The head of the Air Force’s nuclear wing said Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is using an influx of cash worth more than $50 million to not only improve quality of life but quality of work.
AFGSC chief Lt. Gen. Steven Wilson said Tuesday the service is performing refurbishments, “deep cleaning” and improvements to the insides of all launch control facilities. The command is also about to spend $3 million for 4×4 vehicles at the ICBM wings in northern air force bases like Minot AFB, N.D.
“We’re getting some much needed improvements to the wing, to improve some quality of life for each of the wings,” Wilson told an audience at a Peter Huessy breakfast series event in Arlington, Va.
Air Force Secretary Deborah James in May said she redirected $50 million in fiscal year 2014 funding to address urgent, near-term nuclear sustainment shortfalls as well as $350 million over the future years defense program (FYDP). Air Force spokeswoman Kathryn Blais said Tuesday $27.7 million went to readiness and training requirements at AFGSC missile wings; $900,000 to modernization; $10.9 million to installation updates and renovations of missile wing facilities and $10.6 million for recapitalization in support of the nuclear enterprise.
James, Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh announced sweeping changes to the ICBM force following a cheating scandal involving missileers, according to an Air Force statement. James recommended elevating AFGSC leadership to a four-star general from the current three-star rank. This will be worked out over the next several months and will require congressional approval. The Air Force will also increase the service’s assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration from a two-star to three-star billet.
The Air Force also plans to increase nuclear manning levels and strengthen professional development.