A contingent of more than 100 airmen and four KC-135s from the 22nd Airlift Wing at McConnell AFB, Kan., participated in a first-of-its-kind forward-deployment drill during a nuclear operational readiness exercise. These assets moved to Grand Forks AFB, N.D., for four days earlier this month to see how well they could support the B-52H bombers there tasked with executing the nuclear mission. “Because of limited resources in the past, we just didn’t take the time and resources to [forward deploy],” said Lt. Col. Scott Thatcher, commander of McConnell’s 350th Air Refueling Squadron. He continued, “[N]ow that we’re refocusing and reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise, we think it’s important to exercise it and be ready if we’re tasked with a mission.” In addition to aircrew and maintainers, the wing sent some of its security forces, supply personnel, and petroleum and lubricant specialists to Grand Forks. (McConnell report by SrA. Abigail Klein)
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…
