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Under Secretary’s visit underscores importance of nuclear mission

  • Published
  • By Megan A. Orton
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Honorable Erin C. Conaton visited here May 20, less than 3 months after becoming Under Secretary of the Air Force, for a firsthand view of Air Force Global Strike Command.
Hosted by the commander, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Secretary Conaton received briefings from the command's senior leaders and toured a B-52H Stratofortress.

Secretary Conaton said her visit reinforced for her the importance of the command's mission, and the role the command's elite, highly disciplined Airmen play in it.

"Our nuclear enterprise and the deterrent mission the Air Force takes on for the nation is one of the most critical things that the Air Force does," she said. "The people that take this mission on, whether here at Barksdale, or at one of the command's units across the nation, are extraordinary, high-quality professionals."

Confirmed as under secretary March 4, she said getting a sense of how the new command was progressing was an important priority for her during her first few months on the job.

"As I was prioritizing what I needed to see first, I thought this was really in the top tier of important places to visit, not only to learn, but to say thank you to all of the Airmen who are a part of this important mission," she said.

"I really appreciated the opportunity to come to the command headquarters, and I enjoyed seeing a B-52 up close and personal," she said. "I'm so proud of what Global Strike Airmen are doing for this Nation. They are doing an excellent job."

"We were honored that Under Secretary Conaton took the time from her very busy schedule to visit," said General Klotz. "This level of attention underscores the special trust and responsibility we have for the most powerful weapons in our nation's arsenal - and the commitment of our senior leaders to our mission and to our Airmen and their families."

Secretary Conaton's responsibilities include organizing, training, equipping and providing for the welfare of Airmen. So in addition to seeing mission of AFGSC, she also visited the Barksdale Child Development Center.

Secretary Conaton also oversees the Air Force's $110 billion annual budget and serves as acting secretary of the Air Force in the secretary's absence.

Previously, Secretary Conaton served as the staff director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, serving as the primary adviser to the committee chairman and the 61 other members.