Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, And Air Reserve
Component Compete For Bragging Rights
Intercontinental ballistic missile, B-2 Spirit, B-52
Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer units are competing in the first
Global Strike Challenge, showcasing the capabilities and expertise
of missile, bomber and security forces Airmen. "Global Strike
Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of excellence,"
said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, the Air Force Global Strike Command
commander. It is "the beginning of a new tradition-- the best of
the past launching us into the future," he said.
(L-R) Senior Airman Joshua Price, Staff Sgt. Darrell Rinde
Help Build Two Training Bombs AF Photo
Global Strike Challenge pits units' top security forces,
maintainers, and missile and bomber crews in head-to-head
competition to be recognized as the best of the best. As many as
400 Airmen are competing, including Airmen from Global Strike
Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Reserve Component.
Global Strike Challenge is a combination of the best of what
used to be known as "bomb comp" and the best of the former "missile
comp," officials said."As our premier crews train with great
intensity for this competition, they are at the same time becoming
unrivaled technical and weapons systems experts in their given
disciplines," the general said. "The knowledge that each Airman
gains while preparing for Global Strike Challenge will raise the
bar at his or her unit and base, and ultimately strengthen the Air
Force nuclear enterprise for years to come."
B-52 Stratofortress File Photo
As part of the competition, competitors will come to the
Shreveport-Bossier City area in November for a strategic deterrence
and global strike technology symposium, the security forces portion
of the competition and official score-posting ceremonies. "The
symposium will give us a chance to gather together and exchange
lessons learned through combat experience," said Lt. Col. Michael
Petrosh, the Global Strike Challenge lead project officer. "This
type of cooperation allows us to use this knowledge in future
decisions during real-world operations, which is the ultimate
benefit of competitions like Global Strike Challenge."
The first scored event started April 12 with a bomb load
competition at Minot Air Force Base, ND, hosted by the 5th Bomb
Wing's maintenance group. "This gives our Airmen an opportunity to
showcase their skills in front of a huge audience," said Chief
Master Sgt. Dan North, the 5th Maintenance Group
superintendent.
B-1B Lancer File Photo
The 5th Bomb Wing is competing against the 2nd Bomb Wing at
Barksdale AFB, the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, TX, the 28th Bomb
Wing at Ellsworth AFB, SD, and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB,
MO. AFRC's 917th Wing at Barksdale AFB and the Missouri Air
National Guard's 131st Bomb Wing are also participating in the bomb
competition. Also invited to compete are B-1 Lancer teams from
Ellsworth AFB and its operations support, weapons school, and
weapons test squadrons, officials said.
The missile competition, starting at the end of August, will
involve the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, WY, the 91st
Missile Wing at Minot AFB and the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom
AFB, MT. The security forces competition is scheduled to begin Nov.
13 at Barksdale AFB.
Official score-posting will be at Barksdale AFB Nov. 15 through
18, in conjunction with the Global Strike Challenge technology
symposium.