During his visit last week to Minot AFB, N.D., Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter thanked airmen at the Air Force Global Strike Command installation for their vigilance in keeping the nation safe as part of the US nuclear deterrent force. “What you do here, particularly the nuclear mission, is the bedrock of our security,” said Carter to more than 200 assembled Minot airmen during his Nov. 2 visit, according to a base release. He added, “It is the foundation for everything we do.” Carter received briefings from base leadership and toured the facilities of the 5th Bomb Wing that operates nuclear-capable B-52 bombers and of the 91st Missile Wing that is responsible for 150 of the nation’s Minuteman III ICBMs. “I’ve spent the day learning what you do, appreciating what you do, and being amazed at what you do here. The first thing I want to say is, ‘Thank you,'” said Carter. (Minot report by TSgt. Thomas L. Dow)
Sierra Nevada Corp. has acquired five ex-Korean Air 747-8 jumbo jets on which it will host the Survivable Airborne Operations Center. The jets will be transferred next year and will serve as the platforms for the SAOC, the $13 billion contract for which SNC won last month. The jets were…