News

April 22, 2020

Ellsworth B-1 plays key role in US, Japan bomber-fighter integration operations

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — In a demonstration of the U.S. Air Force’s dynamic force employment model, a B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron launched from Ellsworth and integrated with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) to conduct bilateral and theater familiarization training near Japan April 22.

Boeing Company contractors assembling a missile.

April 6, 2020

1960s: Minuteman ICBM mission arrives at Hill AFB

The year 1960 opened a decade of unprecedented technological competition. This is no light statement considering the advancements made in the previous decade, during which the U.S. Air Force transitioned to jet engines and began the development of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

A man wearing a suit sits at a table between two men wearing military uniforms.Behind them is a sign that reads, “The Pentagon - Washington.”

March 24, 2020

Esper Lists DOD's Top Priorities During COVID-19 Pandemic

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper, Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramon "CZ" Colon-Lopez hosted a virtual town hall meeting from the Pentagon on the DOD's COVID-19 response.

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during a developmental test at 12:33 a.m. Pacific Time Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Feb. 20, 2020

USSTRATCOM Tests All Three Legs of the Nuclear Triad

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) showcased its ability to conduct coordinated, worldwide operations, reassure partners and allies, and accomplish its primary mission of global strategic deterrence with the conclusion of a series of operational events and tests of the nuclear triad, Feb. 12.USSTRATCOM coordinated these strategic opportunities

Security Forces Airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, pose in front of a B-2 Spirit Bomber at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, August 28, 2019, during a hot-pit refueling. Hot-pit refueling is a method of refueling an aircraft without shutting down the engines. This is the B-2s first time landing in Iceland. Forward locations like Iceland enhance the collective defense capabilities of both the U.S. and NATO allies.

Feb. 11, 2020

The Year of the Defender Improved Career Field Capabilities

ARLINGTON, Va. — As we move forward into the New Year, I’d like to reflect upon the past, “Year of the Defender” and how this critical initiative equipped our Defenders to be more lethal and more ready. The increased investment in training, resourcing and equipment provided the career field with a spark that will continue to deliver capabilities to our Defenders for years to come.

U.S. Navy Adm. Charles “Chas” Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), speaks to his key staff on the battle deck of USSTRATCOM’s command and control facility (C2F) during Exercise Global Lightning 20 at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Jan. 30, 2020. Global Lightning is an annual command and control exercise that employs global operations in coordination with other combatant commands, services, U.S. government agencies, and allies to deter, detect and, if necessary, defeat strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. This is the first major exercise USSTRATCOM conducted entirely from the C2F, the command’s newest weapon system that enables it to connect to national leadership, all three legs of the triad, and other platforms key to executing operations.

Jan. 31, 2020

Global Lightning 20: USSTRATCOM supports fellow combatant commands through battle staff-focused exercise from new C2F

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — United States Strategic Command effectively executed command and control and battle staff roles, responsibilities, and objectives during Global Lightning 20.

Jan. 23, 2020

U.S. Strategic Command Conducts Exercise Global Lightning

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) commenced Exercise Global Lightning 2020 today, an annual command post and battle staff exercise designed to train Department of Defense forces and assess joint operational readiness across all of USSTRATCOM's mission areas. The exercise provides training opportunities for USSTRATCOM headquarters staff and

Dec. 20, 2019

With the stroke of a pen, U.S. Space Force becomes a reality

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — President Trump signed into law Dec. 20 the sprawling, $738 billion defense bill, making history by creating the Space Force as a stand-alone, sixth branch of the U.S. military and guaranteeing for the first time 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers.

Nov. 26, 2019

Karbler confirmed to lead U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — Maj. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and for assignment as commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.The promotion and subsequent Change of Command is currently scheduled for Dec. 6, at Redstone Arsenal.Currently serving

U.S. Navy Adm. Charles A. Richard accepts the U.S. Strategic Command guidon from Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist as he assumes command of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) during a change of command ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Nov. 18, 2019. Richard comes to USSTRATCOM after serving as the commander of Submarine Forces; commander of Submarine Force Atlantic and commander of Allied Submarine Command at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. USSTRATCOM has global responsibilities assigned through the Unified Command Plan that include strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations, global strike, missile defense, and analysis and targeting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Cunningham)

Nov. 18, 2019

Admiral Richard takes the helm, leads U.S. Strategic Command into the future

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — U.S. Navy Adm. Charles “Chas” A. Richard took command of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) from U.S. Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten during a change of command ceremony at the USSTRATCOM Command and Control Facility today.As a former deputy commander of USSTRATCOM, Richard understands the responsibilities of the command and its mission, and is a