“Deterrence on Demand” painting honors the 307th Bomb Wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Greg Steele
  • 307th Maintenance Squadron
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  
The Chief of the Air Force Reserve unveiled a new painting documenting a historical milestone for the Air Force during a special event on July 27, 2915.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. James Jackson unveiled the painting titled "Deterrence on Demand" during the Reserve Officers Association National Convention in Washington D.C. The painting depicts Airmen of the Air Force Reserve Command's 307th Bomb Wing and 343rd Bomb Squadron generating a B-52H Stratofortress during a nuclear exercise, marking a milestone for the Wing when it became the first unit in the Air Force Reserve to gain nuclear certification.

"This painting recognizes a tremendous achievement in Air Force history by the 307th Bomb Wing," said Jackson. "The professionalism and dedication to duty required to reach this milestone is unprecedented."

In 2013, members of the 343rd Bomb Squadron and 707th Maintenance Squadron underwent five days of intense inspections by the Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General's office and the Air Force Inspection Agency before receiving qualification to perform the U.S. Air Force nuclear mission.

"It's just astounding what the members of this wing have been able to achieve," said Col. Bruce Cox, 307th Bomb Wing commander. "We also have to recognize our active duty counterparts who we support in the nuclear mission."

The 343rd BS and 707th MXS, units under the 307th BW, are tasked to support the 2nd Bomb Wing's nuclear and conventional missions through the auspices of the Total Force Initiative.

Maj. Warren Neary, a member of the Air Force Art program, was the artist selected for the painting and visited the 307th BW in 2014 to make a rough sketch of the scene depicted in the painting.

"From positioning the aircraft, to positioning the aircrew, maintenance and security personnel, it was a test of patience for them," said Neary. "But in the end, we have a painting that we can all be proud of and I'm honored to have been able to preserve the achievement of the 307th BW on canvas."

This painting is just one of many in the U.S. Air Force Art Collection that documents the actions and deeds of AF men and women which hang in the Pentagon. These paintings are both historical and educational and expose the military and the public to the role and diverse capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.