Commander, U.S. Strategic Command talks deterrence

Airman 1st Class James Thorne, 509th Munitions Squadron conventional maintenance crew member, explains the specifics of a 2,000-pound GBU-31 joint direct attack munition to U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., March 10, 2014. During Haney’s visit here, he stressed the importance of Whiteman’s contributions to the command’s deterrence and assurance mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte/Released)

Adm. Haney visit

Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, talks to Malmstrom Air Force Base Airmen during a Wing All Call at the base auditorium Jan. 30. Haney met with security forces members, missileers and chefs at a variety of locations, including a missile alert facility, Weapons Storage Area and the Elkhorn Dining Facility. This visit to Malmstrom is part of his larger initiative to visit all contributors to the nation’s nuclear mission in the first year of command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Christy Mason)

Birthday wishes from USSTRATCOM commander

Published Aug. 6, 2014

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, sends a message to Air Force Global Strike Command on its fifth anniversary, Aug. 7, 2014.

"As Commander, United States Strategic Command, my number one priority is to detect, deter, and prevent strategic attacks against the United States and our Allies.

I have been charged to provide and maintain a credible and responsive 21st century strategic deterrent, and to ultimately provide the President of the United States with options should deterrence fail...this includes: (1) a synthesis of dedicated space sensors that provide critical early warning for bomber threats and missile launches, (2) assured Command and Control, and (3) a triad of delivery systems.

Air Force Global Strike Command steadfastly provides two-thirds of that critical deterrent force 24/7, 365 days a year. Since 2009, the men and women of Global Strike have assumed the responsibility and stewardship of the Air Force's nuclear enterprise, providing security for the Nation.

Exercising our ability to strike any target on the globe, any time, the B-2 Spirit led USSTRATCOM's first-ever combat action when three B-2s flew more than 25 hours from Whiteman AFB, Missouri to Libya in Operation Odyssey Dawn. This mission was a success because of the expertise of Global Strike Airmen and their commitment to the strategic mission. Our recent bomber assurance and deterrence efforts across geographic Combatant Commands serve to assure our allies or our commitment to them and deter our adversaries from threatening the United States.

Across the missile fields, every time a missile combat crew member begins an alert and assumes responsibility for a squadron of ICBMs, they are chopped to USSTRATCOM, and are essential to accomplishing this command's mission. This selfless and often silent duty does not go unnoticed. America experiences the benefit of deterrence every day, even when the dedication and professionalism of the ICBM force is not visible. But rest assured, we know you are vigilant and keeping the watch every day. Your efforts are heralded throughout USSTRATCOM and to our Nation's leaders.

In this uncertain and complex world, the ability to deter strategic attacks against the U.S. and her allies will only grow more important. I'm utterly confident that USSTRATCOM can call upon the men and women of Global Strike Command to help deter and defeat strategic threats every day--without fail. You should be proud of the past five years and look forward to the future. Thank you for what you do every day to ensure America's national security! God bless you as you continue this vital effort."