BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. —
Air Force Global Strike Command announced the winners of Global Strike Challenge 2023 at the multi-month competition’s capstone event Nov. 8.

Global Strike Challenge is the world’s premier bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile operations and maintenance, helicopter operations and security forces competition with units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard participating.

“This is a phenomenal event to show the American people, the Department of Defense and the rest of the Department of the Air Force how professional, skilled and awesome the men and women of the nuclear enterprise are,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC commander. “Tonight is a celebration of your excellence in this competition.”

Top Honors of the night included:
Fairchild Trophy – Best Bomb Wing
28th Bomb Wing – Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota

Blanchard Trophy – Best ICBM Wing
341st Missile Wing – Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana

Other top honors included:
Bourland Trophy – Best Helicopter Squadron
37th Helicopter Squadron – 90th Missile Wing – F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming

Charlie Fire Team Trophy – Best Security Forces
341st Missile Wing – Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana

Ellis Giant Sword Trophy – Best Bomber Maintenance
28th Bomb Wing – Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota

The 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, won the Doolittle Trophy for innovation excellence. This trophy recognizes the innovation efforts of the base and their dedication to staying competitive in the 21st century.
The 5th Bomb Wing also won the Spirit Bell Trophy for the best team spirit.

The Shreveport-Bossier community presented the Barksdale Trophy to the Minot, North Dakota, community. The Barksdale Trophy is awarded to the community that goes above and beyond to support Airmen and families at an Air Force Global Strike Command wing.

Participants in the 2023 Global Strike Challenge included AFGSC’s nine wings plus units from Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard.

Bussiere told those attending that they now have a responsibility to share what they learned during the competition with their fellow Airmen.

“The competitors and the winners have an obligation to grow those around you stronger next year,” he said. “Steel sharpens steel. You make those around you stronger so that they’re representing you and your leadership at the next Global Strike Challenge.

“Tonight is all about you and what you do for our nation,” Bussiere said. “Thank you for what you do.”

For a full list of awards and winners visit

https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3571718/afgsc-names-2023-global-strike-challenge-winners/