Team Minot dominates GSC Published Nov. 10, 2014 By Senior Airman Malia Jenkins Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Team Minot attended the fourth annual Air Force Global Strike Command Global Strike Challenge score posting event, held at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, from Nov. 5-7. Global Strike Challenge events provide teams the opportunity to improve their knowledge, readiness and effectiveness through intense preparation and spirited competition. It also showcases the bomber and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force through competition and teamwork while recognizing outstanding global strike personnel and teams. Approximately 400 competitors took part in GSC events at various locations around the United States. The four month competition categories include bomber, ICBM and helicopter operations, bomber and ICBM maintenance and security forces. The 91st Missile Wing competed for the Blanchard Trophy, named after Gen. William H. Blanchard, former U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. The trophy was first presented in competition in 1967 and it is awarded to the missile wing achieving the highest combined score in the mission areas of operations, maintenance and security forces during the challenge. The 5th Bomb Wing competed for the Fairchild Trophy, named for Gen. Muir S. Fairchild, former USAF Vice Chief of Staff. The trophy has been awarded at every bomb competition since 1951 to the bomb wing achieving the highest combined competition score in the mission areas of operations, maintenance and security forces during GSC. This year's competition added a new trophy - the Innovation Trophy, which represents the continuous ingenuity practiced from the youngest to the most seasoned Airman. The trophy is awarded to the wing demonstrating the best innovation practice which significantly fortifies mission enhancement. Team Minot was awarded the Innovation Trophy along with a $100,000 check. Airmen from the 91st MW returned home from the score posting after dominating the competition, earning seven trophies, four individual awards and the spirit bell. "I am unbelievably proud of our team performance at the competition," said Col. Mike Lutton, 91st MW commander. "The awards and recognition are a reflection of the dedication and hard work our operators, maintainers and defenders put in every day. Bully!" For the second consecutive year, the 54th Helicopter Squadron was awarded the Bourland Trophy for Best Helicopter Squadron. The 91st MW was also awarded Best Helicopter Search and Rescue Crew, Best Helicopter Emergency Security Response Crew, Best Missile Maintenance Team, Best Mechanical and Pneudralics Team and Best ICBM Power, Refrigeration, Electrical, Laboratory Team. The wing finished their landslide collection by also earning the McMahon, Linhard, Black Burn and Klotz Trophies and Senior Airman Patrick Wagenecht, 91st Security Forces Group tactical response force member, received the Security Forces Best M203 Shooter. The 91st MW received 3,641 out of 4,500 points overall making them the winner of the Blanchard Trophy for Best ICBM Wing their second year in a row. To conclude score posting events, the 91st MW was awarded the spirit bell, given to the team who best represents GSC teamwork and esprit de corps. Competitors included Airmen from Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Force Reserve Command. Team participants included the "best of the best" missile crew, maintenance and security forces teams from Malmstrom AFB, Montana; Minot AFB, North Dakota; F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming top aircrew, maintenance and security forces teams from Whiteman AFB, Missouri; Minot AFB, North Dakota; Dyess AFB, Texas.; Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota; and Barksdale AFB, Louisiana also participated.