US STRATCOM

• Origins: US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) was activated on June 1, 1992, succeeding the Cold War-era Strategic Air Command (SAC) and consolidating US nuclear command and control under one unified command. • Location: USSTRATCOM headquarters is situated at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Nebraska, a site chosen for its distance from coastal threats during the Cold War. • Global Mission: USSTRATCOM’s responsibilities include strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, global strike, missile defense, and combating weapons of mass destruction. • Expanded Role: In addition to nuclear deterrence, STRATCOM at one point oversaw cyber operations, space operations, and intelligence, until US Cyber Command and US Space Command became separate unified commands. • “Looking Glass”: During the Cold War, airborne command posts known as “Looking Glass” operated 24/7 from Offutt to ensure survivable command and control of nuclear forces in event of attack. • Control of Nuclear Triad: STRATCOM is the only US military command that controls all three legs of the nuclear triad: land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers. • Global Operations Center: The Global Operations Center (GOC) at Offutt AFB is the nerve center for monitoring worldwide strategic threats and managing US nuclear forces. • Key Role on 9/11: President George W. Bush was flown to Offutt AFB and used STRATCOM’s secure facilities to coordinate national response during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. • International Partnerships: STRATCOM works closely with allied nations, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, to coordinate nuclear deterrence and global security missions. • STRATCOM Coin: Like many military units, STRATCOM has its own challenge coin, which is a symbol of pride and camaraderie for those who serve or visit the command.