STRATCOM Starts Commanders’ Course for USAF, Navy Nuclear Officers

US Strategic Command initiated a Nuclear Commanders Course to provide Air Force and Navy leaders in strategic deterrence units a better understanding of STRATCOM’s role in building and maintaining the nuclear war plan, its nuclear command and control capabilities, and their unit’s role in the deterrence mission. More than 20 officers from the two services attended the new two-day course at STRATCOM headquarters on Offutt AFB, Neb., according to a command release. The dual-service course was an extension of a five-year-old program that focused on Navy ballistic missile submarine commanders and executive officers. STRATCOM Commander Adm. Cecil Haney extended the course to include Air Force ICBM, bomber, and refueling tanker squadron commanders as part of his effort to enhance the professional development of rising STRATCOM leaders by giving them a headquarters perspective on their missions. The admiral personally briefed the visiting officers as part of the instructions. Lt. Col. Maria Hatchell, commander 92nd Force Support Squadron at Fairchild AFB, Wash., said the course “helps expand my knowledge base on how to better support operations.”