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Gen. Klotz welcomes Warbirds to AFGSC

By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published February 03, 2010

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Air Force Global Strike Command commander visited Minot's 5th Bomb Wing Monday, joining the Warbirds as they officially came under his charge.

Calling Feb. 1 "a historic day," Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, AFGSC commander, addressed hundreds of wing Airmen at Dock 1, where he presented the command's mission, vision for the future, and values Airmen should use as a guide to accomplishing their jobs.

"Air Force senior leadership knows how difficult your job is, knows how demanding it is, how exacting it is," said Gen. Klotz. The activation of the command demonstrates the Air Force's commitment to the nuclear deterrence and global strike mission, he said.

The general said he and Air Force leadership are proud of the men and women of 8th Air Force and its bomb wings which include the 5th Bomb Wing, the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo. The 8th AF is headquartered at Barksdale.

"We will place strong emphasis on attention to detail," Gen. Klotz said. One command responsible for all nuclear-capable bombers and all ICBMs will provide a single strategic nuclear deterrence focus, the general added.

"We still have a vitally important and enduring mission," said Gen. Klotz, reminding Airmen of President Obama's words, that the United States must maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear arsenal to deter attacks against the United States and to guarantee that same defense to allies.

The general said that in order to accomplish the mission, Airmen must understand it.

"Our mission is to develop and provide combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations in a safe, secure and credible manner. We are here to support the President of the United States and Combatant Commanders," he said.

"Air Force Global Strike Command will focus solely on the nuclear deterrence and long-range global strike mission," the general said. "Whether it is operations, maintenance, security or support; we have folks working for you [at the headquarters] as strong advocates for what you need to do your job and to take care of our Airmen and their families." The general said the headquarters team has extensive expertise and understanding of the nuclear-capable bomber and ICBM mission.

The general noted Minot is the only base in the U.S. military hosting two legs of the "nuclear triad." The triad comprises the B-52H Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit nuclear-capable bombers, Minuteman III missiles and the submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

"You can aspire to be the best," he said. "You do this by continuing training and extending your knowledge through education and hard work."

General Klotz said it is going to take everyone, working together every day, to make the command successful.

Air Force Global Strike Command was created as part of the Air Force's Nuclear Roadmap, bringing intercontinental ballistic missiles and long-range nuclear-capable bombers under a single command.

"This is another step along a very methodical approach to [strengthening] the Air Force's nuclear enterprise."

The general told the Airmen it has been 27 years since Air Force officials had created a brand-new major command, giving them a unique opportunity.

"We're a new command - a command for the 21st Century," General Klotz said, calling this a "golden opportunity" to serve as a "model command" for the rest of the Air Force.
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