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Commander: Global Strike Command ready for Full Operational Capability

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marcus McDonald
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. --  The Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command said Monday he will be ready to declare Full Operational Capability status for the new Command by Oct. 1.

"Our Airmen have accomplished remarkable work in a very short period of time," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz during the Air Force Association Conference here. The Command has recorded significant achievements since activation Aug. 7, 2009, with focus on the special trust and responsibility for the most powerful weapons in the Nation's arsenal, he reported.

"It was a showcase of teamwork and cooperation between three MAJCOMs and the Air Staff," he said, noting the smooth transition of bases from both Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command. Further, the general noted that the Command is now prepared to take full control of its own finances.

Global Strike Command Airmen have safely, securely and effectively conducted nuclear deterrence and global strike operations, even while standing up a new headquarters from scratch, he said.

Even as the Command was being established, about 1,200 Global Strike Airmen continued to deploy to "today's fight," the general said. And since 2004, B-2 and B-52 bombers and crews have supported the Continuous Bomber Presence mission in Guam.

Global Strike "men and women are demonstrating the flexibility bombers provide our national leaders by deploying forward and promoting security and stability in a region [the Pacific] of vital interest to the United States, thereby assuring our friends and allies, while deterring potential adversaries," he said.

The general noted several recent accomplishments demonstrating operational capability.

There was the successful Simulated Electronic Launch--Minuteman, or SELM, of six missiles at Minot AFB, N.D., and two successful operational ICBM test launches from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., making June the 576th Flight Test Squadron's busiest month in over five years. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley attended the first of those launches, which was the 200th test launch of the Minuteman III ICBM.

Still another successful launch subsequently occurred from Vandenberg Friday morning, after the general's remarks. And there was another successful SELM at Malmstrom, AFB, Mont. in early September.

The high readiness of the ICBM force depends upon the rigorous testing and evaluation that has been accomplished by the 576th and the ICBM wings, he said.

The bomber force also undergoes rigorous evaluation, he said. Most recently a successful Air Launch Cruise Missile test was conducted at the Utah Test and Training Range. These tests, combined with modernization and sustainment programs, ensure the weapon systems are safe and effective.

The Command is also dedicated to supporting communities around its bases, the general noted, highlighting the role Global Strike Command Huey helicopters play in civilian search and rescue missions. "Since the transfer of forces...[our] Hueys have taken part in 10 search and rescues and have been credited with four saves."

While the mission continues at a "fast and furious" pace, the major command headquarters has been successfully established, according to the general. In just 13 months, the new Command acquired the ICBM and bomber missions, welcomed more than 750 people into the headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and re-wrote and validated hundreds of publications, all while driving towards Full Operational Capability.