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Senior Airman William Oskay, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, prepares to transfer a MK-62 Quickstrike naval mine in support of a training exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Aug. 25, 2021. The MK-62 mine is a shallow water aircraft laid mine used primarily against surface and subsurface water craft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob B. Wrightsman)

Aug. 31, 2021

2nd AMXS loads naval mines in support of training mission

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Senior Airman William Oskay, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, prepares to transfer a MK-62 Quickstrike naval mine in support of a training exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Aug. 25, 2021. The MK-62 mine is a shallow water aircraft laid mine used primarily against surface and subsurface water craft. (U.S.

Leaders from U.S. Strategic Command, Strategic Command Consultation Committee and Airmen from the 96th Bomb Squadron pose for a photo with the Omaha Trophy at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, March 30, 2021. The Omaha Trophy is awarded each year to various units in recognition of outstanding support to USSTRATCOM's strategic deterrence mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob B. Wrightsman)

April 1, 2021

96th BS awarded the Omaha Trophy

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — For their efforts in support of U.S. Strategic Command’s mission of global strategic deterrence, the 96th Bomb Squadron has been presented the Omaha Trophy by Adm. Charles Richard, USSTRATCOM commander, March 30, 2021. Awarded to units across the command who excel in their respective roles of strategic deterrence, the Omaha Trophy was presented to the 96th as USSTRATCOM’s 2020 premier strategic bomber squadron, the first bomb squadron to ever be presented the award.

An Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operation test at 11:49 p.m. PT Feb. 23, 2021, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Feb. 24, 2021

Minuteman III test launch demonstrates safe, reliable deterrent

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Ca. — A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:47 p.m. Pacific Time Feb. 23 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.The test demonstrates that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., prepares to land at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India, Feb. 1, 2021. Aero India is an ideal forum to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment and ultimately contribute toward compatibility and interoperability with other countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christina Bennett)

Feb. 4, 2021

U.S. B-1B Lancer debuts at Aero India 2021

YELAHANKA AIR FORCE STATION, BENGALURU, INDIA — The government-sponsored Aero India 2021, Asia's largest trade show opened its doors at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru Feb. 3, ushering in foreign delegates and representatives from more than 60 countries and 500 defense industry companies.

A B-1B Lancer with a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) flies in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, Nov. 20. The flight was a demonstration of the B-1B’s external weapons carriage capabilities. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

Nov. 24, 2020

Global Power Bomber CTF conducts B-1B external captive carry demonstration

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California — The B-1B Lancer’s expanded carriage capabilities comes one step closer to fruition following an external captive carry flight over the skies of Edwards Air Force Base, California, Nov. 20.

The “Spirit of Pennsylvania” B-2 bomber during a previous programmed depot maintenance stay at Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, Jan. 26, 2010. The aircraft is currently finishing up its current PDM at the Northrop Grumman facility at the plant before flying to its new home with the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California. (Photo courtesy of Alan Radecki/Northrop Grumman)

Sept. 29, 2020

Plant 42 gears up “Spirit of Pennsylvania” for next mission

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California — The “Spirit of Pennsylvania” B-2 stealth bomber will soon call Edwards Air Force Base, California, its new home, as it becomes the 412th Test Wing’s test platform for B-2 flight testing.

An Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at 12:21 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time 4 August 2020, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. ICBM test launches demonstrate the U.S. nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and ready to defend the United States and its allies. ICBMs provide the U.S. and its allies the necessary deterrent capability to maintain freedom to operate and navigate globally in accordance with international laws and norms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hanah Abercrombie)

Aug. 4, 2020

Unarmed Minuteman III test launched: Missile launched from Airborne Navy aircraft

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Navy sailors launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with three test reentry vehicles from aboard the Airborne Launch Control System at 12:21 a.m. Pacific Time Aug. 4 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.The test demonstrates that the United

May 28, 2020

Air Force Global Strike Command’s innovation hub ‘STRIKEWERX’ now open for business

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command launched STRIKEWERX May 28, a new national innovation hub serving as the command’s store front for connecting with industry and academia, finding solutions to the command’s challenges and coming up with innovative ideas to shape the future. Originally planned to be an in-person grand opening earlier in the year, the

May 12, 2020

Ellsworth B-1s return to European Theater as part of latest BTF mission

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth conducted a second long-range strategic Bomber Task Force mission in the European theater that included key interactions with U.S. assets as well as Danish and Polish forces May 11, 2020.

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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Wear)

April 30, 2020

Minuteman III test launch on schedule, mission ready amid pandemic

F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. — There is no question about it - the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission is a unique portion of the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) nuclear enterprise. Even as the nation is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the nuclear mission requires a 24/7/365 work force that is always ready and reliable.Operational tests of unarmed Minuteman