News

Global Strike Challenge

Nov. 9, 2023

AFGSC names 2023 Global Strike Challenge winners

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command announced the winners of Global Strike Challenge 2023 at the multi-month competition’s capstone event Nov. 8.

A KC-135 Stratotanker prepares to refuel a B-1 Lancer.

Nov. 8, 2023

B-1 Lancer Reinforces Security Commitment in CENTCOM

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION — A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Birmingham, Alabama, prepares to refuel a B-1B Lancer from the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in an undisclosed location on Nov. 5, 2023.

People-first, mission-always. This concept of leadership has set a firm foundation for Master Sgt. Shamir Moore, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron senior enlisted leader, since nervously accepting the opportunity to become an SEL in March 2022 and further during Bomber Task Force mission 24-1. “I’ve had almost every level of toxic leadership in my career,” said Moore. “The most toxic leadership I’ve ever faced was if our NCO had a bad day at work or home, it transferred over to work and it got to the point of having the Airmen becoming afraid to talk to him or bring anything up.” Moore took his negative experiences with toxic leadership to apply resiliency in his life, to be welcoming and open to let every Airman know he is there to talk through any issues they may be facing. “My job is to take care of not only the Airmen but also the officers," said Moore. “Meaning I ensure their quality of life because when you're thinking about personal issues, it transfers to work where you can't process things and focus on your work.” Moore says his dedication to providing a higher quality of life for those around him is because of a people-first, mission-always mindset. When you take care of your people, your people will always take care of the mission. “During the BTF, he’s been extremely easy to talk to and very helpful,” said Airman 1st Class Marissa Adkison, 9th EBS weather forecaster. “Early in the deployment, Moore was able to help us adjust to the new environment as we were settling into the BTF workflow and it’s been easier since.” Moore's commitment to a positive work environment led him to reflect on his role as the SEL and his career. “I feel great about being the SEL,” said Moore. “I love the job, the squadron and our current leadership ensuring a higher quality of life for our Airmen. I keep doing this job because it’s the people around me. I’ve been in for over 20 years of service and the Airmen are why I want to stay and continue the job.”

Nov. 8, 2023

People-first, mission-always

RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom — This concept of leadership has set a firm foundation for Master Sgt. Shamir Moore, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron senior enlisted leader, since nervously accepting the opportunity to become an SEL in March 2022 and further during Bomber Task Force mission 24-1.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III

Nov. 6, 2023

WWII airpower legend receives honorary promotion to Colonel

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — At 100 years old, World War II and Korean War airpower legend U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III., one of the nation’s first African American fighter pilots with the famed Tuskegee Airmen, received an honorary promotion to the rank of colonel.

2nd Maintenance Squadron maintainers pose for a photo with retired Senior Master Sgt. John McNeece at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., October 18, 2023. McNeece served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1975 and worked as a maintainer when the B-52 was first introduced. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seth Watson)

Nov. 6, 2023

Iconic B-52 and veteran reunite at Barksdale Air Force Base

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – — The 2nd Bomb Wing recently welcomed back a 95-year-old retired Air Force engine mechanic whose story intertwines with the enduring legacy of Barksdale’s premiere bomber, the B-52H.

Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, 8th Air Force and Joint Global Strike Operations Center commander, tours the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, along with directors and leaders representing National Laboratories, Oct. 20, 2023. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) commander, invited directors for an immersion in the weapons system and mission of AFGSC bases while interacting with the Airmen who operate the nuclear enterprise. As critically important partners of AFGSC, the laboratories develop technologies critical to the U.S. and its future forces -- both nuclear and conventional. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John E. Hillier)

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.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Nathan Atkinson, 509th Maintenance Group Air Force repair enhancement program technician, solders a board at Whiteman AFB, Mo., Oct. 31, 2023. AFREP engineers solutions for inefficient processes and damaged equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Robert Hicks)

Oct. 31, 2023

AFREP: Engineering Innovation

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — Replacing equipment can cost the U.S. Air Force a pretty penny each year, which is why Airmen are encouraged to repair it whenever possible. The Air Force Repair Enhancement Program (AFREP) at Whiteman Air Force Base saves the Air Force over $1.2 million annually. The 509th Bomb Wing’s AFREP section has multiple certified technicians dedicated to repairing broken equipment, ranging from basic office equipment to B-2 Spirit stealth bomber parts. “We are the local repair facility for condemned and non-procurable assets slated for disposal,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathan Atkinson, 509th Maintenance Group AFREP technician. “Our Mission is to save the Air Force time and money and sustain capabilities through specialized repairs.” Last fiscal year, AFREP saved Whiteman AFB over $1 million by repairing items that were slated to be thrown away and saved work centers over $200 thousand more through repairs to their equipment. AFREP not only repairs equipment but also engineers new equipment and provides solutions to problems on base. “One of the jobs we are currently working on involves designing a portable test station for the Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems shop to test emergency oxygen systems bottles,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Stephen Mayo, 509th MXG AFREP technician. “The current setup serves its purpose but it limits where the task can be completed.” The redesign of the test station supports the Electrical and Environmental Systems shop’s capabilities, allowing them to safely test the bottles anywhere, anytime. AFREP can assist units across the installation by improving processes or fixing equipment. “If you are experiencing a problem or if you have an idea that can improve how your office completes a task, contact us,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joel Markham 509th MXG AFREP technician. “We can assist with fixing your problems and helping your ideas take form.” AFREP can be contacted at 660-687-3645, or they accept walk-ins at their shop in the Civil Engineering complex, building 709, room 107.

Airmen from the 705th Munitions Squadron transport AGM-86B ALCMs during Exercise Prairie Vigilance 24-1 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Oct. 23, 2023. Prairie Vigilance was conducted with a focus on the safe and secure handling of assets and capabilities that comprise the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trust Tate)

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.

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.

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