News

An undated artist rendering of an LGM-35A Sentinel. (Courtesy illustration)

Feb. 17, 2026

Delivering deterrence: Sentinel restructure to complete in 2026; initial capability timeline set

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — The U.S. Air Force rolled out its plan for the LGM-35A Sentinel program, which will deliver the nation’s next-generation, modernized, land-based nuclear deterrent to America’s warfighters.

The engagement allowed Meink to assess how 90 MW Airmen maintain readiness now while preparing facilities and processes for future intercontinental ballistic missile modernization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

Jan. 22, 2026

SECAF Visits F.E. Warren AFB

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. — Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Jan. 21, 2026, to assess the readiness, sustainment, and modernization efforts supporting the land-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad.

A U.S. Air Force MH-139A Grey Wolf assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducts its first operational mission at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Jan. 8, 2026. The aircraft modernizes the land-based leg of the nuclear triad by delivering increased speed and extended range as it begins to take over duties from the long-serving UH-1N Huey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

Jan. 13, 2026

MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete first operational ICBM convoy security mission

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy Jan. 8, marking an important milestone in the modernization of AFGSC’s nuclear security operations.

U.S. Navy Adm. Rich Correll (left), is shown the interior of a B-52H Stratofortress' cockpit by two 69th Bomb Squadron aircrew members.

Dec. 18, 2025

Team Minot showcases two legs of the nuclear triad to new U.S. Strategic Command leadership team

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — On the second stop of their first field visit as U.S. Strategic Command's new command team, Adm. Rich Correll, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann, command senior enlisted leader, recently got a firsthand look at the Airmen and mission of Minot AFB, North Dakota.

People walking out of a building.

Dec. 18, 2025

New U.S. Strategic Command leadership team visits Malmstrom AFB, underscores nuclear deterrence mission

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — For their first official base visit, Adm. Rich Correll, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and Command Sgt Maj. JoAnn Naumann, command senior enlisted leader, recently connected with Malmstrom AFB warfighters in the field for a firsthand look at their critical role in national security.

A B-52 lands on a runway.

Dec. 10, 2025

B-52 Stratofortress completes ferry flight after radar modification

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — A B-52 Stratofortress, equipped with a modernized radar system, completed a significant milestone as part of the B-52 Radar Modernization Program, ensuring the bomber remains a vital component of U.S. airpower.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine presents command of U.S. Strategic Command to Adm. Rich Correll on behalf of the President during a change of command ceremony in the USSTRATCOM.

Dec. 5, 2025

Adm. Rich Correll takes the helm of U.S. Strategic Command

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – U.S. Navy Adm. Richard “Rich” A. Correll relieved U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton as commander of U.S. Strategic Command during a ceremony today at the command’s headquarters here.

A BTF 26-1 Graphic

Nov. 24, 2025

Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1 concludes, demonstrating global reach and Allied integration

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany. — U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft departed Spain, Nov. 24, returning to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and concluding Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1, a two-week deployment exercising the U.S. Air Force’s ability to project power globally. During the deployment, the B-52 aircrews executed a series of complex, high-end training scenarios with Allies and partners across the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

Airmen assigned to the 5th Security Forces Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, watch a B-52H Stratofortress take off as part of Exercise Global Thunder 26 at Minot AFB, North Dakota, Oct. 26, 2025. Global Thunder is an annual command and control exercise designed to train U.S. Strategic Command Forces and assess joint operational readiness.

Nov. 17, 2025

Global Strike Airmen strengthen strategic readiness during Global Thunder 26

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — Global Thunder 26 (GT26), the latest iteration of U.S. Strategic Command’s annual field training and command and control exercise, concluded Oct. 26 here. While Exercise GT26 occurred at multiple locations, Minot AFB supported activities amongst two bomb wings and a missile wing accounting for two thirds of the U.S. nuclear triad.

An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 01:35 a.m Pacific Time Nov. 5, 2025, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. ICBM systems require regular testing to verify system performance and identify any potential issues. Data gathered from Glory Trip 254 helps to identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring the continued accuracy and reliability of the ICBM force.(U.S. Space Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Draeke Layman)

Nov. 5, 2025

GT 254: AFGSC validates reliability, readiness of ICBM force with Minuteman III test launch

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — AFGSC conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg SFB, Calif., on Nov. 5, 2025. This test, designated GT 254, evaluated the ongoing reliability, operational readiness & accuracy of the ICBM system, a cornerstone of America's national defense.