Air Force News Team Completes 28-day Journey

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- An Air Force documentation team completed its 28-day journey through Air Force Global Strike Command Feb. 28 after flying more than 7,500 miles and visiting six Air Force installations.

The news team traveled to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Minot AFB, N.D., F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Whiteman AFB, Mo. and Barksdale AFB, La., from Feb. 1-28, producing news features, broadcast video products and capturing mission imagery for AFGSC's official blog and other social media channels.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, the AFGSC commander, said sending the news team was important to promote the hard work being accomplished by total force Airmen throughout the command who perform their duties in extreme weather and austere conditions.

"Our people are my biggest priority, and I'm committed to making sure our nuclear Airmen know how critical they are to the nation's security," Wilson said. "I was excited for the American public to get a glimpse of the deterrence mission, and the work that goes into ensuring a safe, secure and effective force."

The command is also celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and Wilson said AFGSC has made important strides in strengthening the Air Force's nuclear enterprise since 2009.

"We've improved our Intercontinental Ballistic Missile and bomber readiness across the fleet," Wilson said. "We've also taken action to create personal development programs and educational opportunities for our Airmen."

The news team captured the personal experiences of AFGSC Airmen across a variety of Air Force specialties, including missileers, missile maintainers, pilots, missile field chefs, weapons loaders and crew chiefs. The team witnessed firsthand some of the conditions these Airmen endure on a daily basis to accomplish their respective missions.

"I sincerely hope the American public enjoyed seeing our Airmen showcased as they perform the nuclear deterrence mission 24/7/365," the general said. "We are an elite and disciplined team, and the pride our Airmen show in the work they do often goes unseen as they deter our adversaries and assure our allies."

Note: To read all about the team's journey, visit the Air Force Global Strike Command Blog, http://globalstrike.dodlive.mil/.