News

A B-1B Lancer takes off at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom.

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.

Tech. Sgt. Anthony Tavares, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron light ground vehicle noncommissioned in charge of special purpose vehicle maintenance, inspects oil levels for a flightline snow broom , Sept. 8, 2023, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.

Sept. 20, 2023

28th LRS vehicle maintenance flight “winterizes” Ellsworth through the Summer Rebuild Program

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — As the summer months dwindle and winter months quickly approach, the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron has begun gearing up their vehicle maintenance flight by implementing the annual Summer Rebuild Program (SRP).

Sept. 12, 2023

DMOC hosts "Virtual Flag" exercise

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — The Distributed Mission Operations Center located at Kirtland Air Force Base, hosted its joint Virtual Flag exercise Aug. 25-29, 2023.

A woman in a ceremonial uniform stands with a rifle in a field of grass.

Aug. 28, 2023

Malmstrom Airman named Air Force Honor Guardsman of the Year

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — Senior Airman Alaura Tapia-Caballero, one of the countless guardsmen who live by the honor guard mantra “Nameless and Selfless Service,” recently stepped out of the anonymity when she set herself apart for her dignitary service and was named 2022’s U.S. Air Force Honor Guardsman of the Year.

Four military members in uniform pose for a group photo

Aug. 22, 2023

JCO hosts USSTRATCOM Commander

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, United States Strategic Command commander, met with U.S. Army Elizabeth Helland, Joint Task Force-Space Defense deputy commander, U.S. Space Force Capt. Carl Poole, JTF-SD Commercial Operations Cell (JCO) site lead, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Rishi Patel, Air Force Research Lab’s DRAGON Army program manager, at the JCO personnel at the facility in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 27, 2023. The JCO is an extension of the National Space Defense Center operations floor, and it leverages best-of-breed commercial providers to deliver diverse, timely Space Domain Awareness (SDA) in direct support of the NSDC’s core protect and defend mission. (U.S Space Force photo by Dennis Rogers)

Airman 1st Class Noah China, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, cranks a lever at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 3, 2023. China helped his team transport weapons systems and load them onto a B-52H Stratofortress during the Global Strike Challenge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson)

Aug. 8, 2023

5AMXS competes in 2023 Global Strike Challenge

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — The 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron competed in the Global Strike Challenge here, Aug. 2-4. The Global Strike Challenge is an annual competition between units in Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and the Air National Guard consisting of several events assessing innovative thinking, teamwork, and competencies central to the AFGSC mission.

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.

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

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 large group of military members in uniform stand in formation in front of the tails of two helicopters.

June 30, 2023

Gen. Cotton awards 2022 Omaha Trophy to 40th Helicopter Squadron

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — The 40th Helicopter Squadron flew to the top this year as the best intercontinental ballistic missile squadron for which they were awarded the 2022 Omaha Trophy on June 28, 2023 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.