Air Force Global Strike Command’s bomb wings successfully completed the Constant Vigilance exercise on Wednesday. Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., “honed their skills in planning and generating aircraft in surge operations” during the exercise, which ran From May 4-13, according to an AFGSC release. The annual exercise tests the command’s ability to perform its conventional and nuclear missions via notional scenarios. The results showed AFGSC had “effectively demonstrated” its capabilities in nuclear deterrence operations and long-range strike missions. “Only with continual, robust, and realistic training can we ensure our units are prepared and ready for this vital mission set,” said Robert Thomson, AFGSC’s exercise division chief.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…