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Tag: Strategic Deterrence

A second B-21 Raider test aircraft takes off, Sept. 11, from Palmdale, Calif., to join the Air Force’s flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The addition of the second test aircraft expands mission systems and weapons integration testing, advancing the program toward operational readiness. (Courtesy photo)

Sept. 11, 2025

US Air Force announces arrival of second B-21 test aircraft at Edwards AFB

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — Department of the Air Force announced the arrival of the second B-21 Raider flight test aircraft Sept. 11, 2025, marking a significant step toward operational readiness of the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber.

a missile in the dark night sky, white ethereal clouds surrounding it

May 21, 2025

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — A joint team of AFGSC Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle May 21 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg SFB, Calif.

A missile is launched out of the ground.

Feb. 19, 2025

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

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

An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test.

Nov. 6, 2024

Minuteman III test showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Navy aircrew launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with multiple targetable re-entry vehicles from aboard the Airborne Launch Control System Nov. 5, 2024 at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

A group of uniformed military personnel stand on a stage huddled around a silver trophy for a group photo.

April 4, 2024

STRATCOM commander awards Omaha Trophy to Malmstrom AFB

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander of United States Strategic Command, visited Malmstrom Air Force Base to award the Omaha Trophy to the 341st Missile Wing. This win kept the Omaha Trophy at Malmstrom for the third year in a row.

Airmen from the 705th Munitions Squadron transport AGM-86B ALCMs during Exercise Prairie Vigilance 24-1 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Oct. 23, 2023. Prairie Vigilance was conducted with a focus on the safe and secure handling of assets and capabilities that comprise the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trust Tate)

Oct. 30, 2023

5th Bomb Wing carries out Exercise Prairie Vigilance 24-1

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND — The 5th Bomb Wing Warbirds carried out Exercise Prairie Vigilance (PV) 24-1 Oct. 23 to Oct. 27, at Minot AFB.

a missile launches from vandenberg

Sept. 6, 2023

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and 30th Space Launch Delta Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with three test re-entry vehicles Sept. 6 at 1:26 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing walk-off a bus after returning from a Bomber Task Force mission at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 24, 2023. The Airmen spent six weeks in Guam in support of Bomber Task Force missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trust Tate)

July 24, 2023

Barons return home following Bomber Task Force deployment

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — The 23rd Bomb Squadron’s world-famous “Bomber Barons” returned home from their most recent Bomber Task Force deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 24. The contingent, composed of approximately 280 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortress, logged hundreds of flight hours from dozens of sorties within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility during the six-week deployment. The BTF also provided an opportunity for the squadron’s aircrews, maintainers and support personnel to integrate with various allies and partners present in the region for unrelated military exercises.

B-2 Spirit welcoming ceremony

Feb. 15, 2022

80 Years of Whiteman: A legacy of combat power and future of innovation

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — As the Air Force commemorates 75 years of Air Power in 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base celebrates 80 Years of Heritage from the Heartland.The 509th Bomb Wing has had an impact on the Air Force since World War II and is blazing a new trail as the Air Force’s only B-2 Spirit Advanced Technology Bomber unit, leaving behind a legacy of combat power.Over

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test, Feb. 5, 2019 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. There are many different components. Whether it be 30th Space Wing Airmen, mission partners, both government agencies and private companies or contractors, who contribute to launching a missile or rocket at Vandenberg AFB, each diverse role plays an important part in accomplishing the mission.

June 12, 2019

Providing access to space through innovation

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The U.S. Air Force and Space Command are powered by innovation. Because of this, Vandenberg Air Force Base is continually making improvements to base facilities, equipment and the way Airmen and mission partners do their job in order to complete the space mission.