In a follow-up to my previous post about the new Global Strike Command (January 24, 2009) Barksdale AFB in Louisiana was selected to get the new mission. The news was released Thursday.
I had the opportunity to spend about 6 weeks at Barksdale AFB during my time in the Force. It is a nice spacious base with lots to do in the surrounding area – a pretty nice place to spend a tour.
I was surprised by the pick, as I thought that Minot would get the nod. But, thinking back of my time in the military, I remember those General officers liking the warmer weather (golf), so I can see the selection of Barksdale over Minot, Malmstrom and F.E. Warren. The Global Strike Command will have several General officers.
Of course, Montana’s Congressional delegation was disappointed with the non-selection of Malmstrom and they vow to work to obtain other missions for the base. Time may be running out. The Obama Administration is negotiating with Russia to cut nuclear weapons by another 30%, according to this story. Montana (Malmstrom) recently lost 25% of their missile mission and now they are at the same level as Minot and F.E. Warren. Without a member of the Montana delegation on a defense or military committee, it may be hard to obtain a new mission for Malmstrom (you’ve heard that from me several times) and keep the base open. Nonetheless, I wish them luck.
Plus, there seems to be some disagreement in the community about who the spokesperson is for the community in regards to Malmstrom issues. There may be too many “generals” and not enough “airmen” in the mix. There does not seem to be a united voice, although everyone involved wants what is best for the community and the base. In my opinion there should be one united voice – settle the differences in private and come forward with one voice (and preferably by someone who understands the Air Force).
Since that squabble made it into the public, I believe it has probably harmed the way the community is perceived by those in the Air Force and the Department of Defense who can make the ultimate decision about new missions.
We’ll see what happens down the road, but for now Barksdale AFB is the soon-to-be new home of Global Strike Command.
The Western Word 
Since Offutt AFB, former HQ for the Strategic Air Command (SAC controlled the nukes when it existed) is now HQ for Strategic Command, it didn’t surprise me that Barksdale would be the pick. During the SAC area, the two number Air Forces under SAC were based at March AFB in California and Barksdale. So, at least the necessary buildings should be in place for this “new” command. None of the other bases had that advantage. And, the warm weather didn’t hurt none either.And I probably shouldn’t comment on Malmstrom since I do not live near the base – well, half a state away to be exact. But the base/community needs to pursue an “aircraft” mission for the base instead of relying entirely on the missiles. You’ve got one hell of a runway/support structure there. Add to that the unencumbered air space close to Malmstrom – basically all of the skies over eastern Montana – and you’ve got one heck of a training area. And last time I checked, the AF still had an air refueling mission. What a place to base those air-born gas stations. Just some thoughts.