News

May 24, 2023

Bomber Task Force: Supersonic bombers return to Europe

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, United Kingdom — U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers returned to RAF Fairford, May 23, for Bomber Task Force Europe 2023-3 to conduct a long-planned bomber rotation in support of U.S. European Command and NATO deterrence initiatives.Two of the Texas-based supersonic bombers from Dyess Air Force Base’s 7th Bomb Wing entered the theater today by first integrating with Allies

An inert Joint Direct Attack Munition QuickStrike Extended Range mine is attached to a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in early March, 2023. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

May 24, 2023

53rd Wing B-52 executes long-range mine test, advancing maritime capabilities in a contested environment

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — A B-52H Stratofortress attached to the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron validated the ability to deploy inert Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) QuickStrike Extended Range (QS-ER) mines from a standoff distance of more than 40 miles off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in early March, 2023.

Shown is an illustration of the LGM-35A Sentinel launch silo, the Air Force’s newest weapon system known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. The Air Force determined the LGM-35A Sentinel would provide continuity in strategic deterrence and cost less than extending the life of the current intercontinental ballistic missile fleet, comprised of the aging Minuteman III. Replacing the 1970s-era missile modernizes the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad and brings the Minuteman’s more than 50 years of service to a close. (U.S. Air Force illustration)

May 23, 2023

Environmental analysis clears Sentinel missile infrastructure construction for takeoff

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The construction phase of Sentinel, the Air Force’s multi-billion-dollar missile modernization effort, was cleared for takeoff May 19 as Robert Moriarty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, signed the project’s environmental record of decision.

May 22, 2023

ROK CWMD director discusses U.S.-ROK Extended Deterrence efforts during visit to USSTRATCOM

Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. — On May 17th, Maj Gen Park Hu Soung, the director of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) directorate, and Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge, Combined Forces Command Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategic Planning and Policy, met with U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph McDonnell, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, lowers a package to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) during a vertical replenishment in the Philippine Sea, May 9, 2023. Vertical replenishments enable naval vessels to quickly receive critical resources without disrupting maritime security operations while underway. III MEF is postured to enable naval expeditionary operations within the first island chain as part of a Stand-in-Force.

May 18, 2023

U.S. Marines Resupply Ballistic Missile Submarine in Philippine Sea

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP COURTNEY, Japan — U.S. Marines from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, provided a vertical replenishment operation for a U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine in the Philippine Sea, last week. Two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 1st MAW, carried mission-essential equipment to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) during its regularly scheduled patrol. Vertical replenishments enable naval vessels to quickly receive critical resources without disrupting maritime security operations while underway...

May 12, 2023

Milley Says Investments in Military Capabilities Are Paying Off

The U.S. military is the most lethal and capable armed force in the world because previous administrations and Congresses made the investments needed, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Cmdr. Leif Gunderson (right), commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), presents a plaque to Arnold Palacios (center), governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and David Apatang (left), lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, during a scheduled port visit. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

May 12, 2023

USS Milius Conducts Port Visit in Saipan

SAIPAN, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) departed Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, after a scheduled port visit, May 12.The port visit provided an opportunity for Milius to enjoy a much needed port visit and enjoy the culture, and represents the U.S. Navy’s commitment to security presence in the

An Airman installs an AgilePod onto a B-52

May 11, 2023

AgilePod Demo Expands B-52 Communications

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The backbone of the U.S.’s strategic bomber force, the B-52 Stratofortress, will soon demonstrate advanced communications capabilities through the new AgilePod, enabling a modernized, further-reaching, more secure communication on the historic aircraft.B-52 aircrew depend on rapid incoming and outgoing communication—whether that be with other

Photo of Airmen Standing in front of a B-52.

May 9, 2023

A Trophy Team: 307th Bomb Wing Maintainers take home AFRC Honors

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Rider always seems to be smiling.Maybe it’s because he gets to supervise the 707th Maintenance Squadron’s Load Crew #1 here. The group, consisting of Master Sgt. Ruey Cooper, II, Tech. Sgt. Jerome Gooden, Tech. Sgt. Uriel Vargas and Staff Sgt. Erin Williamson recently earned the Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Adm. Tateki Tawara, commander, Fleet Submarine Force, third from the left; speaks with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Group 7, right,; Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Rear Adm. Su Youl Lee, commander, Submarine Force, second from left; and ROK Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dongkeon Oh, executive officer of ROK Navy submarine ROKS SON WON IL (SS-072), left; during an underway embark aboard the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741), in vicinity of Guam, April 18. During their time at sea aboard the submarine, the senior leaders were provided tours and demonstrations of the unit’s capabilities, which operates globally under U.S. Strategic Command.

May 4, 2023

First of its Kind Submarine Visit Forges Relationship

NAVAL BASE GUAM — Senior leaders from the navies of Japan, South Korea and the United States visited Naval Base Guam to embark a U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine operating off Guam, April 18.U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Group 7/Task Force 74, was joined on USS Maine (SSBN 741) by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Adm.