Article Posted on : - Feb 02, 2010

The B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit bombers of US Air Force. A USAF Photo

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, US (BNS): The US Air Force’s Global Strike Command has assumed responsibility of the nuclear-capable bomber force comprising of strategic bombers B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit.

The GSC officials took charge of the new force on Tuesday, the USAF said. “This action completes the step-by-step transfer of all Air Force long-range, nuclear-capable assets to the Air Force's newest major command,” it said.

The Global Strike Command had, in December 2009, taken command of America's intercontinental ballistic missile force.

The transfer once again places all Air Force assets with a strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike mission – missiles and bombers – under one command. This action will provide for “more focused and effective oversight of this important and enduring mission,” GSC chief Lt. Gen. Frank G Klotz said.

The B-52 provides “unique, unmatched stand-off capabilities,” and the B-2 has the ability to attack heavily defended targets, he said.

“Both bombers also offer combatant commanders important non-nuclear, or conventional, capabilities as they so convincingly demonstrated in both Operation Enduring Freedom and in Operation Iraqi Freedom,” the official said.

The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, multi-role strategic heavy bomber. Designed to carry out strategic attack, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations, the bomber is US Air Force’s frontline nuclear and conventional weapons platform that can carry cluster bombs, precision guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions.

The B-2 Spirit is a heavy bomber with stealth technology. It carries both nuclear and conventional weapons and can penetrate dense anti-aircraft defenses.