The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center at Kirtland AFB, N.M., has reached full operational status. The center is responsible for the cradle-to-grave sustainment of USAF’s nuclear weapons. To reach this milestone, AFNWC staff accomplished these tasks: increasing and stabilizing weapon storage area production; completing several rounds of nuclear surety inspections; creating roadmaps and developing strong partnerships with nuclear stakeholders; and integrating into one focused team that fully embraces a culture of continuous improvement. Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command boss, on Jan. 20 declared full operational capability during AFNWC’s change-of-command ceremony. Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak assumed command that day from Brig. Gen. Everett Thomas, who led the center since April 2008. The USAF leadership has selected Thomas to be vice commander of Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale, AFB, La. AFMC oversees the center. (Kirtland release) (See also Kirtland report by Stefan T. Bocchino)
NATO Scrambles Fighter in Newest Response to Russian Drones
Sept. 16, 2025
NATO scrambled its first fighter Sept. 13 under its new plan to bolster its defenses against Russian air incursions that was put into place after an array of Russian drones flew into Polish airspace last week, the officials from the alliance’s military command said.
