U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs, 901 SAC Blvd, Suite 1A1, Offutt AFB NE 68113-6020
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Fact File U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs, 901 SAC Blvd, Suite 1A1, Offutt AFB NE 68113-6020 |
USSTRATCOM exercises command authority over various task forces and service components in support of the command's mission. During day-to-day operations, service component commanders retain primary responsibility for maintaining the readiness of USSTRATCOM forces and performing their assigned functions. Their primary function is to provide organized, trained, and equipped forces for employment when called upon to support USSTRATCOM's global mission. Organizations include task force and service elements supporting the following:
Air Force refueling aircraft greatly enhance the command's capability to conduct global combat and reconnaissance operations. Tankers are assigned to 18th Air Force, Scott AFB, Ill., with headquarters at Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, Ill.
The Navy's E-6B Mercury aircraft provide a survivable communications link between national decision-makers and the nation's strategic forces. An airborne command post, the E-6B enables the President and the Secretary of Defense to directly contact crews on the nation's ballistic missile submarines, land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and long-range bombers. E-6B aircraft are assigned to Strategic Communications Wing One, Tinker AFB, Okla.
Air Force Space Command provides space forces and trained ICBM forces for USSTRATCOM. AFSPC has two numbered air forces. Fourteenth Air Force provides space warfighting forces to USSTRATCOM, and is located at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Fourteenth Air Force manages the generation and employment of space forces to support USSTRATCOM operational plans and missions. Twentieth Air Force is located at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. Twentieth Air Force operates and maintains AFSPC's ICBM weapon systems in support of USSTRATCOM war plans. AFSPC supports USSTRATCOM with ballistic missile warning information, operates the Space Warfare Center to develop space applications for direct warfighter support, and is responsible for the Department of Defense's ICBM follow-on operational test and evaluation program. AFSPC operates and supports the Global Positioning System, Defense Satellite Communications Systems Phase II and III, Defense Meteorological Support Program, Defense Support Program, NATO III and IV communications and Fleet Satellite Communications System UHF follow-on and MILSTAR satellites. AFSPC currently operates the Atlas II, Delta II, Titan II and Titan IV launch vehicles. This includes all of the nation's primary boosters from the Eastern and Western ranges and range support for the space shuttle. AFSPC also operates the nation's primary source of continuous, real-time solar flare warnings. The command also operates a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations to provide communications links to satellites -- a system called the Air Force Satellite Control Network.
Headquartered at Arlington, Va., SMDC, as the Army Service Component to USSTRATCOM, conducts space operations and provides planning, integration, control and coordination of Army forces and capabilities in support of USSTRATCOM missions; serves as proponent for space and ground-based midcourse defense and as Army operational integrator for global missile defense; conducts mission related research, development, and acquisition in support of Department of the Army responsibilities and serves as the focal point for desired characteristics and capabilities in support of USSTRATCOM missions.
Considered the most survivable leg of the nation's strategic forces, Navy ballistic missile submarines, or SSBNs, provide launch capability from around the globe using the Trident missile weapon system. Atlantic SSBNs are based at Kings Bay, Ga., with headquarters at Commander, Submarine Forces U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Naval Base Norfolk, Va; Pacific SSBNs are based at Bangor, Wash., with headquarters at Commander Submarine Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet, Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Aircraft assigned to 8th Air Force, Barksdale AFB, La., are capable of deploying air power to any area of the world. B-52 Stratofortress heavy bombers are based at Barksdale AFB, La., and Minot AFB, N.D. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are stationed at Whiteman AFB, Mo. Worldwide reconnaissance aircraft assigned to 8th AF that support the USSTRATCOM mission include the RC-135 Rivet Joint, Offutt AFB, Neb., and the U-2S Dragon Lady, Beale AFB, Calif.
Located in Arlington, Va., the Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO) is U.S. Strategic Command's operational component supporting USSTRATCOM in defense of the DoD's information infrastructure. This is done by integrating GNO capabilities into the operations of all DoD computers, networks, and systems used by DoD combatant commands, services, and agencies.
The JIOC integrates Information Operations (IO) into military plans and operations across the spectrum of conflict. Located at Lackland AFB, Texas, the JIOC deploys information operations planning teams worldwide at a moment's notice to support combatant commanders and joint task forces.
Air Force ICBMs, dispersed in hardened silos across the nation's central tier, provide a quick-reacting and highly reliable component to the nation's strategic forces. Minuteman III missile launch control centers are based from F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; and Minot AFB, N.D. Peacekeeper missiles are based at F.E. Warren AFB. ICBM crews report to 20th Air Force, F.E. Warren AFB.
Marine Forces Strategic Command (MARFORSTRAT) is a headquarters staff of 17 Marines commanded by Lt.Gen. M.R. Berndt, Norfolk, Va., and directed at USSTRATCOM by a Marine Corps colonel chief of staff. The Marines bring to USSTRATCOM a resident knowledge of Marine Corps capabilities, doctrine, assets and availability to support all USSTRATCOM mission areas. Particular focus is on USSTRATCOM's Information Operations and Global Strike missions. MARFORSTRAT advises and assists in planning. The Marines coordinate and facilitate USSTRATCOM access to and use of Marine forces to execute USSTRATCOM missions.
The Navy's central operational authority for space, information technology requirements, network and information operations in support of naval forces afloat and ashore. Located at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Va., NETWARCOM operates a secure and interoperable naval network that enables effects-based operations and innovation. The command also coordinates and assesses the Navy's operational requirements for and use of network/command and control/information technology/information operations and space operations. Several commands are under the authority of the NETWARCOM commander: the Naval Network and Space Operations Command (NNSOC) in Dahlgren, Va.; the Fleet Information Warfare Center (FIWC) in Norfolk, Va.; and Navy Component Task Force Computer Network Defense (NCTF CND) in Washington, D.C.
(Current as of March 2004)