US realigns AFGSC to include B-1B and LRS-B bombers

[Zarvan]

The Rockwell B-1B Lancer (pictured) is to join the Long Range Strike-Bomber (LRS-B), B-52, B-2, and Minuteman ICBM in the US Air Force's restructured AFGSC from 1 October. Source: US Air Force
The United States has restructured its Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) to include the Rockwell B-1B Lancer fleet and the Long Range Strike-Bomber (LRS-B) programme.

The change, which was announced by the US Air Force (USAF) on 20 April, will see the B-1B and LRS-B join the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress and Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit bombers, as well as the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), at the AFGSC.

Under the realignment, 63 B-1B aircraft (the number of LRS-B platforms has yet to be decided) and about 7,000 personnel will transfer from the Air Combat Command (ACC), adding to the AFGSC's current force of 76 B-52s, 20 B-2s, and 23,000 servicemen. The realignment comes into effect from 1 October.

AFGSC was formally activated at Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB) in Louisiana on 7 August 2009. It is currently responsible for all units of both the 20th Air Force (AF), headquartered at F E Warren AFB, Wyoming, and the 8th AF, headquartered at Barksdale AFB. Specifically, it oversees the Minuteman III ICBMs operated out of F E Warren AFB; Minot AFB, North Dakota; and Malmstrom AFB, Montana; as well as the B-52 bombers at Barksdale AFB and at Minot AFB; and the B-2 bombers at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

The 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, California, and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, also fall under the command. As with other USAF major commands, the AFGSC includes Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units as well.

Under the realignment, both the 12 AF's 7th Bomb Wing (BW) at Dyess AFB, Texas, and the 12 AF's 28th BW at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, will continue to serve as the host wings for the B-1B, and will provide installation support and services to other units on the bases.

The AFGSC undertakes long-range planning for the nuclear deterrence and global strike missions in alignment with the USAF's larger strategic plan. It also fields a response task force to deal with emergency nuclear situations and other potential incidents around the globe.

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US realigns AFGSC to include B-1B and LRS-B bombers - IHS Jane's 360
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