Airmen of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., completed late last month the first of three nuclear operational readiness exercises (NORE) the wing expects to undergo in preparation for its June nuclear operational readiness inspection. The NORE tested the wing’s ability to generate a large force of B-52s, in this case deploying them and support elements to Minot AFB, N.D., and to handle various contingencies for global strike or expeditionary combat support missions. “This exercise was the first robust test of these different contingencies,” said Lt. Col. Paul Griffith, the wing director of plans, programs, and evaluations, and a means “to learn, experience, and devise the best methods for these operations now and in the future.” (Barksdale report by SrA. Alexandra Longfellow)
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said he'd be “comfortable’ with the service taking over the air base defense mission from the Army, provided it was given the resources and manpower to do so. The Army has been slow to devote the resources and attention needed to matching the Air Force’s…