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Commander learns first-hand how Tinker supports Global Strike mission

  • Published
  • By Greg L. Davis and Darren D. Heusel
  • Tinker public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, Gen. Robin Rand, visited the Air Force Sustainment Center, headquartered at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, last week to see first-hand how aircraft and weapon systems critical to his command's global strike and nuclear deterrence missions are maintained.

Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, and his wife, Mrs. Rhonda Levy, hosted General Rand, and his wife, Mrs. Kim Rand, during their two-day visit to the base, April 26-27.

While at Tinker, General Rand visited the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, which provides depot level repair, upgrade and sustainment support to the fleet of B-1B Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress bombers.

These bombers, along with the B-2 Spirit, fall under AFGSC, which is headquartered at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Recently, the B-1B bomber was pulled back from U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility after 15 years of continuous presence and combat operations, and replaced by B-52s.

General Rand had the chance to personally meet and see some of the craftsmen, engineers and staff in action as they worked to keep these bombers fit to fly. AFSC Airmen also showed the general the overhaul process for the TF33 engine, which powers the B-52, and F107 engine, which powers the air-launched cruise missile.

Speaking to a number of employees who work on the B-52 in Bldg. 2121, General Rand said, "The B-52 is the most requested weapon system in the Pacific...[because] it strikes fear in our adversaries and awe in our allies."

General Rand also had the opportunity to address a number of employees who work on the B-1B in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Technology Center.

Speaking to a combined team comprised of members from the program office, supply chain management, depot maintenance and the Defense Logistics Agency, the general thanked them for their efforts in supporting all the work that goes into keeping the B-1B airborne and a viable weapon system on the global stage.

"For the last 10 years, [the B-52] has been doing all its support in the Pacific and the B-1Bs have been carrying the heavy load in the Middle East. But, earlier this month, we sent the B-52s into the CENTCOM AOR - the very B-52s that you guys fix. And, a week ago, they launched their first bomb in anger in 10 years."

"Because of you," the general added, "some bad people got taken care of. You need to know that. That's how important your jobs are."

In addition to all the work being done here at Tinker, General Levy also took the opportunity to highlight to General Rand how AFSC provides nuclear combat power for America through its logistics and sustainment support from its other locations at Hill AFB, Utah, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Robins AFB, Georgia, and Scott AFB, Illinois.