US Strategic Command’s Global Thunder exercise last June was the most extensive nuclear command, control, and communications event of its kind in more than a decade, says Gen. Kevin Chilton, STRATCOM boss. “It demonstrated the full range of nuclear deterrence capabilities by integrating submarine strategic deterrent patrols, more than 90 aircraft sorties, an ICBM test launch, and five days of continuous airborne command-and-control operations,” Chilton told the Senate Armed Services Committee March 26. He added, “Global Thunder’s success demonstrated the readiness of America’s strategic forces.” STRATCOM has expanded Global Thunder from a command post exercise to a more extensive field exercise as part of the Defense Department’s efforts to restore the focus on deterrence and the nuclear mission. Global Thunder is normally an annual event, but its dates are not disclosed beforehand, a STRATCOM spokesman told the Daily Report Wednesday. (Chilton prepared remarks)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
