Air Force Global Strike Command officials assume B-2 mission

Published Feb. 1, 2010
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The 509th Bomb Wing transitioned from Air Combat Command to Air Force Global Strike Command Feb. 1, 2010.

The transfer places all Air Force long-range, nuclear-capable bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles under one command.

According to General Klotz, this change will provide for "more focused and effective oversight of this important and enduring mission."

"We are standing up a brand new Air Force major command from scratch," General Klotz said. "This gives us a golden opportunity to create a model command to accomplish our mission and take care of our Airmen and their families."

"I'm sure you have been in jobs elsewhere at the squadron level, group level or even wing level, where you have said 'it would be better if we did something this way," the general said. "Well, here's your chance."

To mark the transfer of the bomber mission to AFGSC, General Klotz in a single day visited all three bomber bases - Barksdale AFB, La., Minot AFB, N.D., and Whiteman Feb. 1. He was accompanied by the commander of 8th Air Force, Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, and the AFGSC Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson Jr.

The general held a commander's call to formally welcome the Airmen of the 509th into the command. The leaders also met separately with unit commanders, chiefs, first sergeants, civic leaders and local media representatives.

Air Force Global Strike Command stood up in August to provide combat-ready forces to conduct nuclear deterrence and global strike operations in support of the president and combatant commanders.