News

Three B-52 Stratofortress bombers sit on the ramp at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 31, 2023. The B-52s are at Nellis in support of the Weapons School Integration exercise. The U.S. Air Force Weapons School teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers and enlisted specialists of the combat and mobility air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

Aug. 3, 2023

B-52 Operational Test and Weapons School form “Super Squadron”

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — In an effort to expand operational test and accelerate capability to the warfighter, the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron and 340th Weapons Squadron have come together to form an integrated team focused on testing and developing tactics for un-fielded B-52 Stratofortress systems.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luciano Battalini, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion specialist, services a B-1B Lancer’s gear box at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 20, 2023.

July 27, 2023

Raider Maintainers Generate Red Flag Airpower

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Wrenches turning, engines running and scattered voices fill the air on the flightline. Constant movement and an effort-by-all ensure the B-1B Lancers, assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, are mission-ready at Red Flag-Nellis 23-3.

July 27, 2023

U.S. Strategic Command Announces 2023 Gen. Larry D. Welch Deterrence Writing Award Winners

Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. — U.S. Strategic Command announced the 2023 Gen. Larry D. Welch Writing Awards winners today, highlighting exceptional research and analysis in deterrence. United States Strategic Command sponsors the competition, named after former Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force Gen. Larry D. Welch, which recognizes a senior and junior researcher whose paper demonstrates outstanding understanding and innovative ideas on deterrence.

U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) officially stood up the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Operations Center (JEC) during a ceremony at USSTRATCOM today. The JEC will serve as the heart of the Department of Defense's Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations with the primary goal of restructuring accounts for force management, planning, situation monitoring, decision-making, and force direction.

July 26, 2023

U.S. Strategic Command Stands Up Joint EMS Operations Center

Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. — U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) officially stood up the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Operations Center (JEC) during a ceremony at USSTRATCOM today. The JEC will serve as the heart of the Department of Defense's Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations with the primary goal of restructuring accounts for force management, planning, situation monitoring, decision-making, and force direction

July 21, 2023

Delivering assurance: tri-bombers sync efforts in Alaska frontier

All three Air Force bombers arrived to Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson, Alaska for joint missions July 18-19.

Master Sgt. Britni Burnette (right), 90th Operations Group first sergeant, talks with Airman Jenna Lawson (left), 90th Operations Support Squadron commander’s support staff, on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, May 5, 2023. Burnette’s efforts as 90 OG first sergeant earned her the Air Force Global Strike Command’s award for “Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

July 20, 2023

AFGSC First Sergeant of the Year: Putting on the diamond to serve others

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. — In case you missed it, Master Sgt. Britni Burnette, a distinguished first sergeant in the 90th Operations Group, earned Air Force Global Strike Command’s award for “Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year” earlier this year. Throughout her tenure as a first sergeant, Burnette demonstrated exemplary performance, providing expert advice to one group and five squadron commanders, thereby upholding morale, welfare, and discipline, according to the award narrative. Her guidance maximized the readiness and lethality of the 444 Airmen responsible for delivering intercontinental ballistic missile nuclear deterrence for the United States. One of the key aspects of a first sergeant’s role is ensuring the welfare and readiness of Airmen, according to Burnette. They act as trusted advisors and advocates, addressing personal and professional challenges faced by service members. By providing guidance, resources and support, first sergeants help Airmen navigate the complexities of military life, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the unit.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 5th Maintenance Group performs routine maintenance on a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron during a Bomber Task Force deployment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 9, 2023. BTF deployments like this enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

July 19, 2023

Minot Airmen maintain aircraft, ensure readiness during Bomber Task Force deployment

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM — Approximately 150 Airmen assigned to the 5th Maintenance Group at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, including avionics specialists, crew chiefs, and aerospace ground equipment specialists, accompanied the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron on their most recent Bomber Task Force deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The maintenance team is responsible for nose to tail care of four B-52Hs for the duration of the BTF deployment, performing extremely technical, high-stakes tasks every day and every night.

Airmen from the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron pose for a group photo at a missile site at Minot Air Force Base, July 10, 2023. These Airmen helped load a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in just 18 hours for Operation Bullystick. Operation Bullystick was held to test agile combat employment concepts. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Trust Tate)

July 17, 2023

Operation Bully Stick

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — On July 10, 2023, the 91st Missile Wing kicked off Operation Bully Stick, which generated the largest missile movement in 10 years. Operation Bully Stick is an operation in which the 91st MW aims to load an intercontinental ballistic missile into a launch facility as safely, efficiently, and quickly as possible. For Operation Bully Stick, Team Minot set out to demonstrate ICBM agile combat employment with rapid nuclear generation capability in support of CDRUSSTRATCOM while integrating total force support.

July 14, 2023

Minot Airman recognized as AFGSC NCO of the Year

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — Humbleness, accountability, empathy, teachability, emotional intelligence. These are the qualities that Tech. Sgt. Jennel Edwards, an evaluator for the 91st Security Forces Group, says an effective noncommissioned officer must possess. Air Force Global Strike Command recently recognized Edwards as the NCO of the Year for 2022.

July 11, 2023

Minot combat crew comm team maintains security during Indo-Pacific deployment

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Whether training at home or supporting Bomber Task Force operations abroad, Airmen aboard 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortresses carry sensitive communication codes that are vital to mission accomplishment.