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

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.

Oct. 24, 2023

AFGSC, AFRC, ANG Command Chiefs reinforce commitment to Total Force Integration at 2023 ARC Summit

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — More than 60 senior leaders from across the U.S. Air Force converged on Barksdale AFB to attend AFGSC’s 2023 Air Reserve Component Summit on Aug. 29. The purpose of the event was to reaffirm the continuing relationship that AFGSC has with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command.

Oct. 16, 2023

AFGSC Command Chief introduces developmental opportunities with new Command Chief Shadow Program

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — In an effort to create deliberate developmental opportunities, CMSgt Melvina Smith has introduced her Command Chief Shadow Program to build future leaders by giving them first-hand experience while broadened their mission understanding.

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.

Sept. 29, 2023

Edwards AFB Hosts Hypersonic Weapon Familiarization Training

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Operational crews from B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, and F-15E Strike Eagle units across Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Combat Command participated in hypersonic weapon familiarization training at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 28.

Sept. 28, 2023

USS Louisiana Proves Readiness of Unmatched Strategic Weapons System

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs conducted a scheduled, missile test flight of an unarmed life-extended Trident II (D5LE) missile from USS Louisiana (SSBN-743), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, on the Western Test Range off the coast of San Diego, California, at approximately 2:10 p.m. yesterday. This test marks 191 successful missile launches of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) strategic weapon system (SWS) missile since it began operations in 1989. Trident II missile remains unmatched in its reliability.

Sept. 27, 2023

Malmstrom Airman and Former AFWERX fellow named one of Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — To be named one of the Air Force’s 12 OAY, one’s accomplishments must stand out amongst the other 260,000 enlisted personnel. The criteria include superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. SrA Ryan Hospelhorn checked all those boxes.

Sept. 22, 2023

Robot dogs bring the bark to Barksdale

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — “These robot dogs not only have the potential to save Airmen's lives, but they also serve as a reminder of how valuable your voice is, regardless of rank.”

Sept. 13, 2023

Kirtland Innovation Center: Creative Solutions for Practical Problems

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — The Innovation Center at Kirtland AFB focuses on finding creative solutions for everyday problems and exploring new ways to improve existing practices.