Nuclear weaponsBarksdale AFB to be upgraded so it could store nuclear weapons on site
In 2009, the Louisiana congressional delegation successfully fought for locating the Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force base. Barksdale, home to the Global Strike Command, is No. 2 on the Air Force’s priority list of nuclear weapons storage areas set to receive an upgrade so Barksdale can safety store the U.S. nuclear weapons and load the weapons onto B-52s. The B-52s stationed at Barksdale AFB currently fly to other installations to load nuclear weapons onboard. Language inserted last week into the bill that funds the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY15 requires the Air Force to develop a detailed plan within ninety days of the bill becoming law on how it will modernize the U.S. five nuclear weapons storage areas, including the one at Barksdale Air Force Base.
Barksdale to become nuclear ordnance storage // Source: af.mil
U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu (D-Louisiana) last week inserted language into the bill that funds the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY15 which requires the Air Force to develop a detailed plan within ninety days of the bill becoming law on how it will modernize the U.S. five nuclear weapons storage areas, including the one at Barksdale Air Force Base which is currently not utilized. Barksdale, home to the Global Strike Command, is No. 2 on the Air Force’s priority list of nuclear weapons storage areas set to receive an upgrade so Barksdale can safety store the U.S. nuclear weapons and load the weapons onto B-52s. The B-52s stationed at Barksdale AFB currently fly to other installations to load nuclear weapons onboard. The bill now heads to the full Senate.
In recent years, the Air Force has refocused on its nuclear mission and has prioritized the need to reestablish and refurbish its nuclear weapons storage areas across the country.
“I’m proud to lead the efforts of our delegation to ensure that the Global Strike Command and Barksdale Air Force Base receive the attention they deserve. Modernizing the nuclear weapons storage area at Barksdale will give our military the broad and deep reach it needs to protect our nation and provide stability for our allies across the world,” Senator Landrieu said. “This is another step forward in the Air Force’s efforts to strengthen its nuclear enterprise. I look forward to working with the Air Force to ensure Barksdale’s weapon storage area is upgraded and the Global Strike Command receives its fourth star.”
Landrieu noted that she has also secured a total of $25 million for the STARBASE Program — a science and engineering educational opportunity for 5th grade students located on military installations throughout Louisiana, including in Barksdale, Jackson Barracks, and Camp Beauregard.
Landrieu added: “STARBASE helps spark young students’ interest in science and math early on and allows them to see how developing these skills can solve real-world challenges and prepare them to earn a high-paying job in the future. This is a smart investment in our children, military and country’s future.”
Landrieu announced in May that the Air Force has recommended to the Secretary of Defense that a four-star general lead the Global Strike Nuclear Command at Barksdale Air Force base.
In 2009, the Louisiana congressional delegation successfully fought for locating the Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force base.
