MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Team Minot has faced many hardships stemming from a global pandemic in 2020, but never stopped performing its critical missions while taking care of its Airmen and families.
Faced with challenges from COVID-19, the 5th Bomb Wing continued to execute multiple mission sets in support of combatant commands around the world; all while the 91st Missile Wing remained flexible and on watch, adjusting their deployment operations to sustain around the clock operations crucial to maintaining our Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) fleet.
Team Minot proved its unflinching capability of ensuring continuous conventional lethality, while providing nonstop safe, secure and reliable nuclear capability. Warbirds and Roughriders accomplished this through sheer determination, while balancing physical health through COVID-19 mitigation measures, and mental/spiritual strength and resiliency through our helping agencies, medical professionals and by leaning on one another.
Early in 2020, Airmen from across the 5th Bomb Wing returned to Minot Air Force Base from their deployment to Andersen AFB, Guam, where they supported the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) mission in the region.
These Airmen were deployed for over nine months, making it the longest B-52H bomber deployment since the Vietnam War.
Additionally, in a further display of global power, multiple B-52s, Airmen and support equipment mobilized and deployed to Royal Air Force Fairford, England as part of a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission. Lauded by USSTRATCOM Commander, Admiral Charles Richard, “…an iconic example…of how we compete,” the Warbirds proved to our allies and adversaries their combat readiness – anytime, anywhere. These missions represent the ability to integrate with NATO allies and partners in order to provide an agile, strong, credible bomber force that enhances the stability of the United States' allies and partners. The presence of the B-52 Stratofortress at RAF Fairford enabled the U.S. to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency to operate at and in austere environments abroad and at home.
“I’m proud to serve with the Warbirds. They demonstrated in 2020, during a pandemic, we stand ready to execute our mission all around the world, said Col. Michael Walters.: “From the BTF to medical operations to supporting two wings of the nuclear triad, we never missed a beat.”
As the world entered the ninth month of the pandemic, operations at Minot AFB did not stop due to the diligent and innovative efforts of the 5th Medical Group. Throughout 2020, the medical team and augmentees have met the challenges of COVID-19 head on, allowing Team Minot to not only meet mission demands, but exceed all expectations. The medical group implemented innovative ways to provide medical care and mitigate COVID-19 exposure. Through the non-stop, invaluable collaborative efforts from both wings, the COVID Response Working Group (CRWG) worked hand in glove with the 5th MDG to inform Minot senior leaders’ decisions and risk. This allowed for timely, accurate and predictable information flow to the force and families.
In order to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities at the clinic, the 5th MDG teamed up with the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron to convert a garage into a drive up or walk-through testing station. Additional coordination established trailers just outside the testing garage to aid in treating those with COVID-19 symptoms without exposing personnel in the main medical building. The garage and trailers are fitted with air filtration systems to reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19.
The need for timely and consistent COVID-19 testing is crucial to Team Minot’s mission. The medical team established routine weekly pre-deployment testing for ICBM operators and missile security teams. This effort ensures the ICBM force is healthy and nuclear mission capable at all times.
Though COVID-19 has brought many challenges for all of the Air Force, the mission has to continue. In these unprecedented circumstances it is important to not overlook all those who work non-stop to keep giving high-quality medical care and enable Airmen to accomplish the mission. The Airmen of the 5th MDG remain persistent in confronting new and existing COVID-19 hurdles. As things continue to change and new obstacles develop, they will continue to adjust to overcome them and stay “Minot Strong.”
Team Minot made many quality-of-life improvements over the past year, such as a new Welcome Center for incoming Airmen, an Entertainment Social Center and the local community was awarded a grant to build the Magic City Discovery Center. The Welcome Center, newly housed in a recently renovated building, provides a one stop shop for new Airmen to complete in-processing tasks such as travel vouchers and have any PCS questions answered by experts in those fields. The new Entertainment Social Center, or ESC for short, was opened in December within the Bomber Bistro complex to provide an avenue for Airmen to game and watch movies with top of the line equipment and a 24/7 facility. These new improvements all work in tandem to encourage community engagement and bolster the quality of life for Airmen and civilians stationed in Minot.
The 5th Bomb Wing and 91st MW were both announced as winners of the 2019 U.S. Strategic Command’s Omaha Trophy. The 5th Bomb Wing was recognized in the strategic bomber wing category for its mission accomplishment and effectiveness, while the 91st Missile Wing was recognized in the intercontinental ballistic missile category for their outstanding accomplishments and exemplary execution of the U.S. strategic deterrence mission. The 5th BOMB WING and the 91st Missile Wing, through their steadfast dedication to maintaining mission readiness and invigorating innovation, proved themselves to be well deserving of the 2019 Omaha Trophy.
"It’s an honor for the 91st Missile Wing, and I’m beyond proud of the men and women that made it happen," said Col. Christopher Menuey, 91st Missile Wing commander, in reference to winning the trophy. "This win is a result of the hard work, professionalism and innovative thinking it takes to generate nuclear combat capability 24/7, 365 days a year."
The Omaha Trophy has been in circulation for nearly 50 years, showcasing USSTRATCOM’s best of the best among all of the Department of Defense.
"Our Warbird Airmen have, and continue to set the standard for mission excellence, constant innovation and teamwork," said Col. Michael Walters, 5th Bomb Wing commander, in reference to winning the trophy. "While this recognition is humbling and hard earned, I look forward to seeing the Warbirds continue to soar to new heights."
This past year also marked the 50th anniversary for the Minuteman III ICBM. On August 19, 1970, USSTRATCOM placed the first flight of 10 Minuteman III ICBM on alert at Minot AFB. Since that first flight in 1970, the Minuteman III has served as the bedrock of strategic stability, making Minot AFB the premier striker base.
The Minuteman III ICBM has stood watch as part of the nation’s shield for 50 years and has paved the way for a new part of the shield: the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. The GBSD will be a new cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, reliable leg of the nuclear triad. Making its way to three bases, the GBSD is anticipated to reach the 91st Missile Wing in 2029 thus providing ample time for the 91st Missile Wing to continue successful in whatever they set their aim on.
Team Minot received visits from a few notable leaders, such as the previous Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, previous Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, the previous Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein and the previous Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright. These distinguished visitors had an opportunity to learn how both wings continued their missions, their team work and maintained resilience throughout the global pandemic.
While visits to Minot slowed to a near halt, virtual calls and telephone calls replaced those face-to-face meetings in a new and innovative way. During the holidays, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Q. Brown did just that. Gen. Brown made calls to ICBM Airmen on alert during the holidays asking about their mission and thanking them for standing watch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing are crucial in providing on-going security for the United States and its allies in a time of unprecedented challenges and obstacles in 2020 and the future. While formulating and innovating ways to remain mission capable and healthy, Team Minot proved its continuous ability to achieve greatness in its mission sets while taking care of its Airmen and families.
During the 20th Nuclear Triad Symposium, Gen. Timothy Ray, Air Force Global Strike Commander said, “They [Striker airmen] understand they are the cornerstone of the security structure of the free world and it cannot falter.”