Air Force officials last week activated the 377th Security Forces Group to unify and oversee protection of nuclear weapons, personnel, and facilities at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The unit’s stand up will “not only strengthen nuclear and non-nuclear security, but also triple the leadership of the Air Forces’ largest nuclear security tasking,” said Col. Robert Maness, 377th Air Base Wing commander, as he unfurled the unit colors, Aug. 15. The Air Force also activated the 377th Weapons System Security Squadron and realigned the 377th Security Forces Squadron under the new group, now encompassing more than 600 personnel. Kirtland is home to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center that ensures the reliability, sustainment, and modernization of USAF’s deterrent arsenal. The 337th SFG first stood up at Ramstein AB, Germany, in 1985, inactivating in May 1991. (Kirtland report by Marie Vanover)
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.