Global Thunder 23

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline during Global Thunder 23 (GT23) at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 11, 2023. GT23 is an annual command and control and field training exercise designed to train Department of Defense forces and assess joint operational readiness across all of USSTRATCOM's mission areas, with a specific focus on nuclear readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman China M. Shock)

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Global Thunder 23

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, sit on the flightline during Global Thunder 23 (GT23) at Minot AFB, North Dakota, April 11, 2023. GT23 is an invaluable training opportunity to exercise all U.S. Strategic Command mission areas and create the conditions for strategic deterrence against a variety of threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

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Global Thunder 23

A B-52H Stratofortess assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, L.A., lands at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, during the Global Thunder exercise, April 7, 2023. Global Thunder holds a specific focus on nuclear readiness to enable the command’s global operations to coordinate with other combatant commands, services, appropriate U.S. government agencies, and allies to deter, detect and, if necessary, defeat strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Wright)

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Global Thunder 23

A B-52H Stratofortess assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, L.A., lands at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, during the Global Thunder exercise, April 7, 2023. Airmen and aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, LA integrated with 5th Bomb Wing personnel at Minot AFB, to conduct combined B-52H Stratofortress planning, maintenance, security, logistics, and operations in support of GT23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Wright)

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Annual Nuclear Command and Control Exercise Begins at Minot

Published April 14, 2023
U.S. Strategic Command

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

U.S. Strategic Command commenced its annual nuclear command and control exercise, Global Thunder, April 11, 2023.

Global Thunder 23 (GT23) involves personnel throughout the strategic enterprise including USSTRATCOM components and subordinate units. The purpose of GT23 is to enhance nuclear readiness and ensure a safe, secure, and reliable strategic deterrence force.

This is an annual exercise and is not in response to actions by any nation or other actors.

In addition to U.S. personnel, GT23 will involve key allied personnel and partners, including United Kingdom personnel, who will integrate into senior leadership teams and work across a broad spectrum of areas offering policy support and operational insight.

USSTRATCOM has global responsibilities assigned through the Unified Command Plan that include strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations, global strike, missile defense, and analysis and targeting.

As in previous years, Global Thunder 23 will include an increase in bomber aircraft flights throughout the exercise.

For more information, contact the USSTRATCOM Public Affairs Office at 402-912-0020 or USSTRATCOMPA@mail.mil or visit www.stratcom.mil.