B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) prepare to take off from the runway at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 30, 2016, during exercise Global Thunder 17. AFGSC supports U.S. Strategic Command's (USSTRATCOM) global strike and nuclear deterrence missions by providing strategic assets, including bombers like the B-52 and B-2, to ensure a safe, secure, effective and ready deterrent force. Global Thunder is an annual training event that assesses command and control functionality in all USSTRATCOM mission areas and affords component commands a venue to evaluate their joint operational readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)