by Senior Airman Joseph Raatz
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/24/2015 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Lt.
Gen. Stephen Wilson will transfer command of Air Force Global Strike
Command to Gen. Robin Rand during a ceremony here, July 28, before
moving on to his next assignment as the deputy commander of U.S.
Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
Wilson has led AFGSC since October 2013, overseeing more than 23,000
people operating at locations around the world. In this position, he was
responsible for organizing, training, equipping and maintaining all
U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear-capable bomber
forces.
During his time, national defense leaders including the Secretary of
Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of the
Air Force have reaffirmed the importance of the command's mission.
"Our nation's leaders have said time and again that our number one
mission area when it comes to defense is nuclear deterrence," Wilson
said. "We here at AFGSC have a lot of things going on -- and a lot is
asked of us -- but we can never forget our most important
responsibility, which is to be a safe, secure and effective nuclear
force."
In February 2014, Wilson established the Force Improvement Program, an
aggressive grass-roots effort to quickly provide senior Air Force
leaders with recommendations to foster positive changes within the
command. Directly engaging with Airmen to discover possible areas of
improvement, FIP opens lines of communication between the Airmen in the
field and senior leaders to drive rapid, lasting change.
"We knew we had to change some things," Wilson said. "The FIP helped us
remove communication barriers and other obstacles from people's paths,
allowing them to be empowered."
Over the year and a half since FIP began, the program has evolved into a
continuous force improvement philosophy where Airmen are encouraged to
keeping finding ways to improve upon their mission.
"We have tremendous Airmen out in the field making the mission happen
every single day, and with the FIP they were able to see their own ideas
take root and help make the command better. This built even more
empowerment," Wilson said. "Through the program, we were able to
institutionalize those best practices throughout the command, making us
smarter and stronger across the board."
Also during Wilson's time as commander, the Air Force decided to realign
three more bases under AFGSC, which will increase the command's
footprint to eight bases. The 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland AFB, New
Mexico, the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas and the 28th Bomb Wing at
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, will join AFGSC in October.
With the Long Range Strike-Bomber program also moving to AFGSC, a single
command will be responsible for organizing, training and equipping
Airmen to perform the Air Force's global strike mission.
With an eye on the future, Wilson was instrumental in promoting
modernization or replacement programs for multiple weapons systems.
Among these is a successor to the current Minuteman III ICBM, known as
the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, and LRS-B. These programs are
vital to the United States' continued ability to defend itself against
any threat and to protect its interests and those of its allies around
the world, Wilson explained.
Despite his success in managing the materiel needs of the command, the
general consistently maintained it is the Airmen who are in fact the
command's most valuable and important resource.
"While it's always important that we maintain and evolve our aircraft,
missiles, weapons and command and control systems, the most important
part of all of it is our human weapon system," Wilson said. "Our people
are what make everything else work, and we couldn't hope to be
successful in our mission without them. That's why we're continuing to
put so much effort into making sure our people are as well trained and
equipped as possible; whether it's through some of our new classes
offered through the Leadership Development Center and our new School of
Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies, or provided with state-of-the-art
gear through our Model Defender program, we want to continue to empower
our people to be the best in the world at what they do."
During his final weeks in office, the general asked Airmen to empower
their successors in continuing to improve the command. AFGSC Airmen are
among the finest in the world and there's no doubt that they will
continue doing an exemplary job, he said.
"It's been a great honor and the privilege of my career to be the
commander of Air Force Global Strike Command," Wilson concluded. "It's
really been a dream come true. I'll look back upon my time here with
some great memories of some terrific people who are so dedicated to our
Air Force and our nation. They make me incredibly proud."
by Carla Pampe
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
7/17/2015 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Teams
from across Air Force Global Strike Command, as well as the Air
National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Force Materiel Command
and Air Combat Command, begin competing in the fifth Global Strike
Challenge this week.
Global Strike Challenge is the world's premier bomber, Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile and security forces competition. Through competition
and teamwork, the event looks to foster esprit de corps, recognize
outstanding AFGSC personnel and teams and improve combat capabilities.
Operations, maintenance and security forces teams from bomber and
missile wings will compete to be named best-of-the-best. All units
supporting the AFGSC mission have been invited to compete through
November, showcasing their expertise, skill and capabilities.
More than 450 Airmen will take part in Global Strike Challenge
competitions at various locations throughout the country, culminating in
a symposium and score posting event at Barksdale Oct. 20-21.
The following units will compete in Global Strike Challenge 2015;
Barksdale AFB's 2nd and 307th (AFRC) Bomb Wings, 49th Test Squadron and
340th Weapons School; Minot AFB's 5th Bomb Wing, 91st Missile Wing and
219th Security Forces Squadron (ANG); Whiteman AFB's 509th and 131st
(ANG) Bomb Wings; F.E. Warren AFB's 90th Missile Wing and 582nd
Helicopter Group; Malmstrom AFB's 341st Missile Wing; Ellsworth's 28th
Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB's 7th Bomb Wing, Kirtland AFB's 377th Security
Forces Group.
Competition began this week, and continues through the summer and into fall.
by Airman 1st Class Curt Beach
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/15/2015 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Louisiana
State Senator Barrow Peacock presented Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd Bomb
Wing commander, with a resolution congratulating the 2nd BW for earning
the 2014 Brigadier General Frederick W. Castle Award here, July 13.
"The Castle Award is the culmination of Airmen, civilians, and community
partners working together to achieve even greater heights," said
Goodwin. "The honor of a Louisiana Senate resolution highlights the
importance of this relationship. Our team extends well beyond our gates.
Whether military or civilian, they all contribute to our collective
success."
Peacock wrote the resolution and sent it before the Louisiana State Senate, where it passed, 24-15.
The Castle Award, founded in 2010, memorializes Brig. Gen. Frederick W.
Castle, Medal of Honor recipient and namesake of a former Strategic Air
Command base. Awarded annually, it recognizes Air Force Global Strike
Command's best bomb wing for its accomplishments and quality initiatives
and honors the heritage of courageous Airmen and their role in the
nuclear deterrence mission.
Throughout 2014, the 2nd BW reformed processes which earned Air Force
and Department of Defense accolades punctuated by the highest possible
ratings on multiple major inspections.
This is the second time 2nd BW has earned the prestigious award, the
first being in 2010. Last year's recipient was the 509th Bomb Wing at
Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri; the nation's B-2 Spirit unit and one
of three AFGSC active duty bomb wings.
"Whether it is their role in the Nuclear Enterprise, supporting
combatant commanders or enhancing the capabilities of their base, the
Airmen of Barksdale, in conjunction with community partners, are making a
difference every day," the resolution reads.
It continues, "Therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend and congratulate the Airmen
of Barksdale Air Force Base and 2nd Bomb Wing commanders, Brig. Gen.
Andrew Gebara and Col. Kristin Goodwin, for being awarded the 2014
Brigadier General Frederick W. Castle Award for best bomber wing in Air
Force Global Strike Command and does hereby express enduring
appreciation for the pride they bring to the citizens of the United
States and Louisiana."
by 2nd Bomb Wing staff
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/13/2015 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Recently,
Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, visited Barksdale Airmen
deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of U.S. Pacific
Command's Continuous Bomber Presence mission.
Warriors from the 2nd BW have been supporting this mission, designed to
provide an assurance and deterrence presence in the critical
Asia-Pacific region, - since its inception more than 11 years ago.
Here, the colonel shares some insight regarding her visit:
Q1. What types of missions have our Airmen been supporting during this rotation?
A1: Since arriving in early March, our Airmen from the 20th Bomb
Squadron have flown more than 900 hours in support of U.S. Pacific
Command objectives. Unique opportunities have included: exercising
interoperability with joint terminal air controllers; integrating with
the B-1 during a pair of sorties; and showcasing the power of the B-52
through participation in airshows in unique places like Malaysia.
Q2. Has our team participated in any notable missions or exercises during this rotation?
A2: Supporting Balikatan, a bilateral Philippines-U.S. exercise stands
out. This year's was one of the largest, involving more than 11,000
service members between the two nations. Opportunities to integrate with
international allies are great training for our crews and it
demonstrates how conventional capabilities of the B-52 can be leveraged.
Training with allied nations is just one more way we demonstrate
American resolve and our commitment to the region.
Q3: What makes our Airmen and the B-52s well-suited to support the Pacific region?
A3: Beyond its ability to cover a lot of ground through long-duration
sorties and carry a wider variety of munitions than any other airframe
in the USAF's inventory, the B-52 is a very visible symbol of American
airpower. Our allies and adversaries take note of when, where, and how
we employ, making the B-52 an ideal platform for the increasingly
dynamic Asia-Pacific Theater.
As for our Airmen who operate and maintain the jet in this expeditionary
environment; first and foremost, they are Warriors. They are ready and
prepared for any mission and contingency. Just a few weeks ago, they
were forced to evacuate for a typhoon. For many, this would have
disrupted the mission - not our team! They persevered and were able to
plan and launch complex, higher headquarters-directed missions from
their remote location. When we talk about an Air Force powered by
Airmen, this is what we are talking about: undeniable warrior spirit,
and our Airmen have it!
Q4: What stood out to you during this visit?
A4: Teamwork. When we deploy to Guam, our team join the men and women
of the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base. With their support, we
bed-down our Airmen, establish connectivity with the AOR, and set up
flying and maintenance operations - not to mention we rely on them for
all the other functions you would expect on an Air Force Base: a dining
facility, gym, medical support, security...the list goes on. Thanks to
our partnership, our deployed Airmen are mission-ready on day one. The
success of our assurance and deterrence role in the Asia-Pacific Region
is a result of great Airmen working together to accomplish great things.
Every job contributes to the mission, and every Airman is helping shape
the future of the region.
Q5: How have you seen the Continuous Bomber Presence mission
evolve over the past 10 years? What does the 2nd Bomb Wing's future look
like in regards to supporting this mission?
A5: The CBP deployment is a fantastic opportunity for training and
real-world operations. Over the years, our team has been able to work
with an increasing number of joint and international partners. There is
no substitute for this type of experience. When the B-52 goes to
combat, we will be striking the enemy with a team composed of our sister
services and coalition partners. Guam affords our Airmen the
opportunity to work, train and employ alongside these forces and
establish relationships enabling future operations.
Speaking of future operations, the nature of the Pacific AOR is
constantly changing. The strategic aims of constituent nation-states
change over time, and the manner by which they pursue their goals change
as well. As a result, our Airman must constantly adapt and remain ever
vigilant. Each deployment produces new tactics and new innovations that
drive how we employ the latest technology designed for the B-52. The
future of CBP is exciting. We look forward to the impact the Airmen of
Barksdale will have as they perform our mission in support of Pacific
Command objectives.
Q6: How is the morale of our team there?
A6: It is never easy to be away from family and loved ones. Whether you
are across the country or across the ocean, being separated from home
is tough. We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support our
Airmen receive from friends and family state-side. From phone calls to
care packages, simple acts really make a difference while deployed.
Team Barksdale is much more than just our Airmen. It is all those who
support and encourage, those who motivate our deployed Airmen to do
their best every day. Because of this, our team is doing great! They
are excited about the mission, proud of their accomplishments and eager
to support our Combatant Commanders.
Q7: What would you say to people who think about CBP and say, "Oh, that's just a trip to Guam."?
A7: The mission on Guam is real. Our Airmen are helping stabilize a
region of the world through every jet loaded and every sortie
launched. Our crews have flown alongside hostile nations, been
intercepted by foreign aircraft, and have curbed aggressive
international action. Barksdale Airmen are making a real difference, and
we are incredibly proud of the role each has in this important mission.
Q8: Any final thoughts?
A8: The Barksdale mission touches every corner of the globe. Our
Airmen are actively supporting every Combatant Command. The Continuous
Bomber Presence on Guam is just one example of the tremendous impact the
Airmen of Barksdale are making on the world. We are incredibly proud
of the great work our team is doing while deployed and at home. Thank
you for the opportunity to tell their story.
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