Provisional commander of Global Strike Command visits Published May 12, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Kidron Vestal Deputy Chief, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Brig. Gen. James M. Kowalski, Provisional Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, visited here May 8 to discuss and define the conventional and nuclear aspects of the newest Air Force major command. General Kowalski described the focus of GSC to the Airmen of Minot AFB. He briefly compared Global Strike to Strategic Air Command of years past, and chronicled the changes that led to the present day's combined focus. The general noted that in SAC, "the bombers and nuclear weapons were intricately linked." When the MAJCOM dissolved, these two areas went under the control of other commands, Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command, respectively. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse and the end of SAC, the general said, "We forgot that nuclear weapons were a special trust and a responsibility." General Kowalski emphasized capabilities, and the organization of their support systems. He noted, "I don't want to be responsible for a mission area where I don't control all the key pieces," said Kowalski. While Global Strike is inherently nuclear-focused, twelve officers from GSC will work in Air Combat Command and focus on the conventional mission. "These weapons are what enable Americans on the political stage," said General Kowalski. Global Strike Command will boast six wings and five bases, under the command of Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz. Recently confirmed by the Senate, Klotz will lead GSC at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.