Ground Zero, For Now

Ground Zero, For Now: The Air Force form

ally activated Air Force Global Strike Command Provisional yesterday at Bolling AFB, D.C. The provisional command, a temporary unit led by Brig. Gen. James Kowalski, will take the lead in tackling the manpower and resource issues associated with standing up AFGSC, the new nuclear-focused major command that will oversee the service’s nuclear-capable bomber and ICBM operations. AFGSC(P) will also be involved in helping to identify the final location for the new command's headquarters at a place other than Bolling. “There is an incredibly rich tradition of operational competency in this mission and our Air Force has done a lot of work to restore our focus on deterrence,” said Kowalski in a release. He added, “We look forward to laying the foundation needed to stand up Global Strike Command.” AFGSC(P) does not have any manpower authorizations, and USAF will inactivate it upon the standup—expected in September—of the permanent major command. Meanwhile, supporting it are detachments of subject matter experts that also began operations yesterday at the headquarters for Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command at Langley AFB, Va., and Peterson AFB, Colo., respectively. These contingents, along with personnel from Air Force headquarters, will form a temporary HQ element of about 55 airmen for AFGSC(P) to help it develop the functional requirements for Air Force Global Strike Command. The provisional command will also work closely with the Air Staff’s strategic deterrence and nuclear integration office (A10), Air Force Materiel Command, and US Strategic Command to refine the roles and responsibilities of AFGSC.

1/13/2009

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Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

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Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.