Air Force Global Strike Command’s bomb wings successfully completed the Constant Vigilance exercise on Wednesday. Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., “honed their skills in planning and generating aircraft in surge operations” during the exercise, which ran From May 4-13, according to an AFGSC release. The annual exercise tests the command’s ability to perform its conventional and nuclear missions via notional scenarios. The results showed AFGSC had “effectively demonstrated” its capabilities in nuclear deterrence operations and long-range strike missions. “Only with continual, robust, and realistic training can we ensure our units are prepared and ready for this vital mission set,” said Robert Thomson, AFGSC’s exercise division chief.
A B-52H bomber launched a simulated AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response hypersonic missile at a target some 600 miles away during the ongoing Northern Edge exercise in Alaska, the Air Force said. The simulated shot was a success and demonstrated Airborne Battle Management System techniques to facilitate the kill chain for…