Commentary Search

  • Looking Back: My personal memories of 9/11

    America’s dwindling ranks of the “Greatest Generation” vividly recall what they were doing when Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. Once Japan had “awakened the sleeping giant,” this patriotic generation rose to the challenge and defeated tyranny in World War II. What about the generation which witnessed America’s first major crisis of the
  • A 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron Humvee sits on the access road of a Missile Alert Facility in the F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., missile complex, in this composite of two photos taken on Feb. 8, 2016. Security forces, missileers and other 90MWAirmen stay vigilant 24/7. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Jason Wiese)

    Lessons learned in the missile complex

    As part of an effort to knock out multiple public affairs tasks, I spent a night at a missile alert facility. At the risk of coming across as a missile field newbie, I would like to explain what I learned about the operations in the field and the ICBM Airmen who conduct them.The first thing that stuck out to me was the drive out to the site.The

  • My spouse, our perks

    “What happened to all the ABU shirts?,” asks my husband as he frantically searches through our cluttered closet for a clean shirt to wear under his uniform. I think to myself, “You would know if you did the laundry,” but my sensible side persuades me to hold my tongue and help him pack his gym bag.  There’s no sense in arguing when we’re both tired
  • Warren Ward, deputy chief of programming division, Air Force Global Strike Command, stands next to the nose art on "Grim Reaper II," the B-52G he flew January 16, 1991, during Operation "Secret Squirrel." The aircraft was one of the seven strike aircraft used during the top secret mission. The original nose art was cut off and preserved, and is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (Courtesy photo)

    The Story, 25 Years later

    Reunions are special times to renew friendships and reminisce over our shared experiences. As the veterans of a B-52 mission affectionately dubbed “Secret Squirrel” by those who flew it 25 years ago gather in Shreveport Jan. 15-17, we will certainly jest about receding hair lines and expanding waist lines, but we will also honor several men who
  • U.S. Air Force Col. Steve Biggs, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander's commentary.

    Take time to explain “why”

    The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government. Good communication is a key element of successful organizations. As leaders, managers, or supervisors, we're sometimes so focused on communicating the "what"
  • 1944~ B-29 shown on a Nebraska airfield. The Enola Gay was a modified B-29

    Fusing the Fission: One Airman’s introduction to nuclear deterrence

    Fission Bomb – the ripping, splitting, tearing apart of the basic, foundational unit of all created things to create the greatest explosion and the deadliest force the world has ever seen. Driving along the wide entrance to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, the ancient branches shift above as I coast through the cool sunshine of Bossier City,

  • The Journey Continues...

    It's wonderful to again be a part of the nation's ICBM team! Marsha and I are excited to return to the mission that has provided us so much personal and professional camaraderie and growth through the years. As I begin serving with you, I want to share a few thoughts that will help you get acquainted with me and understand my intent.I am an Airman,
  • Staff Sgt. Nathan Nadeau, 576th Flight Test Squadron, shows members of the 51st Munitions Maintenance reunion group the Minuteman III downstage trainer in the 576 FLTS Missile Processing Facility. (U.S. Air Force Photo by 2nd Lt. Drake Cales/Released)

    576th FLTS hosts 51st Munitions Maintenance Squadron Reunion

    In July of 1958, the Air Force and Strategic Air Command stood up a squadron of maintainers dedicated solely to the testing and development of the re-entry vehicles on board all of the Air Force's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems. The 51st Munitions Maintenance Squadron was established at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, to
  • From left to right, Logan, Kendrick and Collin Schmidt pose for a photograph after a graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, June 26. Logan was the most recent graduate of Air Force basic training and the final Schmidt brother to join the Air Force. (Courtesy photo Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt)

    Brothers in arms: A story of three Airmen

    The bond between brothers is a very special thing. As the oldest of three, this bond holds a very special place in my heart.In the military, it is also common to hear people refer to the men and women who perform this duty of service, brothers and sisters in arms.To live, work and die next to someone who maybe a couple weeks ago was a complete
  • Zannis M. Pappas, Chief, Functional Authority Division, Nuclear and Missile Operations Career Field manager, briefs students in the 20th Air Force ICBM Center of Excellence June 8, 2015, about the current political climate surrounding the nuclear deterrence mission and how it has changed since the Cold War. Intrustors in the Advanced ICBM Course cover an array of topics intended to give students an in-depth knowledge of nuclear deterrence operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Wiese)

    Transformation on ICE: Strengthening the nuclear force

    More than a decade ago, 20th Air Force created the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Center of Excellence, familiarly known as the ICE. The goal of the ICE was crystal clear: transform the way 20th AF trains its instructors and evaluators. We did it. We're still doing it.Today, the ICE is providing essential, mission-focused training to develop
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