A frequent player in the Middle East in recent months has been B-52 aircraft from the 5BW at Minot AFB, ND. Here is the latest list of channels loaded into 5BW aircraft based at Minot AFB (Freq Card).
Source: USAF MINOT AFBI11-250 14 JANUARY 2014
Showing posts with label Minot AFB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minot AFB. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2021
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Rapid Launch of 20 B-52 Bombers at Minot during Exercise Global Thunder 17
Exercise Global Thunder 18 is either underway or will be shortly. Standby for HFGCS EAMs to light up and ur ADS-B to ramp up as well. Should be fun for the next week or so. I will be following the action over on our tweeter feed @MilcomMP. CU there!
Monday, August 03, 2015
B-1 Bombers Shifting to Strike Command
According to a recent AP item B-1 bombers from Ellsworth AFB and Dyess AFB are joining their long-range B-2 and B-52 bomber counterparts under a single Air Force command.
The Air Force is grouping its bombers under Air Force Global Strike Command, a nuclear-capable command based at Barksdale AFB, in a transition that will be effective Oct. 1 of this year. This leadership change also puts the Air Force's next-generation bomber program, frequently called the Long Range Strike Bomber, under the same auspices.
More than 60 aircraft and about 7,000 people will shift from Air Combat Command to Global Strike Command, according to the Air Force.
South Dakota U.S. Sen. John Thune said in a statement said that moving all the bomber wings under the control of Global Strike Command will make for a better transition as the Air Force plans for the Long Range Strike Bomber.
The B-1 bombers from Ellsworth and Dyess will join B-52 bombers from Minot AFB, among others, as part of Global Strike Command. The Air Force said the leadership change is expected to be "imperceptible" to most of the airmen on the bases.
"Consolidating all of our Air Force assets in this critical mission area under a single command will help provide a unified voice to maintain the high standards necessary in stewardship of our nation's bomber forces," Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said in a statement.
More than 60 aircraft and about 7,000 people will shift from Air Combat Command to Global Strike Command, according to the Air Force.
South Dakota U.S. Sen. John Thune said in a statement said that moving all the bomber wings under the control of Global Strike Command will make for a better transition as the Air Force plans for the Long Range Strike Bomber.
The B-1 bombers from Ellsworth and Dyess will join B-52 bombers from Minot AFB, among others, as part of Global Strike Command. The Air Force said the leadership change is expected to be "imperceptible" to most of the airmen on the bases.
"Consolidating all of our Air Force assets in this critical mission area under a single command will help provide a unified voice to maintain the high standards necessary in stewardship of our nation's bomber forces," Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said in a statement.
Saturday, December 06, 2014
Minot AFB successfully flies 40 out of 40 sorties during exercise
 |
| An Aircrew member walks toward a B-52H Stratofortress while it’s being deiced on Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Battling harsh winds and temperatures 20 degrees and below for several days, operations and maintenance Airmen joined together to successfully fly 40 out of 40 sorties during Prairie Warrior surge week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brittany Y. Bateman) |
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Battling harsh winds and temperatures 20 degrees and below for several days, operations and maintenance Airmen joined together to successfully fly 40 out of 40 sorties during Prairie Warrior surge week here, Nov. 17-20.
The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate conventional capabilities in a realistic training environment to simulate combat.
"Prairie Warrior provided us with some outstanding visibility because we were able to exercise realistic and challenging scenarios that we don't normally encounter," said Col. Kieran Denehan, the 5th Operations Group commander. "This is where we put our training to the biggest possible test outside of a combat environment."
Air crew members were issued weapons, met with a chaplain, received a weather intel brief and a pre-takeoff brief just as if they were preparing for war, said Capt. Michael Devita, the 5th Operations Support Squadron conventional plans flight commander.
With only 16 jets available and 12 scheduled to fly on the first day, the maintainers' skills were put to the test to have 10 jets prepared for takeoff first thing the next day.
"A B-52's normal flying rhythm is every other day," said Senior Master Sgt. Paul Crisostomo, the 69th Aircraft Maintenance Unit lead project supervisor. "Our ability to be able to fly a jet one day and turn around and fly it twelve hours later speaks volumes of the good work that our Airmen are doing out there."
In addition to the 22 sorties in the first two days, they also flew 10 on the third day and eight more on the fourth to conclude the exercise, Crisostomo said.
The demanding mission of Prairie Warrior had Airmen working 12 hour shifts the entire week to provide full-spectrum deterrence and maintenance on the B-52H Stratofortresses. Day shift focused primarily on getting the bombers loaded and up in the air, while night shift was responsible for recovery, refueling, service and pre-flight checks.
"I only had so many load crews and maintainers," Crisostomo said. "They were all hopping from jet to jet just getting the job done!"
Because of their hard work throughout the week, the base was able to fly 40 out of 40 sorties with 33 on-time takeoffs and successfully dropped 119 munitions.
Crisostomo attributes the most successful surge Minot AFB has had in about five years to the outstanding teamwork among all of the squadrons.
"Prairie Warrior was a huge success for us," said Col. Jason Armagost, the 5th Bomb Wing commander. "Just weeks after coming out of succeeding in a large-scale nuclear exercise, we accomplished our base's largest conventional exercise of the year -- and we crushed it."
Sunday, September 29, 2013
91st MW conducts successful Simulated Electronic Launch
 |
| Col. Robert J. Vercher, 91st Missile Wing commander, monitors the progress of a Simulated Electronic Launch - Minuteman, or SELM, operational test, here, Sept. 17-18. A SELM is the most complete test of the operational capability of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. No actual missiles are launched. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristoffer Kaubisch ) |
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 91st Missile Wing successfully completed a Simulated Electronic Launch - Minuteman, or SELM, operational test, meeting all test objectives, Sept. 17 to 18.
A SELM is the most complete test of the operational capability of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.
The tests occur while the ICBMs are in their deployed locations out in the prairies of North Dakota. No actual missiles are ever launched.
The tests are meant to reinforce the confidence in the continued operation of the Minuteman III force. The SELM tests the people and equipment from the initial "on alert" transmission to the simulated first stage ignition.
SELM tests differ from ICBM test launches at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., known as Operational Test Launches, in that SELM tests the ICBMs in their deployed environment without actually launching.
Both OTL and SELM tests are overseen by the 576th Flight Test Squadron out of Vandenberg AFB, which is involved from the initial planning stages up to the completion of the final report.
In addition to verifying the weapons system and its associated infrastructure, SELM also verifies the procedures in the Launch Control Center, ensuring that the missile launch officers are proficient in executing their mission.
"Providing a safe and secure deterrent force is our mission," said Col. Robert J. Vercher, commander of the 91st Missile Wing. "So naturally we want to execute and train hard."
SELM reinforces Air Force Global Strike Command's and Minot AFB's commitment to providing a safe, secure and effective nuclear arsenal.
The SELM test conducted by the 91st MW was concluded Sept. 18. The weapon system is presently in the process of being restored back to its operational configuration.
Friday, June 04, 2010
B-52s head to Guam for continuous bomber presence rotation
by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Six B-52H Stratofortresses and nearly 350 Airmen here left June 1 for Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to start a six-month deployment.
The 5th Bomb Wing's role in U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission "is vital to national security," said Col. Charles Patnaude, the 5th Operations Group commander. "Our mission is to deter and assure."
Colonel Patnaude said Minot's Airmen will be there to deter and dissuade potential regional aggressors and to assure U.S. allies of the commitment to the Pacific region.
"This is a great mission for Minot's B-52s because it enables us to demonstrate our broad range of capabilities," he said.
The 5th BW's two B-52 squadrons, the 23rd and 69th Bomb Squadrons, will share the six-month deployment. The 23rd BS will serve the first half of the deployment.
The mission to the island had Airmen's spirits high and eager to get underway.
"I know many of them are excited about this deployment," Colonel Patnaude said. "The training environment is fantastic and basing out of Andersen (AFB) will offer up great opportunities. Our personnel will get to interact with folks from other weapon systems and other services."
Colonel Patnaude said PACOM's continuous bomber presence mission has been ongoing since March 2004 when 5th BW officials first established the operation.
"B-52s, B-1 (Lancers) and B-2 (Spirits) have each taken turns as a continuous sentinel for the Pacific theater," he added. "The 5th BW has been to Guam several times since 2004 and I suspect will continue deploying there until Pacific Command no longer needs us."
PACOM officials said they routinely evaluate the command's readiness and reposition forces as needed to ensure they maintain both the operational and support capabilities necessary to meet the obligations of national defense.
Officials added the bombers serve in a continuous role that is not tied to any specific events in the Pacific.
Maybe the mission of this deployment is significant to send a message to a rogue neighbor in the Pacific neigborhood - North Korea - LVH.
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Six B-52H Stratofortresses and nearly 350 Airmen here left June 1 for Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to start a six-month deployment.
The 5th Bomb Wing's role in U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission "is vital to national security," said Col. Charles Patnaude, the 5th Operations Group commander. "Our mission is to deter and assure."
Colonel Patnaude said Minot's Airmen will be there to deter and dissuade potential regional aggressors and to assure U.S. allies of the commitment to the Pacific region.
"This is a great mission for Minot's B-52s because it enables us to demonstrate our broad range of capabilities," he said.
The 5th BW's two B-52 squadrons, the 23rd and 69th Bomb Squadrons, will share the six-month deployment. The 23rd BS will serve the first half of the deployment.
The mission to the island had Airmen's spirits high and eager to get underway.
"I know many of them are excited about this deployment," Colonel Patnaude said. "The training environment is fantastic and basing out of Andersen (AFB) will offer up great opportunities. Our personnel will get to interact with folks from other weapon systems and other services."
Colonel Patnaude said PACOM's continuous bomber presence mission has been ongoing since March 2004 when 5th BW officials first established the operation.
"B-52s, B-1 (Lancers) and B-2 (Spirits) have each taken turns as a continuous sentinel for the Pacific theater," he added. "The 5th BW has been to Guam several times since 2004 and I suspect will continue deploying there until Pacific Command no longer needs us."
PACOM officials said they routinely evaluate the command's readiness and reposition forces as needed to ensure they maintain both the operational and support capabilities necessary to meet the obligations of national defense.
Officials added the bombers serve in a continuous role that is not tied to any specific events in the Pacific.
Maybe the mission of this deployment is significant to send a message to a rogue neighbor in the Pacific neigborhood - North Korea - LVH.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
69th Bomb Squadron is the second B-52 squadron at Minot base
By ELOISE OGDEN, Minot Daily News Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE The new 69th Bomb Squadron, the second B-52 squadron at Minot Air Force Base, is set to go, say the commanders of Air Force Global Strike Command and 8th Air Force.
"They just received an inspection last week that proved their readiness to take on the nuclear mission so they're past that hurdle," said Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, commander of 8th Air Force, at a news conference at the base Feb. 1.
Carpenter and Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, both with headquarters at Barksdale AFB, La., were at the base Feb. 1 when the 5th Bomb Wing transferred to Global Strike Command.
The 69th Bomb Squadron was activated five months ago on Sept. 3, 2009, and is the fourth operational B-52 squadron in the Air Force, joining the 23rd Bomb Squadron as the second squadron at the Minot base. Lt. Col. Michael Cardoza is commander of the 69th.
The new squadron was established to provide each B-52 wing the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB with two active-duty combat-coded squadrons.
The rest of the story is available at
http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/536535.html
Friday, February 05, 2010
Air Force Global Strike Command gains three bomber bases
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command assumed responsibility for all long-range, nuclear-capable bombers Feb. 1 as its commander commemorated the occasion by visiting the Air Force's three bomber units, in three different states, on the same day.
"We're a new command, a command for the 21st Century," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of a force that now numbers nearly 23,000 people responsible for 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 96 nuclear-capable bombers.
Completing what he called a "very methodical, step-by-step" transition, the general told Airmen at each location that bringing the nuclear-capable bombers over from Air Combat Command into the new command that already controls ICBMs is a step that continues to strengthen the Air Force's 'nuclear enterprise.' Joining the command were the 20 stealth B-2 Spirits in Missouri, and the 76 remaining B-52 Stratofortresses stationed at bomber wings in Louisiana and North Dakota. Air Force Global Strike Command gained the ICBMs on Dec. 1.
"Global strike and nuclear deterrence are the heart-and-soul of what the Air Force does," the general said, emphasizing the importance of the command's mission of deterring potential enemies while assuring allies.
After addressing hundreds of Airmen in a 7:30 a.m. gathering Feb. 1 at Barksdale, one of the two B-52 units in the Air Force, General Klotz took off for Minot AFB, N.D., along with the 8th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, and Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Jr., the AFGSC command chief. Eighth Air Force runs daily operations and planning for the B-2 and B-52 units.
At Minot General Klotz met hundreds more Airmen who support B-52 operations there. He also had lunch with local civic leaders, met with reporters and talked with the unit's senior leaders.
A few hours later, General Klotz headed to Whiteman AFB, Mo., home of the B-2, for similar activities, interacting with Airmen and community leaders, as well as the base's senior leaders.
"Last April, President Obama said in a speech in Prague in the Czech Republic that as long as nuclear weapons exist in the world, we will have a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter attacks against the United States and to guarantee that same defense to our allies," the general said. "Those are our marching orders."
The general said it's been 27 years since Air Force officials created a brand-new major command, giving Air Force Global Strike Command a "golden opportunity."
"We have a great opportunity, ladies and gentlemen ... to get it absolutely right and to be a model command, a model for the rest of the Air Force."
Air Force Global Strike Command gains three bomber bases
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command assumed responsibility for all long-range, nuclear-capable bombers Feb. 1 as its commander commemorated the occasion by visiting the Air Force's three bomber units, in three different states, on the same day.
"We're a new command, a command for the 21st Century," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of a force that now numbers nearly 23,000 people responsible for 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 96 nuclear-capable bombers.
Completing what he called a "very methodical, step-by-step" transition, the general told Airmen at each location that bringing the nuclear-capable bombers over from Air Combat Command into the new command that already controls ICBMs is a step that continues to strengthen the Air Force's 'nuclear enterprise.' Joining the command were the 20 stealth B-2 Spirits in Missouri, and the 76 remaining B-52 Stratofortresses stationed at bomber wings in Louisiana and North Dakota. Air Force Global Strike Command gained the ICBMs on Dec. 1.
"Global strike and nuclear deterrence are the heart-and-soul of what the Air Force does," the general said, emphasizing the importance of the command's mission of deterring potential enemies while assuring allies.
After addressing hundreds of Airmen in a 7:30 a.m. gathering Feb. 1 at Barksdale, one of the two B-52 units in the Air Force, General Klotz took off for Minot AFB, N.D., along with the 8th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, and Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Jr., the AFGSC command chief. Eighth Air Force runs daily operations and planning for the B-2 and B-52 units.
At Minot General Klotz met hundreds more Airmen who support B-52 operations there. He also had lunch with local civic leaders, met with reporters and talked with the unit's senior leaders.
A few hours later, General Klotz headed to Whiteman AFB, Mo., home of the B-2, for similar activities, interacting with Airmen and community leaders, as well as the base's senior leaders.
"Last April, President Obama said in a speech in Prague in the Czech Republic that as long as nuclear weapons exist in the world, we will have a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter attacks against the United States and to guarantee that same defense to our allies," the general said. "Those are our marching orders."
The general said it's been 27 years since Air Force officials created a brand-new major command, giving Air Force Global Strike Command a "golden opportunity."
"We have a great opportunity, ladies and gentlemen ... to get it absolutely right and to be a model command, a model for the rest of the Air Force."
"We're a new command, a command for the 21st Century," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of a force that now numbers nearly 23,000 people responsible for 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 96 nuclear-capable bombers.
Completing what he called a "very methodical, step-by-step" transition, the general told Airmen at each location that bringing the nuclear-capable bombers over from Air Combat Command into the new command that already controls ICBMs is a step that continues to strengthen the Air Force's 'nuclear enterprise.' Joining the command were the 20 stealth B-2 Spirits in Missouri, and the 76 remaining B-52 Stratofortresses stationed at bomber wings in Louisiana and North Dakota. Air Force Global Strike Command gained the ICBMs on Dec. 1.
"Global strike and nuclear deterrence are the heart-and-soul of what the Air Force does," the general said, emphasizing the importance of the command's mission of deterring potential enemies while assuring allies.
After addressing hundreds of Airmen in a 7:30 a.m. gathering Feb. 1 at Barksdale, one of the two B-52 units in the Air Force, General Klotz took off for Minot AFB, N.D., along with the 8th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, and Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Jr., the AFGSC command chief. Eighth Air Force runs daily operations and planning for the B-2 and B-52 units.
At Minot General Klotz met hundreds more Airmen who support B-52 operations there. He also had lunch with local civic leaders, met with reporters and talked with the unit's senior leaders.
A few hours later, General Klotz headed to Whiteman AFB, Mo., home of the B-2, for similar activities, interacting with Airmen and community leaders, as well as the base's senior leaders.
"Last April, President Obama said in a speech in Prague in the Czech Republic that as long as nuclear weapons exist in the world, we will have a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter attacks against the United States and to guarantee that same defense to our allies," the general said. "Those are our marching orders."
The general said it's been 27 years since Air Force officials created a brand-new major command, giving Air Force Global Strike Command a "golden opportunity."
"We have a great opportunity, ladies and gentlemen ... to get it absolutely right and to be a model command, a model for the rest of the Air Force."
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Air Force officials reactivate 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot
by Tech. Sgt. Lee Osberry Jr., 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Air Force officials reactivated the 69th Bomb Squadron Sept. 3 at Minot Air Force Base.
The new unit is the fourth operational B-52H Stratofortress squadron in the Air Force and joins the 23rd Bomb Squadron as the second squadron here.
The new squadron was established to provide each B-52 wing with two active-duty combat coded squadrons, which will give the Air Force "bench depth" to rotate the squadrons across the mission sets as recommended in the Defense Science Board Report.
Barksdale AFB, La., has two operational B-52H units, the 20th Bomb Squadron and the 96th Bomb Squadron.
The much-anticipated stand up was previously announced in 2008 and extensive studies were conducted to determine which base the unit would best fit. Minot AFB was announced as the home and the 69th BS was designated for reactivation Aug. 28.
"The activation of the 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base is a historic event that continues the legacy of the distinguished 69th Bomb Squadron," said Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, the 8th Air Force commander. "In World War II, the 69th Bomb Squadron deployed A-26 and B-26 bombers to Australia and the South Pacific. And during the Vietnam War, the 69th Bomb Squadron stepped up to the plate and deployed B-52 aircraft to Guam and Thailand. Now more than 65 years after its initial activation, the 69th Bomb Squadron returns to provide deterrence forces and help balance the demands of both the nuclear and conventional missions of the B-52 fleet."
"The 69th has close ties with the 5th (Bomb Wing), and is definitely a logical choice," said Lt. Col. Kevin J. Notari, 5th Operations Group Det. 1 commander. "Both units fought simultaneously out of two different locations in the Southwest Pacific theater during World War II. Furthermore, the unit was the first Air Force unit to fly night low-level combat sorties during the first three days of Desert Storm."
As a result, 10 B-52 aircraft from Barksdale AFB will flow to Minot AFB between October and April 2010.
There won't be a significant number of personnel that will flow with the aircraft, as personnel for the new squadron will flow in gradually through the normal (permanent change of station) process and support from the 23rd Bomb Squadron.
"This activation is a measure of the confidence our nation has in the men and women of Minot Air Force Base," said North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven. "The 69th Bomb Squadron will bring approximately 1,000 new military members and their families to the state and will be a major asset to the community, Minot Air Force Base and our nation," he added.
The squadron is expected to mirror the other three currently established active B-52 squadrons. As the squadron builds up, many of the resources and functions from the 23rd BS will be shared including training, exercises and deployments.
"This adds flexibility to the Air Force Global Strike Command mission," said Maj. William Byers, the 5th OG Det. 1, chief of standard evaluations. "The 69th allows for an even distribution of operations tempo between the 2nd Bomb Wing and 5th BW, and at the same time, supports the persistent presence in United States Pacific Command," he added. This will help refine and focus nuclear mission training for B-52 units and is part of continued Air Force efforts to reinvigorate the nuclear enterprise.
The Air Force has a legacy of providing strategic capabilities as stewards of the nuclear enterprise, and is committed to conducting safe, secure and reliable nuclear operations.
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Air Force officials reactivated the 69th Bomb Squadron Sept. 3 at Minot Air Force Base.
The new unit is the fourth operational B-52H Stratofortress squadron in the Air Force and joins the 23rd Bomb Squadron as the second squadron here.
The new squadron was established to provide each B-52 wing with two active-duty combat coded squadrons, which will give the Air Force "bench depth" to rotate the squadrons across the mission sets as recommended in the Defense Science Board Report.
Barksdale AFB, La., has two operational B-52H units, the 20th Bomb Squadron and the 96th Bomb Squadron.
The much-anticipated stand up was previously announced in 2008 and extensive studies were conducted to determine which base the unit would best fit. Minot AFB was announced as the home and the 69th BS was designated for reactivation Aug. 28.
"The activation of the 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base is a historic event that continues the legacy of the distinguished 69th Bomb Squadron," said Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, the 8th Air Force commander. "In World War II, the 69th Bomb Squadron deployed A-26 and B-26 bombers to Australia and the South Pacific. And during the Vietnam War, the 69th Bomb Squadron stepped up to the plate and deployed B-52 aircraft to Guam and Thailand. Now more than 65 years after its initial activation, the 69th Bomb Squadron returns to provide deterrence forces and help balance the demands of both the nuclear and conventional missions of the B-52 fleet."
"The 69th has close ties with the 5th (Bomb Wing), and is definitely a logical choice," said Lt. Col. Kevin J. Notari, 5th Operations Group Det. 1 commander. "Both units fought simultaneously out of two different locations in the Southwest Pacific theater during World War II. Furthermore, the unit was the first Air Force unit to fly night low-level combat sorties during the first three days of Desert Storm."
As a result, 10 B-52 aircraft from Barksdale AFB will flow to Minot AFB between October and April 2010.
There won't be a significant number of personnel that will flow with the aircraft, as personnel for the new squadron will flow in gradually through the normal (permanent change of station) process and support from the 23rd Bomb Squadron.
"This activation is a measure of the confidence our nation has in the men and women of Minot Air Force Base," said North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven. "The 69th Bomb Squadron will bring approximately 1,000 new military members and their families to the state and will be a major asset to the community, Minot Air Force Base and our nation," he added.
The squadron is expected to mirror the other three currently established active B-52 squadrons. As the squadron builds up, many of the resources and functions from the 23rd BS will be shared including training, exercises and deployments.
"This adds flexibility to the Air Force Global Strike Command mission," said Maj. William Byers, the 5th OG Det. 1, chief of standard evaluations. "The 69th allows for an even distribution of operations tempo between the 2nd Bomb Wing and 5th BW, and at the same time, supports the persistent presence in United States Pacific Command," he added. This will help refine and focus nuclear mission training for B-52 units and is part of continued Air Force efforts to reinvigorate the nuclear enterprise.
The Air Force has a legacy of providing strategic capabilities as stewards of the nuclear enterprise, and is committed to conducting safe, secure and reliable nuclear operations.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection conducted at Minot
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- A Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection was conducted at the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., from May 16 to 26.
Inspectors from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Department of Defense Inspector General, Air Force IG, Air Combat Command IG and Air Force Space Command IG evaluated the wing. Members of the Air Force Inspection Agency and U.S. Strategic Command provided additional oversight.
A DNSI is designed to thoroughly evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations and takes place every 18 months. The last DNSI of the 5th BW took place in June 2006.
More than 140 inspectors evaluated the wing for nearly 10 days in several areas, including technical operations, management and administration, security, logistics movement, storage and maintenance facilities, supply support and safety.
Although the wing excelled in numerous areas, deficiencies were observed in the areas of security and logistics movement. ACC officials are ensuring experienced instructors augment the wing's aggressive plan to address these deficiencies. ACC inspectors will return to inspect necessary areas within 90 days in accordance with established Department of Defense and Air Force guidance.
"It is important to note that these inspections are extremely detailed and demand the highest standards of performance," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynes, the ACC IG.
For example, even something such as improper tire pressure on one of the transport vehicles could result in an overall unsatisfactory grade, an ACC inspector said.
"Regardless, there is no room for error in dealing with the nuclear enterprise of the United States Air Force," said General Reynes. "We must meet the highest standards of safety, security and effectiveness. Anything less than full compliance is unacceptable."
To maintain and improve its readiness, the wing will undergo several exercises in the coming months, to include participating in a Red Flag exercise this summer and a nuclear operations readiness exercise. In addition, the wing will prepare to deploy aircraft, aircrews, maintenance and support teams this fall. The wing's mission continues while the wing works to refine its capabilities.
"The 5th Bomb Wing team has the full confidence, trust and support of Air Force leadership," said Gen. John Corley, ACC commander. "Minot Airmen are highly trained professionals who have their safety, the safety of their community, and the defense of our nation in the forefront of their minds. The wing remains capable and certified to continue operations and training for its strategic mission."
The ACC IG recognized 86 individuals and 30 teams for their superior performance during the DNSI.
Reports of inspections are privileged documents and are not releasable.
Inspectors from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Department of Defense Inspector General, Air Force IG, Air Combat Command IG and Air Force Space Command IG evaluated the wing. Members of the Air Force Inspection Agency and U.S. Strategic Command provided additional oversight.
A DNSI is designed to thoroughly evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations and takes place every 18 months. The last DNSI of the 5th BW took place in June 2006.
More than 140 inspectors evaluated the wing for nearly 10 days in several areas, including technical operations, management and administration, security, logistics movement, storage and maintenance facilities, supply support and safety.
Although the wing excelled in numerous areas, deficiencies were observed in the areas of security and logistics movement. ACC officials are ensuring experienced instructors augment the wing's aggressive plan to address these deficiencies. ACC inspectors will return to inspect necessary areas within 90 days in accordance with established Department of Defense and Air Force guidance.
"It is important to note that these inspections are extremely detailed and demand the highest standards of performance," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynes, the ACC IG.
For example, even something such as improper tire pressure on one of the transport vehicles could result in an overall unsatisfactory grade, an ACC inspector said.
"Regardless, there is no room for error in dealing with the nuclear enterprise of the United States Air Force," said General Reynes. "We must meet the highest standards of safety, security and effectiveness. Anything less than full compliance is unacceptable."
To maintain and improve its readiness, the wing will undergo several exercises in the coming months, to include participating in a Red Flag exercise this summer and a nuclear operations readiness exercise. In addition, the wing will prepare to deploy aircraft, aircrews, maintenance and support teams this fall. The wing's mission continues while the wing works to refine its capabilities.
"The 5th Bomb Wing team has the full confidence, trust and support of Air Force leadership," said Gen. John Corley, ACC commander. "Minot Airmen are highly trained professionals who have their safety, the safety of their community, and the defense of our nation in the forefront of their minds. The wing remains capable and certified to continue operations and training for its strategic mission."
The ACC IG recognized 86 individuals and 30 teams for their superior performance during the DNSI.
Reports of inspections are privileged documents and are not releasable.
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