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Russian Air Force Chief visits Global Strike Command

  • Published
  • By Megan Meyer
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  A delegation of Russian Air Force members got an up-close look at the inside of a B-52 bomber on the flightline here April 4, while also meeting with senior Air Force Global Strike Command officials.

The Russian delegation was led by the commander of the Russian Federation Air Force, General-Colonel Alexander Nikolayevich Zelin. General-Colonel Zelin and his Russian staff also attended lunch at the Global Strike Command commander's residence. The visit was meant to strengthen relationships and nation-to-nation cooperation concerning strategic issues as part of the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Counterpart Visit Program.

The Russian Air Chief met with Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, Global Strike commander, and other command leaders to discuss training, safety and other areas of common interest.

While at Barksdale, General-Colonel Zelin and his team participated in two briefings. The first, given by 2d Bomb Wing officials, focused on the capabilities of the B-52 Stratofortress. Another briefing attended by General Kowalski led to a wide-ranging discussion about the challenges of the strategic deterrence mission. According to officials several issues were discussed, from the stand-up of Air Force Global Strike Command to the merits of Global Strike Challenge, the command's annual bomb and missile competition.

The Counterpart Visit Program is designed to facilitate bilateral relations, and provide visiting nations' Air Force leaders with a first-hand view of the U.S. Air Force, while illustrating programs of mutual interest.