OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE — U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) dedicated its new Command and Control Facility (C2F) at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. to Gen. Curtis E. LeMay and his contribution to the command.
“This facility, which we are dedicating today as the General Curtis E. LeMay Command and Control Facility, was one of the most complex construction projects in our government’s history...,” David L. Norquist, Deputy Secretary of Defense said at the dedication ceremony.
C2F is the newest weapon system for nuclear command, control and communications in the country.
[It] will support the modernization of our strategic assets, the nuclear triad, and the nuclear command, control, and communications architecture,” he added. “As the new home of over 3,000 personnel, it is a living, breathing weapon system designed to change and grow as threats and capabilities evolve,” Secretary Norquist said.
LeMay, affectionally called the father of Strategic Air Command (SAC), was one of the youngest and longest-serving generals in military history. He began flying bi-winged planes in the 1920s. He participated in the first mass flight of B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft to South America in 1938. During World War II he helped develop bombing techniques with the B-17’s, which turned the tide in the European Theater. In 1948, LeMay brought SAC to Omaha.
“General LeMay chose a community that takes great care of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen, who understand the importance of our mission,” Hyten said. “He was all about keeping our country safe, and during his time at Strategic Air Command, he built the capabilities to do so,” Secretary Norquist said.
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