Striker Trident program sends USAF missileers to work with Navy

Published Nov. 22, 2014
By 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE La. -- U.S. Air Force Capts. John Mayer and Patrick McAfee, recently completed various training programs, spread over the course of three months, in preparation for their final destination: assignments with the Navy.

The new assignments are part of the dual-service exchange program between the Air Force and Navy, dubbed Striker Trident by Air Force Global Strike Command. The program serves as an opportunity for greater facilitation of process and idea interchange between the two services, specifically in regard to the nuclear enterprise.

"At this juncture, I think they've done a great job [preparing us]," McAfee said. "The proof will really be six months to a year from now, where we see how what we've learned applies to our new job. I know I've learned more about this enterprise in the past three months than the years before this!"

Some courses have focused on teaching advanced nuclear and deterrence strategies as well as preparing the two for inception into their respective Navy staffs.

"We know we can learn a ton, and I'm sure there are some areas we can teach and share what the Air Force does well," Mayer said. "There are a lot of commonalities; the weapons themselves are similar, there are a lot of DOD-wide programs like PRP that we have in common."

With an expanded view of nuclear deterrence, the participants will have increased awareness of how the DOD conducts nuclear operations throughout the entire triad.

"Pat and John represent two of our best in the field, and they're going to work with the Navy for the next couple of years to enhance the nuclear triad as a whole," said Maj. Gen. Michael Fortney, AFGSC Director of Operations. "This is the first inter-service exchange program for the missile community. We're excited to make it a lasting program, enhancing our capabilities across the nuclear enterprise."

During a recent speech at the Technology and Innovation Symposium at Global Strike Challenge 2014, Vice Adm. Michael Connor, commander of Submarine Force Atlantic, outlined the benefits both services could expect to see from the interchange program.

"We've been doing these complementary missions in stovepipes, more or less, and it's very likely that there are things that we're both very good at," Connor said. "There are tactics, techniques and procedures that have developed throughout our nuclear force. I have no reason to believe we have all the best ideas, therefore I'm looking for a forum where we can share our best thoughts so that we're both better than before."

Currently, Mayer is scheduled to report to Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia, to work for the Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic and McAfee will report to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, to work for the Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. McAfee graduated from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, and Mayer is an alumni of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.