Nov. 3, 2023

Directors from National Laboratories immerse in Global Strike mission

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Minot AFB and Whiteman AFB hosted senior officials representing national laboratories and academic institutions, providing them the opportunity to immerse with the mission and weapons systems of the nuclear enterprise, Oct. 17-19, 2023.

Oct. 31, 2023

Turkish Air Force integrates with U.S. Bombers in long-planned mission

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye — U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron arrived Tuesday, at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, for a historic hot-pit refuel as part of a long-planned bomber task force mission.

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.

Oct. 27, 2023

U.S. B-1B Lancers conduct vital Bomber Task Force mission in Eastern Europe

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas currently deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, undertook a comprehensive Bomber Task Force mission, collaborating closely with fighter jets from NATO Allies Czech Republic and Hungary over eastern Europe October 26, 2023. The aircraft also conducted a flight over Mihail Kogalniceanu “MK” Airbase Romania signifying unwavering support. The flyby stands as a powerful demonstration of the shared values and mutual alliance, contributing to the reinforcement of NATO’s unity. “Today’s Bomber Task Force mission serves as another testament to our unwavering dedication to Allies and partners, showcasing our collective capacity to strategize, execute, and synchronize seamlessly together.,” said Gen. James Hecker commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces in Africa and NATO Allied Air Command. The B-1 Lancers successfully carried out the long-planned mission showcasing the expansive global capabilities of these aircraft. Collaborative mission with NATO countries, highlight the collective unity of the Alliance, while underscoring their commitment to maintain peace in the region. Bomber Task force missions showcase the U.S. capability to efficiently and lead and oversee its bomber fleet for global missions, further solidifying the commitment to both NATO and U.S. National Defense Strategy. Information and imagery related to the latest deployment can be found on the USAFE-AFAFRICA website at https://www.usafe.af.mil and on DVIDS at https://dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope

Oct. 24, 2023

AFGSC, AFRC, ANG Command Chiefs reinforce commitment to Total Force Integration at 2023 ARC Summit

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — More than 60 senior leaders from across the U.S. Air Force converged on Barksdale AFB to attend AFGSC’s 2023 Air Reserve Component Summit on Aug. 29. The purpose of the event was to reaffirm the continuing relationship that AFGSC has with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command.

Oct. 16, 2023

AFGSC Command Chief introduces developmental opportunities with new Command Chief Shadow Program

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — In an effort to create deliberate developmental opportunities, CMSgt Melvina Smith has introduced her Command Chief Shadow Program to build future leaders by giving them first-hand experience while broadened their mission understanding.

Oct. 12, 2023

U.S. B-1B Lancers arrive in the UK for BTF 24-1

RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom — More than 100 Airmen and B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Thursday for Bomber Task Force-Europe 24-1. The long-planned European BTF deployment provides U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure Allies and partners, while also deterring potential adversary aggression throughout Europe and across the globe. “In today's challenging and dynamic security environment, the significance of these missions cannot be overemphasized,” said Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Command. “We're not only demonstrating our commitment to collective defense but also strengthening our ability to respond to potential challenges. This underscores the enduring commitment of the United States to our Allies and partners.” U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa routinely hosts and supports a variety of U.S. Air Force aircraft and units for training aligned with U.S. European Command objectives. Operating a variety of aircraft and units in Europe helps maintain a ready and postured force prepared to support regional and global operations. “We’re excited about building and solidifying critical partnerships throughout the region and demonstrating the ability to hold potential adversaries at risk at anytime, anywhere in the world,” said Lt. Col. Philip Atkinson, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations. Information and imagery related to the latest deployment can be found on the USAFE-AFAFRICA website at https://www.usafe.af.mil and on DVIDS at https://dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.

Oct. 4, 2023

7th BW rolls out first BEAST-modified B-1B

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — The 7th Bomb Wing’s first B-1 Embracing Agile Scheduling Team modified B-1B Lancer took its first flight September 8, 2023, from Dyess AFB marking a new era of lethality for the venerable aircraft. BEAST was designed to shorten fielding of each system, preserve aircraft availability and ensure compliance with federal government aviation directives.

Sept. 29, 2023

Edwards AFB Hosts Hypersonic Weapon Familiarization Training

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Operational crews from B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, and F-15E Strike Eagle units across Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Combat Command participated in hypersonic weapon familiarization training at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 28.

Sept. 27, 2023

Malmstrom Airman and Former AFWERX fellow named one of Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — To be named one of the Air Force’s 12 OAY, one’s accomplishments must stand out amongst the other 260,000 enlisted personnel. The criteria include superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. SrA Ryan Hospelhorn checked all those boxes.