509th Bomb Wing reassigned to Global Strike Command

Lt. General Frank Klotz, commander of the Air Force's Global Strike Command, an all nuclear force command, came to Whiteman Air Force Base on Feb. 1 to announce to all airmen, officers and civilians working at the base what he expected of them, now that they are assigned to the Global Strike Command.

The general spoke first, giving the rational why the creation of the Global Strike Command to include all nuclear tipped ICBM (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile forces), long range nuclear capable bomber forces under a single major command that will enhance the capability to maintain, secure and operate nuclear deterrence and global strike forces.

"Regardless of whether you work in the pharmacy, producing contract orders for the base, work on the flight line, provide security or handle weapons, I expect that you will be uncompromising in doing your job efficiently and effectively," he said. "They all contribute to the nuclear mission."

The mission of the men and women at the base will be on-going, Klotz said.

"As long as nuclear weapons exist in the world, there will be a need to safely maintain nuclear weapons to deter potential aggression and to assure our allies that we are there to safeguard them," he said.

Speaking to some 500 airmen seated in Mission Inn and looking directly at them, Klotz said, "Each of you are a valued member of an elite and highly disciplined team -- a team that values individual responsibility for success, uncompromising adherence to high standards, superior technical and weapons system expertise; pride in our nuclear heritage and mission; and safety in all things, big and small. Our Nation's senior leaders and fellow citizens are counting on you to do things the right way, every day."

When the general was asked, "What are your inner most feelings when you think of the awesome responsibility you have assumed in Commanding the Air Forces Global Strike Command?" Klotz spoke first about the men and women serving under him.

"Helping airmen accomplishing their mission and providing for them and their families with resources standout as important thoughts when I think of my responsibilities as Commander Air Force Global Strike Command," he said.

The general also alluded to the condition of older nuclear weapons.

"Like anything else, nuclear weapons age and we have in place 'life extension programs' to calculate the impact of aging and determine what components must be replaced, hopefully with units using more advanced technology," he said before concluding "Our mission is to fly, fight and win and always maintain pride in our nuclear heritage."