About this Unit
United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) was established on June 1, 1992, following the end of the Cold War, by merging the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and the United States Space Command's strategic missions. Headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USSTRATCOM was created to oversee the United States' strategic nuclear forces, providing global command and control of nuclear capabilities to deter and, if necessary, respond to strategic threats. Over time, its mission expanded to include space operations, global strike, missile defense, and cyberspace operations. As one of the eleven unified combatant commands, USSTRATCOM plays a pivotal role in maintaining strategic deterrence and ensuring U.S. national security in an evolving global threat environment.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Cold War: USTRATCOM (United States Strategic Command) was established in 1992, succeeding the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and United States Space Command, as a direct response to the end of the Cold War and the need for a unified command for U.S. strategic forces.
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Nuclear Deterrence Mission: One of USTRATCOM's primary responsibilities is to oversee the U.S. nuclear arsenal and provide credible nuclear deterrence, a mission inherited from SAC.
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Global Operations: USTRATCOM's operational area is global, with authority over strategic forces regardless of location, including nuclear, space, cyber, global strike, electronic warfare, missile defense, and intelligence operations.
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Headquarters Relocation: USTRATCOM is headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, a location steeped in Cold War history and formerly home to SAC.
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Role in Space Operations: USTRATCOM was responsible for military space operations until 2019, when U.S. Space Command was re-established as a separate unified combatant command.
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Cyber Operations: USTRATCOM was the original home for U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) from its creation in 2009 until USCYBERCOM became its own unified command in 2018.
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Operation Looking Glass: During the Cold War and into the 1990s, command of USTRATCOM's predecessor included continuous airborne command posts (EC-135 aircraft) to guarantee survivable command and control in case of nuclear war.
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Unique Emblem and Motto: USTRATCOM’s emblem depicts a mailed fist holding lightning bolts, symbolizing strength and readiness. Its motto is "Peace is our Profession," a phrase carried over from the Strategic Air Command.
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Real-World Missions: USTRATCOM has overseen operations including global strike demonstrations, missile warning, and contributions to missile defense and countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation.
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Notable Leadership: USTRATCOM has been led by high-profile military leaders, including General Curtis LeMay's legacy from SAC and more recently, Air Force General John E. Hyten and Navy Admiral Charles A. Richard, reflecting the joint nature of the command.
