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Nuclear leaders share current, future state of deterrence

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Top leaders from U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Global Strike Command and U.S. Submarine Forces shared the state of current and future nuclear deterrence forces May 5, during the Strategic Deterrent Coalition's symposium at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri.

"Strategic deterrence in the 21st century is a topic that's so important to the future of our country and must be a part of our nation's priorities," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, USSTRATCOM commander and keynote speaker. "The president has stated that while we aspire that the world be free of nuclear weapons, as long as these weapons exist, the U.S. will maintain a safe, secure, and effective arsenal for deterring our adversaries and guaranteeing the defense of our allies."

Haney stressed the importance of strategic deterrence as a fundamental element of the U.S. defense strategy and why the nation must maintain ready and reliable nuclear forces.

"Today, while we live in a world that has significantly decreased the number of nuclear weapons through verifiable and achievable treaties and policies, we cannot take this for granted," said Haney. "At the same time, we live in a world where strategic threats have increased, meaning we must deter multiple countries and simultaneously in multiple domains."

One such domain is the sea, which is supported by the capabilities of U.S. Submarine Forces, including the ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). Since the 1960s, SSBNs have provided a survivable strategic deterrence through the stealth and precise delivery of the Trident II D5 fleet ballistic missile. The SSBN is one leg of what's known as the nuclear triad, the foundation of the Department of Defense's nuclear deterrence strategy.

Vice Admiral Michael Connor, U.S. Submarine Forces commander, spoke on the nuclear triad and Navy's role in strategic deterrence during a panel.

"The demonstrated capability of the triad and the readiness posture we maintain everyday provide the clear signal to potential advisories that it isn't really worth getting into a major conflict, nuclear or conventional," said Connor. "That is what we do. That's what we deliver every day and it is hugely important."

The Air Force's deterrent forces, the intercontinental ballistic missile and bomber forces, comprise the other two legs of the triad. The land-based Minuteman III is the responsive leg of the triad, proving a foundation for strategic stability. The B-2 and B-52 bombers offer flexible, long-range platforms that can perform a variety of missions and carry an assortment of munitions.

Amplifying his Navy counterpart's comments, AFGSC commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson said nuclear weapons have deterred wars between great powers for 70 years.

"The conservative number is that 68 million people were killed in World War II with [another] 100 million injured -- before nuclear weapons," Wilson said. "We can't comprehend that now. What's changed is this weapon came along that has deterred wars between great powers. That's what nuclear weapons bring to the table every single day... [and] we use those weapons every single day to deter adversaries."
The common theme resonated with each speaker: strategic deterrence is a key priority.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy provide the president with ready and reliable nuclear deterrent, but Haney identified the need for a long-term, visible commitment to the sustainment and modernization of the forces.

"We must improve our capabilities and refine our approaches to support an effective 21st century deterrent," said Haney said.