News

Men in suits stand behind a missile

May 30, 2025

Air Force, NNSA complete assembly of first B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb ahead of schedule

AMARILLO, Texas — U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced May 19, 2025, at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, that the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) has completed the manufacture of the first B61-13 gravity bomb, the latest modification to the B61 family of nuclear weapons. The first unit was assembled almost a year before the original target date and less than two years after the program was first announced, making the B61-13 one of the most rapidly developed and fielded weapons since the Cold War.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, (left) prepares to present to Lt. Col. Nicholas Conover, Site Activation Task Force Detachment 12 commander, (middle) the Detachment 12 guidon at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 21, 2025. SATAF detachments are tasked with laying the groundwork for Sentinel support operations by overseeing and coordinating transition and deployment activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

May 30, 2025

Minot AFB continues nuclear modernization with Detachment 12 activation

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, activated Sentinel Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) Detachment 12 during a ceremony here, May 21, 2025. The event marked a crucial step in preparing the base’s infrastructure to support the establishment of the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system, which will replace the LGM-35A Minuteman III ICBM system currently stationed across the continental United States.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 92nd and 141st Air Refueling Wings perform a simulated alert response during a Nuclear Staff Assistant Visit at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 20, 2025. The Nuclear Staff Assistance Visit is a total force readiness exercise which assesses the proficiency and abilities of both Fairchild and McConnell AFB’s Airmen, continuing to maximize their capabilities that support the future fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha Thorn)

May 29, 2025

Team Fairchild showcases readiness during NSAV exercise

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. — Airmen assigned to the 22nd, 92nd, 141st Air Refueling Wings demonstrated rapid global mobility and nuclear readiness during a Nuclear Staff Assistant Visit exercise held May 18-22 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The worldwide reach and strategic capabilities of U.S. Strategic Command's long-range bomber force relies on timely global air refueling support and its ability to be delivered under high-stakes conditions.

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, B-2 Spirit and B-1B Lancer bombers led a seven-ship dissimilar bomber/fighter formation over Miami Beach, Fla., May 24, 2025, as seen in this screen capture from an Air Force Global Strike Command video published by Staff Sgt. Bailee Darbasie.

May 24, 2025

AFGSC unveils first tri-bomber/fighter formation

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Air Force Global Strike Command recently unveiled the first-ever demonstration tri-bomber/fighter formation during the Hyundai Air and Sea Show over Miami Beach, Florida.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off in support of Bomber Task Force Europe (BTF) at Morón Air Base, Spain, May 23, 2025. BTF missions familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant command areas of operations to enable strategic access and integration with coalition forces in an effort to deter global conflict.

May 23, 2025

B-52 executes MIGHTY RHINO, integrating with African partners

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to Bomber Task Force Europe executed mission MIGHTY RHINO on May 23, integrating with African partner forces in Morocco.

a missile in the dark night sky, white ethereal clouds surrounding it

May 21, 2025

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — A joint team of AFGSC Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle May 21 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg SFB, Calif.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron taxis after landing in support of Bomber Task Force Europe (BTF) at Morón Air Base, Spain, May 20, 2025. This deployment demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s ability to operate from flexible, dispersed locations while maintaining strategic reach and precision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

May 20, 2025

U.S. Air Force B-52s arrive at Morón for Bomber Task Force Europe deployment

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft arrived at Morón AB, Spain, May 20, as part of the latest Bomber Task Force Europe deployment.

A B-1 bomber sits on the flightline in the rain

May 13, 2025

Behind the Bomber: The team driving operational success

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Throughout Bomber Task Force 25-2, Airmen from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron have diligently worked to maintain the health of the B-1B Lancer fleet, keeping the team and aircraft mission-ready and allowing the 9th EBS to excel.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing flies alongside a B-52H Stratofortress during air-to-air integration training, April 29, 2025. The training enhanced interoperability between active-duty and Air National Guard aircrews, reinforcing their ability to operate as a cohesive force in complex airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Matthew Dougherty)

April 30, 2025

2nd Bomb Wing Integrates with Key Partners at Chennault International Airport

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The 2nd Bomb Wing and the 159th Fighter Wing demonstrated enhanced interoperability and strengthened their operational capabilities during a combined air-to-air integration training event held April 29, 2025, culminating in an operational survey of the Louisiana Army National Guard’s Lake Charles Readiness Center at Chennault International Airport.

A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, and U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets fly together with Philippine Air Force FA-50PH fighter jets during a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, April 29, 2025.

April 29, 2025

Australia, Philippines, and U.S. Conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone — Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone — The combined armed and defense forces of Australia, the Philippines, and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, April 29, 2025.