News

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, lands on the runway for Exercise Prairie Vigilance 25-1 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 9, 2025. As a routine training mission, Prairie Vigilance enhances the safety, security and reliability of the bomber leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

April 21, 2025

Team Minot Airmen demonstrate strategic readiness during Prairie Vigilance 25-1

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB took part in Exercise Prairie Vigilance 25-1 (PV 25-1) here. Exercise PV 25-1 is a routine training operation designed to bolster the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s bomber-based strategic deterrence mission. The exercise supports readiness across AFGSC by sharpening operational proficiency and validating long-range, global strike capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kaden Brewer, 96th Bomb Squadron weapons load crew member, transfers a CBU-105, or cluster bomb unit, from a munitions trailer to a MJ-1 “jammer” for loading onto a B-52H Stratofortress

April 19, 2025

Lethality Tested, Mission Perfected: 2nd Bomb Wing Sharpens Lethal Edge During Combat Hammer

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — As part of the Air Force’s premier weapons system evaluation program, the 2nd Bomb Wing participated in Combat Hammer from March 10 to 21, testing its ability to deliver conventional airpower in a contested environment.

126th ARW nuclear drill

April 16, 2025

126th ARW uses total force integration to dominate nuclear response drill during certification course

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - The 126th Air Refueling Wing recently led a series of nuclear response drills for a two-week nuclear mission certification course, aimed to ensure aircrews can successfully conduct refueling missions supporting America’s nuclear triad.

U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 9th Bomber Generation Squadron prepare B-1B Lancer for take-off in support of a Bomber Task Force at LOCATION at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Apr. 14, 2025. BTF deployments like this enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.

April 15, 2025

Airmen, aircraft deploy in support of first Bomber Task Force mission to Japan

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — A Bomber Task Force deployment of U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft, Airmen and& support equipment from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas, arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 15, 2025, to support Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with Allies, partners and joint forces, and strategic deterrence missions to reinforce regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Airmen assigned to the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron pose for a photo

April 11, 2025

625 STOS supports Giant Pace 25-1

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The 625th Strategic Operations Squadron assigned to the 95th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, plays a vital role in safeguarding the United States.

Men in uniform conduct a ceremony.

April 10, 2025

Sentinel Site Activation Task Force, Detachment 11 stood up at Malmstrom

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — Air Force Global Strike Command stood up Sentinel Site Activation Task Force, Detachment 11 during a ceremony at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, April 4, 2025.

U.S. Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the 134th Operations Group run toward a KC-135R Stratotanker as part of an alert response during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee.

April 8, 2025

134th ARW enhances readiness with Nuclear Operational Readiness and Combat Readiness exercises

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. — The 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base conducted a four-day Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise (NORE) and Combat Readiness Exercise (CRE) from April 5–8. The training focused on enhancing the Wing’s preparedness for both combat operations and nuclear deterrence, with emphasis on the vital role of aerial refueling. Airmen from across the Wing refined mission-critical skills, cross-trained in multiple roles, and demonstrated the strength of teamwork and leadership. The exercises reinforced the Wing’s commitment to operational excellence and mission readiness in support of national defense.

Col. David Leaumont unfurls the 95th Wing guidon

March 28, 2025

Eighth Air Force activates 95th Wing

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, commander Eighth Air Force and the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, commemorated the recent activation of the 95th Wing during a ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, March 28, 2025.

A man speaks from a table.

March 26, 2025

Stratcom Ready to Respond to Threats, Needs Nuclear Modernization

U.S. Strategic Command stands ready to respond decisively, whether on the ground, in the air or beneath the seas, testified USSTRATCOM Commander Gen. Anthony Cotton during a scheduled appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron takes off during Red Flag 25-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 13, 2025. Red Flag is an advanced aerial training exercise held several times a year which aims to prepare aircrews for real world combat situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

March 24, 2025

Bomber Barons conclude exercise Red Flag 25-2

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The “Bomber Barons” of the 23rd Bomb Squadron concluded exercise Red Flag 25-2 here, March 21.This iteration of the advanced aerial combat training exercise, which takes place annually at Nellis AFB, featured five B-52H Stratofortress bombers from the 23BS. The bombers deployed from Minot AFB, North Dakota, to participate in the exercise, which began on March 10.