Global Strike leaders focus on priorities during Kirtland visit

U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, left, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, is greeted by U.S. Air Force Col. Jason D. Allen, right, 58th Special Operations Wing commander, outside of the 58 SOW headquarters on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 17, 2026. The visit provided Davis an opportunity to immerse himself in the 58th Special Operations Group Detachment 2’s unique mission and discuss operational priorities. Det 2 generates mission-ready pilots specifically for Air Force Global Strike Command, helping ensure the readiness, resilience, and credibility of the nation’s global strike capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Donnell Schroeter)

Global Strike leaders focus on priorities during Kirtland visit

U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, left, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, receives a briefing from Mark Bean, 377th Test Support Squadron range operations manager, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 17, 2026. Bean briefed Davis about the state-of-the-art equipment used to patrol and maintain the installation's more than 50,000 acres of wilderness area that supports various Team Kirtland mission partners, ensuring wildlife safety and environmental stewardship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Donnell Schroeter)

Global Strike leaders focus on priorities during Kirtland visit

Published July 2, 2026

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Shawn M. Aiello, command chief of AFGSC, visited Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., from June 15-17, to appreciate the people, operations, and facilities that enable the installation’s national defense mission.

During his first visit to Kirtland as commander of AFGSC, Davis met with Airmen, senior enlisted leaders, and civilian employees to discuss the base’s unique roles and priorities. Discussions focused on readiness, developing the force, and continuing to build the Global Strike team.

“Our ability to deter and respond depends on having ready Airmen, trained civilians and leaders, and strong partnerships,” said Davis. “Kirtland’s impact reaches far beyond its boundaries. The work being done here strengthens our force, supports the nation’s strategic goals, and ensures we’re prepared for the future.”

Davis and Aiello also toured several key mission areas across the installation, including 58th Special Operations Group Detachment 2, where they received a briefing on pilot training operations and the unit’s role in preparing aviators for future assignments across AFGSC.

At the Bulk Fuels Facility, the command team discussed the infrastructure and logistics capabilities that sustain installation operations, in addition to continued groundwater monitoring and purification efforts to help protect environmental resources.

At Kirtland Underground Munitions Maintenance and Storage Complex, command senior leaders got a closer look at the facilities, personnel and processes that support critical weapon storage, and maintenance operations.

“Team Kirtland is at the heart of propelling our nation’s nuclear logistics and supporting operations that project airpower worldwide,” said Aiello. “Our junior Airmen and noncommissioned officer corps are the backbone of these expansive and critical missions sets. Every day, their hard work and professionalism make Kirtland ‘Go’.”

The visit highlighted how KAFB continues to support AFGSC priorities through mission-ready Airmen, modernizing infrastructure, and commitment to national defense.

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