Team Offutt Provides Information Warfare Edge to Global Thunder 17

Photo By Delanie Stafford | An Offutt-based RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint aircraft takes-off during Global Thunder 17, U.S. Strategic Command’s annual command post and field training exercise, Oct. 30, 2016, at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The exercise provided training opportunities for USSTRATCOM-tasked components, task forces, units and command posts to deter and, if necessary, defeat a military attack against the United States and to employ forces as directed by the President.  

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE, UNITED STATES

11.02.2016

Courtesy Story

55th Wing

Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth warfighters participated in Global Thunder 17, U.S. Strategic Command’s annual command post and field training exercise, Oct. 24-31 to train and assess joint operational readiness.

The exercise validates the wing’s role in deterring strategic attacks against the homeland by achieving information superiority.

“Maintaining strategic stability in an era of evolving challenges requires innovative and comprehensive solutions,” Adm. Cecil D. Haney, USSTRATCOM commander said. “The scenarios presented in Global Thunder will drive the critical thinking needed to provide the president options that, in concert with a whole-of-government approach that includes our allies, are required to maintain twenty-first century deterrence.”

Global Thunder is both a command post and field training exercise designed to provide training from planning at the combatant command through execution at the tactical level, with a specific focus on cyber, space, missile defense and nuclear readiness.

“I am proud of and impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the entirety of Team Offutt,” Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing commander said. “Global Thunder 17 drives home the magnitude of the mission we, both our military and civilian teammates, have voluntarily signed-up for. I have complete confidence in the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth’s ability to innovate to execute our mission no matter the circumstances.”

The exercise provided training opportunities for USSTRATCOM-tasked components, task forces, units and command posts to deter and, if necessary, defeat a military attack against the United States and to employ forces as directed by the President.

Planning for GT 17 was underway for more than a year. While the exercise was based on a notional scenario, it realistically allows Department of Defense forces, including Team Offutt, to exercise and train as they would fight.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2016
• Date Posted: 01.04.2017 13:30
• Story ID: 213838
• Location: OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE, US