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Command's first-ever Global Strike Challenge under way

  • Published
  • By Crystal Jordan
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, B-2, B-52 and B-1 units are competing in the ongoing, first-ever Global Strike Challenge, showcasing the capabilities and expertise of missile, bomber and security forces Airmen.

"Global Strike Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of excellence, " said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Air Force Global Strike Command commander. He called it "the beginning of a new tradition-- the best of the past launching us into the future."

Global Strike Challenge will pit units' top security forces, maintainers, and missile and bomber crews in head-to-head competition to be recognized as the "best of the best." As many as 400 Airmen are competing, including Airmen from Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Reserve Component.

The first-ever Global Strike Challenge is a combination of the best of what used to be known as 'bomb comp' and the best of the former 'missile comp,' officials said.

"As our premier crews train with great intensity for this competition, they are at the same time becoming unrivaled technical and weapons system experts in their given disciplines," the general said. "The knowledge that each Airman gains while preparing for Global Strike Challenge will raise the bar at his or her unit and base, and ultimately strengthen the Air Force nuclear enterprise for years to come," he said.

As part of the first-ever competition, competitors will come to the Shreveport-Bossier City area in November for a strategic deterrence and global strike technology symposium, the security forces portion of the competition, and official score-posting ceremonies.

"The symposium will give us a chance to gather together and exchange lessons learned through combat experience," said Lt. Col. Michael Petrosh, Global Strike Challenge lead project officer. "This type of cooperation allows us to use this knowledge in future decisions during real-world operations, which is the ultimate benefit of competitions like Global Strike Challenge."

The first scored event started April 12 with a bomb load competition at Minot AFB, N.D., hosted by the 5th Bomb Wing's maintenance group.

"This gives our Airmen an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a huge audience," said Chief Master Sgt. Dan North, the 5th Maintenance Group superintendent.

The 5th Bomb Wing is competing against the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale, the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo.

AFRC's 917th Wing at Barksdale and the Missouri Air National Guard's 131st Bomb Wing are also participating in the bomb competition.

Also invited to compete are B-1 Lancer teams from Ellsworth and their operations support, weapons school, and weapons test squadrons from Dyess AFB, officials said.

The missile competition, starting at the end of August, will involve the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., the 91st Missile Wing at Minot and the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont.

The security forces competition is scheduled to begin Nov. 13 at Barksdale.

Official score-posting will be at Barksdale Nov. 15-18, in conjunction with the Global Strike Challenge technology symposium at the Shreveport Convention Center.