U.S. KICKS OFF STRATEGIC NUCLEAR FORCES EXERCISE

Officials say it’s not in response to Russia’s nuclear exercises last week, but U.S. strategic forces began a massive nuclear response drill yesterday dubbed “Global Lightning 14.” According to a statement from U.S. Strategic Command, the exercise is slated to include 10 B-52 Stratofortresses and up to six B-2 Spirit bombers to “demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness in the training scenarios throughout the continental U.S.” Strategic Command said the exercise, which is slated to run through Friday, has been planned for more than a year and is “based on a notional scenario” and “unrelated to real-world events,” but the timing is certainly curious. Just last week, Moscow did its own bit of saber-rattling with Russian President Vladimir Putin overseeing nuclear exercises that included tests of intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. “This exercise provides unique training opportunities to incorporate the most current technology and techniques in support of our mission. Continued focus and investment in our strategic capabilities allow USSTRATCOM to deter, dissuade, and defeat current and future threats to the U.S. and our allies," Strategic Command chief Adm. Cecil Haney said in a statement.