News

Feb. 21, 2025

MH-139 completes first IOT&E flight, advancing nuclear security operations

The 582nd Helicopter Group achieved a major milestone in its modernization efforts as the MH-139 Grey Wolf completed its first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations on January 28, 2025.

Feb. 19, 2025

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle Feb. 19 at 1 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.The Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the primary testing

Jan. 16, 2025

91st Missile Wing ushers in a new era of MMIII transporters

– For the past 37 years the Transporter Erector (TE) has been a fundamental piece of equipment for operational readiness of the Minuteman III (MMIII) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. These vital pieces of equipment are responsible for transporting MMIII across vast distances, utilizing public roads to reach strategic locations, and ensuring precise emplacement or removal at launch facilities. Due to maintenance requirements becoming harder to meet with the older model, these units will be replaced with newer, modernized equipment. The 91st Missile Wing is the last unit using the old TE systems, as the Roughriders are regularly relied upon to sunset programs being modernized.

Jan. 15, 2025

U.S., Japan and Republic of Korea forces conduct trilateral flight

Fighter aircraft from Japan & the Republic of Korea conducted a trilateral escort flight of U.S. bombers operating in the Indo-Pacific, Jan. 15, 2025.

Jan. 7, 2025

COMSUBLANT Announces 2024 Battle “E” Winners

USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Blue and Gold crews are COMSUBLANT's ballistic missile submarine winners of the 2024 Battle Efficiency ("E") Competition awards. Noted in bold text, USS Tennessee and other SSBN crews earned multiple awards across the annual competion, designed to strengthen and evaluate both command and overall Force warfighting readiness and recognize outstanding command performance. The criterion for the Battle "E" Award is the overall readiness of a crew to execute its combat mission.

Dec. 30, 2024

SSP Achieves Major Modernization Milestone

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fl. – U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) achieved a major milestone in support of the Navy’s nuclear modernization effort with the validation of Final Operating Capability (FOC) for the Strategic Weapons Systems Ashore (SWS Ashore) facility on Nov. 26.

Dec. 20, 2024

501st Combat Support Wing powers BTF 25-1 mission success

Over the past month the 501st Combat Support Wing (CSW) has hosted the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (EBS) and four U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses as part of Bomber Task Force (BTF) 25-1. During that period, Pathfinders seamlessly provided passenger and cargo movement, inprocessing, outprocessing, lodging, food, equipment, facilities and enabled airfield operations; further cementing the 501st as the go-to unit for European theater BTF support.

Dec. 13, 2024

Bomber Task Force 25-1 advances interoperability with NATO partners and Allies

The 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to RAF Fairford, England, Nov. 4 – Dec. 12, 2024 for Bomber Task Force 25-1.

Dec. 13, 2024

B-52s depart UK following successful Bomber Task Force deployment

Four U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft departed Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Dec. 13 following a successful Bomber Task Force deployment.

Dec. 11, 2024

Kirtland Air Force Base Receives Cutting-Edge Communications System

In April 2024, Kirtland AFB achieved a major milestone with the installation of the Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal at the 377th ABW Command Post. This $600 million Nuclear Command, Control & Communication upgrade modernizes Cold War-era communications equipment, ensuring robust connectivity for nuclear & non-nuclear missions.