News

A missile is launched out of the ground.

Feb. 19, 2025

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 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

Airmen assigned to the 91st Missile Wing welcome a transporter erector back from performing maintenance on a Minuteman III ICBM at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Jan. 15, 2025. The old models of the transporter erector have been in use for 37 years and will soon be replaced by newer models that can continue to support missile maintenance and readiness more effectively. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Miller)

Jan. 16, 2025

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

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — – 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.

Two U.S. B-1B Lancers are escorted by two Republic of Korea Air Force F-15Ks Slam Eagles and two Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2s in airspace between South Korea and Japan, Jan. 15, 2025. The increasingly steady and sophisticated trilateral interoperability of the three nations’ aerial and maritime forces strengthens their collective deterrence and defense postures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Serrano)

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.

U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) sails the Norwegian Sea, June 23, 2024. The boat's Blue and Gold crews are COMSUBLANT's winners of the 2024 Battle "E" Award, recognizing the overall readiness of a crew to execute its combat mission.

Jan. 7, 2025

COMSUBLANT Announces 2024 Battle “E” Winners

NORFOLK, Va. — 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.

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. (U.S. Navy photo by Matt Vilk/Released)

Dec. 30, 2024

SSP Achieves Major Modernization Milestone

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fl. — 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

RAF FAIRFORD, England — 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.

Operations Airmen from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron stand together in front of a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1 Dec. 4, 2024, at RAF Fairford, England. BTF missions familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant command areas of operations to enable strategic access and integration with coalition forces in an effort to deter global conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

Dec. 13, 2024

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

RAF FAIRFORD, England — 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

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

MILSTAR satellite sits atop trestle structure, Dec. 9, on Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. This satellite is a part of the NC3 Weapon System and strengthens the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command’s ability to execute USSTRATCOM missions, delivering critical real-time data and supporting Joint All Domain Command and Control initiatives. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Donnell Schroeter)

Dec. 11, 2024

Kirtland Air Force Base Receives Cutting-Edge Communications System

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — 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.

Dec. 10, 2024

Legacy Renewed: Activation of the 24th Helicopter Squadron

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — Maxwell Air Force Base marked a historic moment on December 6, 2024, with the activation of the 24th Helicopter Squadron. Presiding official for the activation ceremony and assumption of command, Col. Lane Cook, commander of the 58th Operations Group, took a few minutes to discuss the importance of the ceremony.