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AFSPC to transition missile mission under 'Roadmap' recommendations

  • Published
  • By Air Force Space Command Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo --  Senior leaders released the Nuclear Enterprise Roadmap Oct. 24, which recommended the establishment of a Global Strike Command and a Headquarters Air Force staff agency to handle Air Force nuclear assets

The roadmap, titled Reinvigorating the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise, also recommends a nuclear weapons center and a single process for inspections.

The roadmap follows what Air Force leaders have called a decline in the nuclear culture exemplified by two high-profile errors. The secretary of the Air Force created the Air Force Nuclear Task Force to develop a strategic roadmap to rebuild the service's nuclear enterprise.
As part of this roadmap, Air Force Space Command will transfer its portion of the nuclear enterprise -- the intercontinental ballistic missiles mission commanded by 20th Air Force.

"Air Force Space Command is committed to providing a safe, secure and reliable nuclear deterrent capability with perfection as our standard," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, AFSPC commander, "We will support the transition to Global Strike Command to assure a single organization with clear lines of authority and responsibility for this very vital mission."

According to Air Force officials, the roadmap is vital to improving Air Force stewardship of the bomber, missile and associated logistics capabilities that form the foundation of America's strategic nuclear deterrent.

"These changes will be institutionalized across our nuclear enterprise, ensuring our commitment to excellence regardless of changes to our force structure, competing mission requirements or the size of our nuclear arsenal," Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said.

The roadmap incorporates ongoing corrective actions, as well as new initiatives suggested by experts from inside and outside the Air Force. It provides the fundamental guidance to organize, train and equip the Air Force's nuclear forces to ensure effective nuclear deterrence and nuclear surety in an integrated and synchronized manner, Air Force officials said.

As a follow-on to the roadmap, an implementation plan is being developed to identify the appropriate steps and timeline required to stand up the new Global Strike Command. Included in the implementation plan will be details on the criteria to be used for identifying a location for the command headquarters and the realignment of personnel and resources from under their current major command to the newly established AFGSC.