Combat Aircraft Journal Magazine USAF Global Strike Command Special Issue

Responsible for two of the three legs that comprise United States Nuclear Triad, the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) manages the country’s fleet of strategic bombers and Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and related support aircraft and systems.

The long-range bombers first proved their strategic value during World War Two and, along with the ICBM force, have been a major component in the nation’s defence planning for more than eight decades. Although AFGSC is the youngest of the air force’s major commands, its role as the largest combat arm of the US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) is arguably the most important in deterring a nuclear conflict.

The command has a rich history that is linked to the Strategic Air Command and can further be traced to establishment of the Continental Air Forces on December 15, 1944.

Today, the command, which is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force in the Shreveport-Bossier City area of northwestern Louisiana, develops and provides combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations in support of conventional warfare operations. It is responsible for the nation’s three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the USAF’s entire bomber force, which includes active-duty and reserve component B-52H, B-1B and B-2A wings, the Long Range Strike Bomber programme, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) systems and operational and maintenance support to organisations within the nuclear enterprise.

This special publication breaks down the aircraft, weapons and organisations that support the USSTRATCOM and America’s other combatant commands.