Global Strike Command and Air Force heritage are shared Published Sept. 20, 2012 Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Out of the desire to gain and maintain air superiority it became clear that a separate military branch, dedicated to flight and the application of air power to meet national needs, be established. The United States Air Force was established as an independent service Sept. 18, 1947. In the 65 years since, the Air Force has delivered decisive effects around the world, been the bearer of relief in national and international crises and the catalyst for technological innovation and advancement. Out of a different desire centered on revitalizing the nuclear mission - providing safe, secure and effective forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations - came the Air Force's newest major command. Air Force Global Strike Command, established Aug. 7, 2009, connects revered Air Force heritage with the forefront of modern operations. Global Strike carries forward a deep and abiding legacy, according to command officials. The Eighth Bomber Command was created in 1942 under the U.S. Army Air Forces and served as the first strategic bombing unit deployed to England during World War II. "The legacy that the bomber crews of Eighth Bomber Command have handed to the men and women of the Eighth Air Force, serving under Air Force Global Strike Command, is one of heroism and dedication to duty never exceeded by any other group of airborne warriors in the history of warfare," said Bruce Stewart, AFGSC senior historian. "If we can overcome half the obstacles they faced, and if we can produce half the results they produced, we will exceed any expectations our leadership could reasonably expect of us," said Stewart. The strategic and tactical capabilities offered by the Mighty Eighth's mission made for a perfect fit within Strategic Air Command, which was established in 1946 to oversee America's strategic bombers. In 1944, Twentieth Air Force was established to perform strategic bombing against Japan. It was under the command of Twentieth Air Force that the Enola Gay and Bockscar, both B-29s, dropped the first and second atomic bombs over Japan. "The current Twentieth Air Force, now exclusively an ICBM force, traces its heritage to the brave Airmen whose efforts were so successful in the Pacific Theatre during WWII," said Stewart. "It was Twentieth Air Force aircrews who brought the war to the enemy's heartland and who expressed their ultimate bravery when carrying an untried weapon whose use eventually ended the war. This is their heritage, that dedication to duty, bravery and constant vigilance," said Stewart. "This continues to provide America with her security." This legacy was established before the Air Force was designated an independent service branch 65 years ago. Global Strike Command has a unique place in Air Force history, as the single organization responsible for ensuring the proper focus on organizing, training and equipping the Air Force's combat ready nuclear deterrence and global strike forces. The history of this command and the Air Force is being written by the Airmen serving and those who have gone before. America's Airmen will meet new challenges with confidence and a sense of responsibility to maintain air superiority and sustain air power.