Air Force officials announce Barksdale as Permanent location for Global Strike Command

  • Published
  • By Capt. Christina Hoggatt
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Today Air Force officials announced Barksdale as the permanent location of Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters. The new major command will focus on the nuclear and global strike mission.

"We have been selected as the official home of AFGSC which will be activated Aug. 7," said Col. Gerald L. Hounchell, 2 Bomb Wing vice commander. "Barksdale is ready to support the mission and personnel of the Air Force's newest command. There is no mission more important than safeguarding our vital strategic capabilities and maintaining our nuclear deterrence.

"This selection will have a great impact on the community. We sincerely appreciate the incredible support the Shreveport-Bossier area provides Barksdale," the colonel said. "We know this support will continue as AFGSC is established at Barksdale."

Barksdale was previously identified as the Air Force's preferred alternative for purposes of the environmental analysis process that is now complete. AFGSC will be activated on August 7.

"The environmental assessment, which included a 30-day public comment period, resulted in a finding of 'No Significant Impact' which allows for the SECAF to take the additional steps of making a final basing decision and formally standing up AFGSC," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary for Installations.

"The standup of this new command will provide clear lines of authority and responsibility dedicated to the nuclear and conventional global strike mission, a key component of strategic deterrence," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, designated commander for AFGSC.

Personnel will begin moving to Barksdale in preparation for the mission and activation of AFGSC which will be held Aug. 7. This new command will provide oversight to ensure continued excellence and increased focus on the importance of deterrence.