The Defense Department’s inspector general office is expected to release a report this month evaluating Air Force Global Strike Command’s organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities, according to IG officials. “The objective of this assessment is to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of current command relationships with its subordinate organizations,” states a July IG update. “This assessment also examines the potential efficiencies and gains in security effectiveness at Minot [AFB, N.D.,] from alternative organizational structures,” adds the document. AFGSC, headquartered at Barksdale AFB, La., oversees the Air Force’s nuclear capable bombers and ICBM force. The command stood up in August 2009 and commenced full-scale operations in September 2010.
In a nighttime ceremony contrived to continue concealment of many of its features, the new B-21 bomber rolled out of Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif. plant Dec. 2. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the aircraft's advanced technology represents "deterrence, the American way."