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B-1s debut and C2 connects during Constant Vigilance

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • 8th Air Force Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Monday marked the conclusion of Constant Vigilance 2016, a week-long Air Force Global Strike Command annual exercise, designed to gauge the Service's ability to conduct conventional long-range strike and nuclear deterrence missions.

Eighth Air Force, also known as the "Mighty Eighth," is one of two numbered Air Forces under the command and was responsible for providing the strategic bomber and associated command and control components of the exercise.

For the past five years 8th Air Force B-52 and B-2 aircraft represented the heavy bomber presence during CV exercises, but this year there was a new addition to the arsenal - the B-1 Lancer.

The B-1, which is now part of the Mighty Eighth's strategic bomber force, can carry up to 75,000 pounds of 500 and 2,000-pound bombs and performs conventional long-range strike missions.

Airmen from the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, and the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., had the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate the platform's capabilities (albeit simulated) during CV16.

The B-1's introduction to the exercise left an impression on many Airmen.

"Our responsibility as bomber Airmen is to effectively respond to current and future conflicts with flexibility," said Col. Justin Boldenow, 7th Operations Group commander. "With the transition to Global Strike Command, the 7th Bomb Wing has endeavored to meet a new range of threats, and we saw an output during the exercise that absolutely confirms our ability to train, test and execute the mission with precision, no matter the circumstance."

In order for flying units like the 7th Operations Group to effectively operate in hostile environments, they rely on the backing of vital command and control entities such as air operations centers.

The 608th AOC, located at Barksdale AFB, was also among the players in CV16.

"We're the center point for providing global situational awareness, and we also serve as the main conduit between the units and other involved organizations," said Capt. Vincent Garzone, a cell chief within the 608th AOC's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division. "Communication is crucial during events like this, especially when your focus is accurate and timely information."

For the purposes of this year's exercise, the AOC primarily focused on incorporating the B-1 into CV, yet still maintained and provided support to all Global Strike wings.

The center conducted 24-hour operations and provided intel support by coordinating on requests for information, facilitating battlespace awareness for the units and serving as the liaison between the units and Global Strike's staff.

However, since the exercise consisted of both conventional and nuclear operational scenarios, Task Force 204, a C2 unit associated with both 8th Air Force and U.S. Strategic Command, also participated.

"We're specialized and focus solely on 'strategic' (nuclear) forces," said Maj. Jason Waldow, TF 204 Reconnaissance Operations chief. "Command and control is the backbone of the exercise and without it, it would be difficult to assess the full capability of our forces."

Like the AOC, the task force operated on a 24/7 cycle. TF 204 members monitored the health of the force as well as built, prioritized and delivered messages for Global Strike Command.

"One of our primary focuses included solidifying a strong relationship with command and ensuring good communication flowed to the units who were operating in adverse environments," Waldow said.

Holistically, it is the task force's responsibility to bring strategic aircraft from a zero state to a fully ready and capable status.

With the addition of the B-1s and contributions of the 608th AOC and TF 204, every 8th Air Force unit participated in this year's exercise including Airmen and assets from Barksdale, Minot and Whiteman AFBs.

"Unlike previous years, Constant Vigilance 16 tested the full spectrum of our conventional and nuclear bomber combat power," said Col. Patrick Matthews, 8th Air Force vice commander. "As we continue to train the force in exercises like CV, we strengthen our bomber culture, which in turn reinforces our ability to project airpower globally."