Barksdale Air Force Base News

DAF increases B-21 Raider production capacity to deliver combat capability faster

Pentagon News — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:20:00 GMT

The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber fleet.

Global Strike Command Team Visits 2 BW to Engage with Airmen, B-52 Mission

Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:00:00 GMT

U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Shawn M. Aiello, AFGSC command chief, visited the 2nd Bomb Wing for an inside look at the mission and to meet with the Airmen who deliver long-range global strike, Feb. 2-4.

Barksdale Helps Airmen Visit Home

Amn Fallon Mitchell — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:20:00 GMT

Going home for the holidays may not be as simple as many would like it to be. Many factors play into whether or not an Airman visits home to see their loved ones. One of the biggest deciding factors for Airmen is the cost of travel, particularly for the Air Force’s newest Airmen.

Barksdale Adopts Cold Spray Technology to Improve B-52H Fleet Readiness

Senior Airman Aaron Hill — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:16:00 GMT

U.S. Airmen from the 2nd Maintenance Squadron recently began integrating cold spray technology to restore aging B-52H Stratofortress components in-house, reducing aircraft downtime and improving fleet readiness amid ongoing parts constraints.

Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1 concludes, demonstrating global reach and Allied integration

U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:00:00 GMT

U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft departed Spain, Nov. 24, returning to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and concluding Bomber Task Force Europe 26-1, a two-week deployment exercising the U.S. Air Force’s ability to project power globally. During the deployment, the B-52 aircrews executed a series of complex, high-end training scenarios with Allies and partners across the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

Adopt an Airman builds lasting bonds for new Airmen

Airman 1st Class Preston Crawford — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:40:00 GMT

From the moment Airmen begin their career in the military, they face a rapidly changing and complex environment that can feel unfamiliar. For the Airmen who are away from home, often for the first time, these changes can make adjusting to their first assignment even harder.

First stop as Chief of Staff of the Air Force: AFGSC

1st Lt. Sydney Sedlak — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:13:00 GMT

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach & his wife, Mrs. Wilsbach, visited AFGSC, Nov. 19, for immersions into the command’s mission & modernization programs. This initial immersion, Wilsbach’s 1st official base visit as CSAF, underscored the command's pivotal role in the nation’s security.

2nd Bomb Wing Establishes Certified Calibration Lab to Enhance Nuclear Response Capability

Airman 1st Class Devyn Taylor — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:52:47 GMT

Barksdale Air Force Base is on track to establish a certified calibration lab for Ludlum radiation meters, making it the only base in Air Force Global Strike Command with this capability and one of two across the Department of War.

Barksdale leadership runs first SNCO preparation course

Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:45:00 GMT

Last week, the 2nd Bomb Wing hosted its first senior noncommissioned officer preparation course aimed at equipping the next wave of new SNCOs to help them shift into a new level of leadership.

An Airman comes home: From homelessness to the American Dream

Airman 1st Class Jaiyah Lewis — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:20:00 GMT

Where someone begins in life doesn't always determine where they will go. For one Airman, a childhood marked by hardship became the foundation for strength, and ultimately, led him from homelessness to military service and U.S. citizenship.

Military and community, building partnerships that last

Airman 1st Class Rhea Beil — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:10:00 GMT

Serving the nation is vital, and so is serving the community. That’s why Barksdale Air Force Base partners with local leaders through the Honorary Commander program, pairing them with commanders from units within the 2nd Bomb Wing to bridge the military-civilian gap and build lasting relationships.

Beyond the Homecoming: How the MFRC helps Airmen thrive after Deployment

Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:16:30 GMT

Returning from a deployment is often imagined as a joyful reunion, but the reality can be far more complex. For many Airmen, the shift from the operational mindset back to family life brings unexpected challenges.

Building relationships behind the badge

Senior Airman Hailey Farrell — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:08:04 GMT

At Barksdale Air Force Base, the dedicated Airmen of the 2nd Security Forces Squadron and other first responder units came together during a neighborhood event to build and strengthen bonds with the community they serve and protect.

Bossier City Native Takes Command of 2nd Bomb Wing

Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:39:00 GMT

A Northwest Louisiana native became the commander of the Air Force's largest bomb wing during a ceremony today.

From the Frontlines to the Flightline: 96th BS Celebrates 107 Years by Honoring Heroic Leader

Airman 1st Class Rhea Beil — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:30:31 GMT

The 96th Bomb Squadron celebrated on July 18, in anticipation of the 107th anniversary of their first combat bombardment, with a ceremony honoring its heritage and operational legacy. During the event, the unit officially dedicated the Summersett Auditorium to a former World War I squadron commander.

Barksdale Airmen Help Secure New Drone Restrictions Across Louisiana

Senior Airman Nicole Ledbetter — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:42:00 GMT

Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing Judge Advocate’s Office coordinated with Louisiana state representatives to update a law clarifying the unlawful use of unmanned aerial systems.

Honoring the badge and beret: 2nd Bomb Wing commemorates Police Week

Airman 1st Class Preston Crawford — Wed, 28 May 2025 19:05:00 GMT

From May 19-22, the 2nd Bomb Wing honored Police Week with a four-day observance, commemorating the defenders in berets who stand watch day and night, from flightlines to front gates. Police Week is dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who serve as the shield of the mission.

Forging a Leader: 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Civilian Earns Top Honors at NCOA

Senior Airman Hailey Farrell — Thu, 15 May 2025 20:20:54 GMT

When Braddon Kolafa, a structures foreman with the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, walked into the Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Sheppard Air Force Base, he wasn’t just stepping into a classroom–he was stepping into a room traditionally reserved for enlisted leaders. Kolafa spent 196 hours alongside enlisted Airmen, tackling the same leadership lessons and physical challenges. His commitment didn’t just meet expectations–it exceeded them, and he earned the title of distinguished graduate, a recognition reserved for the top performers in the course.

2nd Bomb Wing Integrates with Key Partners at Chennault International Airport

Senior Airman Seth Watson — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:00:00 GMT

The 2d Bomb Wing and the 159th Fighter Wing demonstrated enhanced interoperability and strengthened their operational capabilities during a combined air-to-air integration training event held April 29, 2025, culminating in an operational survey of the Louisiana Army National Guard’s Lake Charles Readiness Center at Chennault International Airport.

Lethality Tested, Mission Perfected: 2nd Bomb Wing Sharpens Lethal Edge During Combat Hammer

Airman 1st Class Preston Crawford — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:47:09 GMT

As part of the Air Force’s premier weapons system evaluation program, the 2nd Bomb Wing participated in Combat Hammer from March 10 to 21, testing its ability to deliver conventional airpower in a contested environment.