Air Force Global Strike Command

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is a major command of the United States Air Force. It was established on August 7, 2009, with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. AFGSC is responsible for providing combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations. This ensures the nation's safety and security.

The command oversees the nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) wings and the entire Air Force bomber fleet. This includes the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, and B-2 Spirit bombers. Additionally, AFGSC manages the B-21 Raider program and Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems. It also provides operational and maintenance support within the nuclear enterprise.

Mission and Vision

AFGSC's mission is to "Develop and provide combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations... safe, secure, credible... to support the President of the United States and combatant commanders." This mission highlights the command's critical role in maintaining global stability and deterring adversaries through a credible and effective nuclear deterrent.

The command's vision is to be "an elite, highly disciplined team... building a model command." This reflects its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in all its operations.

Personnel and Structure

AFGSC comprises approximately 33,700 Airmen and civilians assigned to two Numbered Air Forces, nine wings, two geographically separated squadrons, and one detachment in the continental United States. Deployments also occur around the globe.

Major units include:

• 20th Air Force, headquartered at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming
• 8th Air Force, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana

Additional Information and Activities

In addition to its primary mission, AFGSC conducts routine tests to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent. For example, in February 2023, the command conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This demonstrated the system's readiness and precision.

AFGSC's motto, "Always Ready," encapsulates its unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. The command is prepared to respond to any threat, anywhere, at any time.

Locations

• Headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana
• 20th Air Force at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming
• Cheyenne, WY, USA