Military Leader Tapped for Global Strike Command Role in the Air Force
Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Davis, a seasoned missileer with extensive experience in the U.S. nuclear enterprise, has been nominated to lead Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). If confirmed, he will succeed Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere and be promoted to a four-star general.
Davis's career in the Air Force spans over two decades, during which he has served as a Minuteman III crew commander and held leadership roles such as vice commander and commander of missile wings. He has also worked extensively at the Pentagon and was director of global operations at U.S. Strategic Command. Since March 2022, he has served as the Air Force Inspector General, responsible for independent investigations and inspections within the Air Force, including oversight of a major 2023 investigation into security lapses involving a nuclear enterprise leak.
In his new role, Davis would be a key leader in the U.S. nuclear enterprise, tasked with maintaining and commanding the nuclear deterrent forces under AFGSC. The command oversees the Air Force's nuclear-capable strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles, including the new B-21 bomber, which is expected to enter the fleet in the coming years, and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program, which has faced challenges in terms of cost and schedule.
The Pentagon announced the nominations on July 18, 2022. Other notable nominations include Lt. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, who has been nominated to become the Air Staff's director of staff, succeeding Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus. Lt. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara has a deep nuclear background, with time as a B-52 and B-2 pilot, and commanded the 8th Air Force. Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus has filled in as vice chief since February, and it is unclear if he is retiring.
Brig. Gen. Max E. Pearson is also set for a promotion, being nominated to become the three-star deputy chief of staff for intelligence. Brig. Gen. Pearson has skipped a grade to his current rank, much like Lt. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, who currently holds a three-star rank.
Lt. Gen. Bradley C. Hosmer was the last Air Force Inspector General to move on to another job, according to a review of former officials' bios, in the early 1990s. The costs associated with the B-21 bomber and Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile programs are expected to run into the billions of dollars.
As the Air Force Global Strike Command prepares for a new leader, Davis's operational experience with missile forces, oversight of nuclear security and readiness as Air Force Inspector General, and prospective command of the Global Strike Command, responsible for the strategic nuclear capabilities of the Air Force, make him a strong contender for the role.
- Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Davis, if confirmed, will lead Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and be in charge of the command's nuclear-capable strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles, including the new B-21 bomber and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program.
- Davis, with his extensive career in the Air Force, has a background in leading missile wings, serving at the Pentagon, and overseeing global operations at U.S. Strategic Command. He is also responsible for independent investigations and inspections within the Air Force, including a significant 2023 investigation into security lapses involving a nuclear enterprise leak.
- The Space Force, being a relatively new branch, is not explicitly mentioned in Davis's nomination, but his role in leading AFGSC encompasses maintaining and commanding the nuclear deterrent forces, which could indirectly involve collaboration with the Space Force due to the increasing importance of space in military operations.
- Financial implications are significant for the B-21 bomber and Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile programs, as the costs associated with these projects are expected to run into billions of dollars.
- Davis's leadership skills, operational experience with missile forces, and oversight of nuclear security and readiness, demonstrate his aptitude for the new role, making him a strong contender as the new leader of Air Force Global Strike Command. Business acumen may be beneficial in managing the vast financial obligations associated with military projects.
