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        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders      Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett meets with maintenance Airmen during a visit to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn what it takes to manage the overall health of the B-2 fleet, improve and sustain unit capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)Team Whiteman Airmen share their role in strategic bomber mission with SECAF
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett meets with maintenance Airmen during a visit to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn what it takes to manage the overall health of the B-2 Spirit fleet, improve and sustain unit capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)
                
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        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett meets with 509th Security Forces Squadron members during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s critical role of global deterrence as part of the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)Team Whiteman Airmen share their role in strategic bomber mission with SECAF
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett (right) meets with 509th Security Forces Squadron members during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn about the B-2 Spirit’s critical role of global deterrence as part of the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)
                
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        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, left, speaks with 509th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department members during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 11, 2020. Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to understand Team Whiteman’s mission in maintaining global support and combat readiness during COVID-19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)Team Whiteman Airmen share their role in strategic bomber mission with SECAF
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett speaks with 509th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department members during a visit to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 11, 2020. Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to understand Whiteman AFB’s mission in maintaining global support and combat readiness during COVID-19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)
                
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        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Lt. Col. Nicola Polidor, the Det. 5, 29th Training Systems Squadron commander and B-2 Spirit stealth bomber pilot, are greeted by 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs prior to a familiarization flight for Barrett during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s critical role of global deterrence as part of the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)Team Whiteman Airmen share their role in strategic bomber mission with SECAF
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Lt. Col. Nicola Polidor, 29th Training Systems Squadron Det. 5 commander and B-2 Spirit pilot, are greeted by 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs prior to a familiarization flight for Barrett during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn about the B-2 Spirit’s critical role of global deterrence as part of the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)
                
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        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett (right) and Lt. Col. Nicola Polidor, the Det. 5, 29th Training Systems Squadron commander and B-2 Spirit stealth bomber pilot, center, and, review flight paperwork prior to a familiarization flight for Barrett during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s critical role of global deterrence as part of the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)Team Whiteman Airmen share their role in strategic bomber mission with SECAF
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett (right) and Lt. Col. Nicola Polidor, Det. 5, 29th Training Systems Squadron commander and B-2 Spirit pilot (center) review flight paperwork prior to a familiarization flight for Barrett during a visit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 11, 2020. During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation to learn about the B-2 Spirit’s critical role of global deterrence as part of the nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls)
                
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Whiteman AFB Airmen share their role in strategic bomber mission with SecAFPublished June 16, 2020
                    
                    By Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls
                    
                    
                    509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
            **WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFNS) --**Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrettvisited Whiteman Air Force Base June 11 to familiarize herself with Whiteman AFB’s mission in maintaining global support and combat readiness.
During her visit, Barrett spoke with base leaders, first responders and maintenance personnel across the installation.
“It was an honor to showcase Team Whiteman’s unique, strategic mission and the Airmen who make it all possible to the Secretary of the Air Force,” said Col. Jeffrey Schreiner, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Nuclear deterrence is an immense responsibility and a pillar of our defense—it is imperative that our leaders and the public are confident in our continued readiness amidst the challenges of COVID-19.”
Whiteman AFB is home to the B-2 Spirit, which is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.
“Since the inaugural test flight 31-years ago next month, the formidable B-2 Spirit has been the world’s most technologically-advanced bomber,” Barrett said. “The B-2 Spirit’s stealth technology, long-range capability and precision-strike payload produce a powerful conventional and nuclear statement: ‘We are here. We are ready to respond. Anytime. Anywhere.’”
She added how the B-2 and the rest of the Air Force Global Strike Command’s strategic bomber force are important to being able to strike anytime and anywhere.
“Maintaining a convincing nuclear deterrent is the National Defense Strategy’s highest modernization priority,” Barrett said. “The U.S. Air Force’s strategic bomber force, as part of the nuclear triad, enables us to customize our force projection around the world. The nuclear bomber is fundamental to securing global stability as well as protecting our nation and allies.”
The B-2 Spirit’s revolutionary blending of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Combined with its low-observability, the B-2 has greater freedom of action at high altitudes, which increases its effective range.
As home to the only stealth bomber in the Air Force fleet, Barrett commented on the future of Whiteman AFB and the B-21 Raider.
“Looking to the future, Whiteman (AFB) is well-suited for the anticipated B-21 Raider,” Barrett said. “It offers countless efficiencies, including existing infrastructure and expertise, as well as a tradition of excellence by our Airmen and their community.”
The B-21 will be the next iteration of stealth bomber, set to modernize the current strategic bomber fleet.
“Team Whiteman is more than capable of accomplishing the global strike mission with the B-21 Raider,” Schreiner said. “No matter what aircraft we have here, our professional and highly-trained Airmen and supportive communities will always be ready to answer the nation’s call and provide lethal airpower whenever—and wherever—needed.”
After the visit, Barrett left a simple message about the striker culture and excellence at Whiteman AFB.
“Congratulations on the legacy of innovation and excellence that is part of your DNA as Airmen,” Barrett said. “The nation and our allies depend on you to be ready to serve around the world at a moment’s notice. COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge, but your ingenuity, positive attitude, and commitment ensures Team Whiteman is always prepared to answer the nation’s call.”AFWN 



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