KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |Air Force Global Strike

Air Force Global Strike

By Ben Wolf - bio|email

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - Barksdale Air Force Base just made history.

Today marked the formal activation of Air Force Global Strike Command.

Our area has gone through a wild ride of emotions when it comes to securing new activity at Barksdale, but Air Force generals say the time is now.

With the unveiling of a new flag, the Air Force embarked on a new mission.

It's the consolidation of nuclear deterrence and global strike missions.

It will combine operations of intercontinental ballistic missiles, B-2s, B-52s, and other commands.

"So I think that will be the difference.  That sort of keen laser-like focus," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz.

Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz assumed command of global strike in front of Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

"The threat of a nuclear attack on the United States and its friends and its allies significantly diminished, yet it is still a very uncertain world... an unpredictable world," said Lt. Gen. Klotz.

Senator Mary Landrieu says global strike will control the most important weapons in the world -- important because of their dangerous abilities.

"There are only eight major commands in the Air Force in the world.  This is one of them," said Sen. Landrieu (D-LA).

Global Strike also gives Northwest Louisiana a shot in its economic arm with nearly 1,000 direct jobs.

Of those estimated 900 positions, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz says up to 200 of them could be for civilians.

Governor Bobby Jindal says it's a big day for Louisiana, but he is already looking at the next step.

"What we're going to do is continue to build that infrastructure and the Department of Economic Development force commission will help those private sector companies that are now going to want to be here, locate here, expand here to support this mission," said Gov. Jindal (R- LA)

Senator David Vitter serves at the top ranking republican in the armed services subcommittee, and he says after losing cyber command, the state now gains huge responsibility.

"This has been a roller coaster ride for everyone and all the twists and turns but this is very, very good news," said Sen. Vitter (R-LA).

There is no doubt the consolidation of nuclear deterrence will give Barksdale more responsibility when it

 The command should be completely up and running by August 2010.

©2009 KSLA-TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.