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Gen. Timothy Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, addresses the crowd during the 2019 Global Strike Challenge score posting at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 20, 2019. Global Strike Challenge is the world's premier bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, helicopter operations and security forces competition with units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tessa B. Corrick)

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Kirtland Air Force Base’s Security Forces Global Strike team poses for a photo at Barksdale Air Force Base, L.A., Nov. 8, 2023. Global Strike Challenge is the world's premier bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, helicopter operations and security forces competition with units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Team Kirtland makes their mark at Global Strike Challenge 2023

Published Nov. 17, 2023
By Senior Airman Ruben Garibay
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

The Fighting Tigers of Kirtland fought to become the king of the jungle at the 2023 Global Strike Challenge through their strength of arms, they struck at their opponents with the ferocity of a tiger’s striking claws.

Even through their best efforts, Team Kirtland placed second for the Charlie Fire Team Trophy- Best Security Forces award.

"In my heart I know they deserved first place,” Staff Sgt. Austin Flemming, 377th Weapons System Security Squadron training instructor, expressed. “I know how hard they worked and trained but overall, they represented Kirtland AFB with pride and professionalism and should be beyond proud of what they accomplished during that competition.”

However, Flemming was able to win the “Best M9/M18 shooter” award for the deadly precision and accuracy he demonstrated with a handgun.

“I knew there were so many great shooters in our command and didn’t think I was going to be competitive,” Flemming remarks. “Finding out that I won best M9/M18 shooter humbled me. I am honored to receive this award against the other amazing men and women I was competing against.”

A huge congratulations to our 377th Security Forces Group for representing Kirtland on at the Global Strike Challenge.

“Finishing second place in the overall competition and having Staff Sgt. Flemming as the Top Pistol Shooter in the command is evidence of the proficiency, motivation and dedication of the Kirtland defenders,” shares Lt. Col. Jose Lebron, 377 SFG deputy commander. “The performance of our defenders in these prestigious events is a significant achievement and we cannot be prouder of our team.”