. The efforts made to support RTS are worth the price as this unit provides a value greater than the cost.”

Dr. Thomas Underwood, deputy range director and lead engineer, said the RTS range provides a location where the most advanced long-range weapon systems in the world are safely tested.

“RTS’ isolation affords the conditions required to keep eyes and ears on our competitors,” Underwood said. “We should ensure that the nation understands that RTS’ capabilities are hard won and extremely expensive and difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. RTS is an invaluable asset for America’s long-term national defense.”

Rumfelt went on to say that RTS could not do its assigned tasks without the incredible support from all its partners including the U.S. Army Garrison – Kwajalein Atoll team that works very hard to make everything possible.

“This is RTS’ version of the Super Bowl, and we were ready,” Rumfelt said. “To my knowledge, we have never had back-to-back Glory Trip missions like we had in early June with a follow-on major test that we will conduct later in the month. Make no mistake, the current level of testing is a good sign for the United States and our allies.

“This level of testing, combined with the honor of hosting Gen. Cotton and Lt. Gen. Gainey as they witness firsthand GT-249’s outstanding accomplishment will go down in the history books for Kwajalein,” he added.

Source: United States Strategic Command

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE, Guam  –  

Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, visited the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron currently deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in support of Bomber Task Force 24-6.

During the visit, Cotton received an update on BTF objectives and interacted with Ellsworth AFB personnel who shared perspective on their critical roles in support of the mission.

During the immersion, Cotton coined exemplary performers including Capt. Marc Makens, Technical Sgt. Scott Morrow, Senior Airman Harley Hudspeth, Senior Airman Nicholas Early, and Airman First Class Jason Brown.

As the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, one of Cotton’s primary focuses include integrated deterrence and communication across domains, joint functions, adjacent commands, and Allies and partners.

“Today’s contested environment is a call for our military forces to train and demonstrate commitment to our Allies and partners through global employment,” said Cotton. “What the 37th is doing in Guam is a testament as to how the bomber mission continues to support National Security objectives, provide stability, and strengthen deterrence capabilities through partnership.”

BTF 24-6 commenced on May 24, to support Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with Allies, partners, and joint forces while conducting deterrence missions to reinforce the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It’s an honor to showcase the lethality the 28th Bomb Wing brings to the joint force and how our presence contributes to the assurance and deterrence objectives in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Lt. Col. Christian Hoover, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. “None of this would be possible without the professionalism and excellence of the Airmen assigned to the 37th EBS.”

Bomber missions familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different Geographic Combatant Commands areas of operation allowing opportunities to train and work with our Allies and partners.

Source: United States Strategic Command

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  –  

 A B-52H Stratofortress bomber crew recently earned the Air Force Global Strike Command General Curtis E. LeMay award for the outstanding bomber crew category during the 2023 AFGSC Operations Awards.

On December 13, 2022, the Scout 94 crew faced a life-threatening situation while flying a B-52 from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The three aircrew members on board were Capt. Charles Powell, 11th Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, now the Director of Staff, Lt. Col. John Conway, 11th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, now Air Combat Command Training Support Squadron Detachment 13 commander, and Capt. Matthew Walls, 343 Bomb Squadron copilot, now unit deployment manager.

While avoiding severe thunderstorms and descending in altitude in preparation to land, two of the aircraft’s electrical generators tripped off. According to Powell, the aircraft suddenly went into an uncontrolled left roll, descending rapidly and decelerating below normal approach speed.

“The emergency was sudden and caused brief but extreme disorientation to myself and the other crew members,” said Walls. “All the systems kicked off at once, and the aircraft went completely dark, engines flamed out, and controlling the aircraft became a battle.”

The crew immediately began working to troubleshoot and correct the situation.

“As we began to lose altitude, I could hear Captain Powell call to restart the engines and he informed me that we had lost 4 engines on one side,” said Conway.

Approximately three minutes into the emergency, Powell successfully restarted engines three and four, alleviating some of the asymmetrical load on the aircraft. The crew declared an emergency with air traffic control and orchestrated a non-standard right turn, steering clear of the bad weather as they navigated towards a safe landing.

“I was very fortunate to have a crew who handled their responsibilities so I could focus on the one thing that mattered in the moment– fly the jet,” said Powell.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the crew said they remained calm. The crew exchanged altitude for airspeed, regaining control just as the aircraft approached a low altitude of 1,200 feet above ground level. Considering the populated area of Bossier City, Louisiana, directly beneath them, the stakes were high.

“I believe that the reason Captain Powell was able to recover the aircraft safely is because he has trained to a six-engine approach many times and holds himself to a high standard when he trains,” said Conway. “This allowed him to instinctively fan the throttles and not make a bad situation worse by creating more of an asymmetric situation than we had.”

Approaching runway 15, the crew said they managed a six-engine landing despite the challenges they faced. The crew’s airmanship directly contributed to the successful recovery of the $84 million aircraft and the safety of its three-person crew, sparing the metropolitan area from potential catastrophe.

“Capt. Powell and Capt. Walls both performed admirably and with immense poise that day,” said Conway. “They were quick to respond to the situation, run the appropriate procedures, and fall back on their training.”

The Scout 94 crew overcame multiple catastrophic failures to safely land the aircraft, averting potential disaster in the air and on the ground.

“I’m very proud of how we handled the situation,” said Walls. “It was fast and intense, and there wasn’t time for discussion, just action. In my opinion, everyone fell into their role and did what was required.”

Source: United States Strategic Command

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  –  

For the second time in a week, a joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen supported by Space Force Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with one re-entry vehicle June 6 at 1:46 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter 21st century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred over 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events.

“The fact that we were able to complete two operational test launches in one week is a testimony to the excellence and professionalism of the Airmen and Guardians who do this mission every day,” said Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group Commander. “This morning’s launch demonstrates our commitment to deterrence as we serve as the cornerstone of security for our allies and partners across the globe.”

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 on the U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. RTS 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 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, and maintainers from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, provided maintenance support. The missile bases within Air Force Global Strike Command have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces. 

“Our ICBM force provides 24/7 strategic deterrence and stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice as the most responsive leg of the nuclear triad,” said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander, Air Force Global Strike Command. “These test launches demonstrate and confirm our readiness to deliver a safe, secure, effective, and credible, global combat capability.”

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.

Air Force Global Strike Command is a major command with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in the Shreveport-Bossier City community. The command oversees the nation’s three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force, to include B-52, B-1 and B-2 wings, the Long Range Strike Bomber program, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications systems, and operational and maintenance support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise. Approximately 33,700 professionals are assigned to two Numbered Air Forces, nine wings, two geographically-separated squadrons and one detachment in the continental United States and deployed to locations around the globe. AFGSC marks its 15th year anniversary in 2024. More information can be found at: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Article/454593/air-force-global-strike-command-air-forces-strategic-air/

Source: United States Strategic Command

OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA  –  

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer joined Republic of Korea Air Force F-15Ks Slam Eagles for live munitions and close air support training at the Pilsung Range, Republic of Korea, in an event designed to enhance the interoperability, lethality, and readiness of U.S. and ROK air forces.

One B-1B from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron [from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.], currently assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and two ROK F-15Ks from 11th Fighter Wing, Daegu Air Base, successfully released live GBU-38, 500-pound joint direct attack munitions, simultaneously striking multiple simulated targets — testing the ROK-U.S. Alliance’s combined close air support and precision strike capabilities.

The training marked the first time the B-1 has conducted a live munitions drop on the Korean peninsula since 2017 and offered the alliance its latest opportunity to prepare for combat to defend the Korean peninsula, cementing its combined defense posture and demonstrating extended deterrence.

“This training showcases the incredible capabilities of our combined forces to simultaneously strike multiple targets in a contested environment,” said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, U.S. Force Korea deputy commander and Seventh Air Force commander. “The tremendous capabilities of ROK and U.S. airpower is an overwhelming, asymmetric warfighting advantage for our combined force that adversaries cannot match.”

The B-1 carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the U.S. Air Force inventory and can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. Its unique blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry wings and turbofan afterburning engines, combine to provide long range, maneuverability and high speed while enhancing survivability – making it a highly versatile, multi-mission weapon system.

“Today’s integration with the Republic of Korea demonstrated the ability of our B-1 fleet to conduct precision targeting and strike with live weapons in an unfamiliar location,” said Lt. Col. Christian Hoover, 37th EBS commander. “The partnership with ROK allows us to support National Security objectives through the speed, flexibility, and readiness of our strategic bombers.”

Following the live-drop, the B-1 joined U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs, U.S. Air Force F-16s, and KC-135 Stratotankers, and ROK F-35As and KF-16s for air-to-air training over the western region of South Korea. The training offered the opportunity for fifth and fourth generation aircraft to integrate with bombers and conduct live, realistic practice, further strengthening the combined capability of U.S. and ROK forces, providing a powerful deterrent to potential aggressors.

“The security of the Korean Peninsula is a top priority for the U.S., and training events like this one demonstrate our ironclad commitment to defend our alliance and uphold regional stability,” said Iverson. “The ROK-U.S. Alliance is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to peace in the region.”

Editor’s note: Article has been localized for 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. 

Source: United States Strategic Command

MORÓN AIR BASE, Spain  –  

Airmen from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a rapid engine change on a B-1B Lancer during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Morón Air Base, Spain, Apr. 3, 2024.

Replacing an engine at home station typically takes around 24 hours to complete but within a deployed location it’s necessary the maintenance and support personnel are as quick and flexible as the B-1 itself during rapid repairs and engine changes. The process includes removing the old motor, transferring it, transporting and installing the new engine, performing checks and lastly running the motor.

“All of the other Air Force Specialty Codes helped us a great deal,” said Staff Sgt. Colby Sherman-Smith, 9th EBS aerospace propulsion technician. “They completed the tasks that would otherwise take our attention away from the jet, allowing us to complete the engine change quickly and efficiently.”

Due to the variety of different AFSCs that are present in BTFs, there was no shortage of Airmen to help complete the repair. The task took a total of nine hours to complete with the help of crew chiefs, metal technicians, weapons technicians, avionics, aerospace ground equipment along with other support functions.

In deployed scenarios where resources and support are often limited, the ability to conduct heavy maintenance becomes vital. The capability to perform those tasks on-site enhances the agility of deployed Airmen, enabling them to adapt to operational demands.

“I’m immensely proud of our team’s seamless collaboration, delivering impressive results,” said Chief Master Sgt. Justin Daigle, 9th EBS maintenance senior enlisted leader. “In fleet management, every minute is crucial, particularly in a contingent environment. The team grasped the urgency, executing with precision to swiftly resolve issues and restore aircraft, which allows the U.S. to maintain a credible strategic bomber force and strengthen the security and stability of our Allies and partners.”

Source: United States Strategic Command

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M  –  

Department of the Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Sean Choquette released the recipients for the fiscal year 2023 Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff Safety Awards, as well as the Air and Space Forces Chief of Safety Awards.

“Safety is about increasing combat power,” said Choquette. “Our Safety enterprise goal is to build an operational force maximizing readiness in air, space, and cyberspace.  These awardees led our efforts to preserve the combat capability our personnel and systems provide by mitigating those risks.” 

The FY23 Department of the Air Force Safety Awards Program provides organizations, teams, and individuals the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work, enhanced performance, accomplishments, and feats in safety.

“Congratulations to all the winners — this year was extremely competitive,” Choquette said. “Through your hard work, you ensure our Airmen and Guardians are safe and effective every day as they train, fight, and win.” 

The DAF Safety Award winners are:

Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award

United States Air Forces in Europe-United States Air Forces Africa

This award recognizes the MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU/FOA with the most effective overall safety program.

Major General Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award

Air Combat Command

This award recognizes the MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU/FOA with the most effective flight safety program.

Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy

Captain Harry G. McMahon, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea

This award recognizes outstanding airmanship by a Total Force individual aircrew member in the U.S. Air Force. The crewmember must show extraordinary skill, alertness, ingenuity, or proficiency in averting or minimizing the seriousness of an aviation mishap during flight or intent for flight.

Colonel Will L. Tubbs Memorial Award for Occupational Safety

Air Education and Training Command

This award recognizes the MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU/FOA with the most effective ground safety program.

DAF Safety Civilian Professional of the Year Award

Mr. Takashi Koki, 18th Wing, Kadena AB, Japan – Pacific Air Forces

DAF Safety Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award

TSgt Anthony W. Shults, 352nd Special Operations Wing, Mildenhall AB, UK – Air Force Special Operations Command

DAF Safety Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award

SMSgt Randy “Shane” Christian, 48th Wing – Air Forces Europe Africa Command

DAF Safety Officer of the Year Award

Maj Richard R. LaGrua II, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, FL – Air Force Special Operations Command

Chief of Safety Special Achievement Award

B-21 Envelope Expansion Safety Planning Team, Edwards AFB, CA – Air Force Material Command

Chief of Safety Aircrew of Distinction Award

Crew of Scout 94, 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, LA – Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Global Strike Command

Chief of Safety Aviation Individual Maintenance Safety Award

MSgt Katherine D. Owens, 18th Wing, Kadena AB, Japan – Pacific Air Forces

Chief of Safety Aviation Team Maintenance Safety Award

31st Maintenance Squadron Safety Team, Aviano AB, Italy – Air Forces Europe

Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award Category I

Space Base Delta 1, Peterson SFB, CO – Space Operations Command

Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award Category II

51st Fighter Wing, Osan AB, South Korea – Pacific Air Forces

Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award Category III

100th Air Refueling Wing, Mildenhall AB, UK – Air Forces Europe

Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award Category IV

36th Wing, Anderson AB, Guam – Pacific Air Forces

Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award Category V

Detachment VII, Air Force Research Lab, Edwards AFB, CA – Air Force Material Command.

Occupational Safety Career Professional of the year

TSgt Joseph D. Marsden, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing – Air Forces Central Command

Occupational Safety Civilian Professional of the year

Ms. Alexis B. Lynn, 512th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB, DE – Air Force Reserve Command

Chief of Safety Outstanding Space Safety Program Award

Assured Access to Space Safety Team, Los Angeles AFB, CA – Space Systems Command

Chief of Safety Team Space Safety Award

Assured Access to Space Safety Team, Los Angeles AFB, CA – Space Systems Command

Chief of Safety Individual Space Safety Award

Cathrine A. Mott, Air Force Research Lab Det III, Kirtland AFB, NM – Air Force Material Command

Chief of Safety Individual Weapons Safety Award

MSgt Joel D. Schaarschmidt, 7th Air Force, Osan AB, South Korea – Pacific Air Forces

Chief of Safety Team Weapons Safety Award

377th Air Base Wing Weapons Safety Office, Kirtland AFB, NM – Air Force Global Strike Command

Chief of Safety Individual Nuclear Surety Award

TSgt Ethan J. Stroschein, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany – Air Forces Europe

Chief of Safety Team Nuclear Surety Award

90th Missile Wing Safety, F.E. Warren AFB, WY – Air Force Global Strike Command

Aero Club Safety Certificates

Eglin AFB, FL – Air Force Material Command

Yakota AB, Japan – Pacific Air Forces

Source: United States Strategic Command

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo.  –  

The 509th and 131st Bomb Wings capped off the most recent iteration of Exercise Spirit Vigilance by performing a mass fly-off of 12 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers April 15, 2024, at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Spirit Vigilance is one of a series of routine exercises held by Air Force Global Strike bases across the Air Force that focus on the training and readiness of Airmen. These exercises are regularly planned and are conducted to continuously evaluate and enhance U.S. deterrence capabilities.

“I’m proud of the dedication shown by our Airmen and civilians in ensuring the success of this exercise,” said Col. Keith Butler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Exercises are both critical to our readiness and a powerful tool to demonstrate to the world that the B-2 is a credible and reliable strategic deterrent.”

Visual displays of power can serve as a reminder to potential adversaries of the overwhelming air power that the B-2 can bring to bear.

“As the world’s most strategic aircraft, the B-2 has an outsized effect on great power competition,” said Col. Geoffrey Steeves, 509th Operations Group commander. “The 509th and 131st Bomb Wings are charged with delivering the nation’s most powerful weapons, and the B-2 is the only aircraft on the planet that combines stealth, payload, and long-range strike.”

According to Chief Master Sgt. Frank Espinoza, 509th Maintenance Group wing weapons manager, exercises like this are valuable for Airmen and for the wing’s mission.

“Overall, exercises focused on rapidly generating air power, play a crucial role in enhancing our readiness, responsiveness, and effectiveness, while also promoting deterrence, reassurance, and interoperability among allied and partner nations,” Espinoza said.

While the B-2 itself is a powerful deterrent, Steeves emphasized that the people behind it are just as important to the mission.

“Our Airmen are responsible for making this platform lethal,” Steeves said. “In addition to the operators charged to fly into combat, our mission requires defenders to protect the aircraft, medics to maintain our health, and maintainers to make sure this platform remains combat ready. Our Airmen set us apart from our adversaries. We trust and empower them to creatively solve problems and ensure mission success.”

As the Air Force shifts its focus toward great power competition, the mission at Whiteman AFB plays a vital role in our nation’s defense strategy.

“The B-2 stealth bomber has never been more relevant than it is right now,” Steeves said. “It was conceived at the height of the Cold War but fielded at the same time the Berlin Wall crumbled and Soviet Union collapsed. Now, more than 30 years later, the B-2 is fulfilling the role for which it was created: great power competition.”

The Airmen with the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings validated the B-2’s role in that competition during Spirit Vigilance.

“The American public and our international partners can rest assured that we possess unparalleled air power to support them,” Butler said. “Moreover, we effectively deter our near-peer competitors by consistently showcasing our ability to deliver overwhelming global strike capabilities anytime, anywhere.”