Adm. Cecil Haney, head of US Strategic Command, visited Barksdale AFB, La., to get an up-close look at the 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates nuclear-capable B-52 bombers, and to thank airmen for their contributions to the nation’s deterrence force. “The capability of the 2nd Bomb Wing is a very flexible leg of the [nuclear] triad,” said Haney during his Jan. 23 visit, according to a base release. Haney said he counted on Barksdale’s airmen to demonstrate the United States’ deterrent abilities in a “very visible way.” He emphasized the importance of Barksdale’s role in maintaining a safe, secure, and effective deterrent to advance US interests and assure allies. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Alston, STRATCOM’s senior enlisted leader, accompanied Haney on the visit, Haney’s first to Barksdale since becoming STRATCOM’s boss in November. Haney said he scheduled the trip because he thought it was important to see first-hand the work of airmen who contribute daily to STRATCOM’s mission. (Barksdale report by SSgt. Sean Martin)
The Department of the Air Force has identified 50 programs that will make up the core of its contribution to the Pentagon’s joint all-domain command and control effort, branding them part of the “DAF Battle Network,” according to newly-released budget documents. The DAF Battle Network programs span multiple offices and agencies…