An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ArticleCS - Article View

News | May 16, 2014

Successful end to U.S. Strategic Command Exercise Global Lightning 14

U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – U.S. Strategic Command conducted its annual exercise Global Lightning 14 from May 12-16 in coordination with other combatant commands, services, and appropriate U.S. government agencies to exercise its ability to deter and detect strategic attacks against the U.S. and its allies. Exercise Global Lightning 14 has been in planning for more than a year and was based on a notional scenario.

"Global Lightning 14 provided an invaluable opportunity to test and validate command and control procedures for U.S. Strategic Command and its subordinate units," said Adm. Cecil Haney, commander, U.S.Strategic Command. "The units demonstrated their preparedness and ability to use strategic capabilities to deter, dissuade and defeat current and future threats to the U.S. and our allies."

The exercise was designed to challenge and validate the responsiveness and flexibility of U.S. strategic military capabilities assigned to U.S. Strategic Command by the President of the United States. Integral to operational readiness, the exercise showcased the agility of U.S. space and cyber forces to defend U.S. equities and partner with allies in responding to uncertainties. Though no unit's real-world alert status changed because of the exercise, throughout the week, strategic forces, including strategic bombers and ballistic missile submarines, honed their skills in planning, generating and executing their deterrent mission.

"The men and women involved in the exercise provided exceptional support during a challenging scenario. Our success is measured by our ability to hone our capabilities and prepare for uncertain environments. I'm proud to lead such a focused and innovative team," said Haney. "I can say with full confidence that U.S. Strategic Command remains capable and ready to meet our assigned missions."

For more information, contact USSTRATCOM Public Affairs, (402) 294-4130, or via email: pa@stratcom.mil