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.