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An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was conducted today, April 19, 2023, at 5:11 a.m. Pacific Time, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The missile used in GT-246 launched in the early hours of the morning with a launch command delivered from the Air Launch Control System on a Navy E-6 TACAMO, which stands for “take charge and move out.” This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred over 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Quijas)

April 19, 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 Navy aircrew launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with one test re-entry vehicle from aboard the Airborne Launch Control System April 19 at 5:11 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.This test launch is part of routine and

From left, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Vice Adm. Tateki Tawara, commander, Fleet Submarine Force; U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Group 7; and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Rear Adm. Su Youl Lee, commander, ROK Navy Submarine Force; pose for a photo aboard a tug boat as they approach the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741), April 18.

April 18, 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.

USSTRATCOM

April 10, 2023

U.S. Strategic Command Commences Annual Nuclear Command and Control Exercise

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — U.S. Strategic Command will commence its annual nuclear command and control exercise, Global Thunder, April 11, 2023.Global Thunder 23 (GT23) involves personnel throughout the strategic enterprise including USSTRATCOM components and subordinate units. The purpose of GT23 is to enhance nuclear readiness and ensure a safe, secure, and reliable

ANDERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (March 23, 2023) Sea Dragon anti-submarine warfare (ASW) competition participants pose for a group photo after the “Dragon Belt” was awarded to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for earning the highest average score all given ASW criteria, March 23. Participating nations include Royal Canadian Air Force, Indian Navy, JMSDF, Republic of Korea Navy, and the United States. Sea Dragon is a U.S.-led, multinational exercise designed to practice and discuss anti-submarine warfare tactics to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tiffany Savoie)

April 6, 2023

Canada, India, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. Complete Multilateral Guam-Based Exercise Sea Dragon 2023

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — The U.S. Navy and four allied and partner nations concluded operations for the annual, multi-national exercise Sea Dragon 2023, March 29.Sea Dragon is a U.S.-led, multinational exercise designed to practice and discuss anti-submarine warfare tactics to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in

BTF missions support national security objectives through the speed, flexibility, and readiness of our strategic bombers.

April 3, 2023

B-52s Deploy to Andersen for Bomber Task Force Deployment

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Over 210 Airmen and four B-52 bombers assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, on March 30th, 2023, conducting Bomber Task Force missions in support of Pacific Air Forces training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces.The BTF operations support USINDOPACOM

Six people dropping shovels into ceremonial earth

April 3, 2023

F.E. Warren breaks ground on new helicopter, TRF facility

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. — Members of multiple agencies and units came together to break ground on the new combined helicopter and tactical response force facility outside the Army Aviation Support Center on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, March 31, 2023.

A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:01 P.M. Pacific Time Feb. 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure allies(U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Landon Gunsauls)

April 3, 2023

Planned Minuteman III test launches validate reliability of ICBM force

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Members of Air Force Global Strike Command’s missile community regularly participate in intercontinental ballistic missile operational test launches, called Glory Trips, to validate the safety, security and reliability of the Minuteman III ICBM force. The next operational test launch, GT 246, is currently scheduled for the third week in April, and planning and preparation for this mission began more than a year in advance.

A group of six women in military uniform walk side-by-side together on an asphalt road.

March 31, 2023

All-women crew controls Montana missile alert facility

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — On March 23, 2023, it happens that the only personnel who manned Alpha 01-MAF were women from the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

A B-52H Stratofortess assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron land at Morón Air Base, Spain, Mar. 22, 2023. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham)

March 30, 2023

Bomber Task Force 23-2: World Famous Bomber Barons Return from Bomber Task Force Europe 23-2

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers and Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, operating out of Morón Air Base, Spain, returned home on March 25, 2023.

Maintainers from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshall a B-1B Lancer into position after it returns from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, March 24, 2023.

March 27, 2023

Raiders at Red Flag 23-2

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The 37th Bomb Squadron from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, participated in Red Flag 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on March 12th-24th, 2023.