ATSO training refines Airmen's skills

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Rodney Onstott, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, deputy readiness & emergency flight chief, looks on as Airmen assist a wounded wingman during the Ability to Survive and Operate exercise here May 2. The ATSO preparation exercise ensures that the Airman of Minot ready themselves for upcoming base wide inspections. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jesse Lopez)

Testing readiness and effectiveness

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance team responds to a gate-runner exercise at the north gate here April 20. Air Force Global Strike Command’s Minot Air Force Base evaluated the implementation of force protection condition response measures, as well as the readiness and effectiveness of emergency response units during this exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jesse Lopez)

Testing readiness and effectiveness

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Capt. Chad Guendelsberger, 69th Bomb Squadron standard flight evaluator, participates as a a gate runner and active shooter during an exercise here April 20. Air Force Global Strike Command’s Minot Air Force Base evaluated the implementation of force protection condition response measures, as well as the readiness and effectiveness of emergency response units during this exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Jesse Lopez)

Ready to rumble

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A flight of B-52H Stratofortress’ from the 5th Bomb Wing execute a rapid launch exercise here April 13. As a finale to the two week-long exercise, several B-52s took off in rapid succession, signaling the end of the training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell)

Ready to rumble

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A B-52H Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing takes off during a rapid launch exercise here April 13. As a finale to the two week-long exercise, several B-52s took off in rapid succession, signaling the end of the training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jesse Lopez)

Legal office earns outstanding awards

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Personnel from the base legal office here were awarded major command level awards this past March for their stellar performance and work dedication. Lt. Col. Eric J. Werner, 5th Bomb Wing staff judge advocate, was named Air Force Global Strike Command’s Outstanding Senior Attorney Award and Captain Michael Kirkland, 5th BW assistant judge advocate, earned the title of the 8th Air Force Outstanding Young Judge Advocate of the Year. A third recipient Master Sgt. Dana L. Cummins, former 5th BW law office superintendent, (has since had a permanent change of station) was awarded the 8th Air Force's Outstanding Young Paralegal of the Year. (U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez)

5th BW returns home

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Senior Airman Daniel Duplesis, 5th Maintenance Squadron air ground equipment specialist, is greeted by his family during the 5th Bomb Wing redeployment here April 4. Minot’s 69th Bomb Squadron and 5th Bomb Wing personnel deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam last November in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence. This was the 69th BS’ first deployment since it’s reactivation in September 2009 and the first major combat deployment of aircraft and personnel since World War II. (U.S. Air force photo/ Airman 1st Class Aaron-Forrest Wainwright)

5th BW returns home

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Chief Master Sgt. Bryn LePine, 5th Mission Support Group command chief and other Logistics Readiness members, unload returning deployers’ luggage during the 5th Bomb Wing Airmen redeployment here April 4. Minot’s 69th Bomb Squadron and 5th Bomb Wing personnel deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam last November in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence. This was the 69th BS’ first deployment since it’s reactivation in September 2009 and the first major combat deployment of aircraft and personnel since World War II. (U.S. Air force photo/ Airman 1st Class Aaron-Forrest Wainwright)

5th BW personnel return from deployment

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Tech. Sgt. Heather Leavitt, 5th Munitions Squadron crew chief, embraces her son after returning home here on April 4 from a six month deployment to Andersen AFB, Guam. Minot’s 69th Bomb Squadron and 5th Bomb Wing personnel deployed to Andersen AFB last November in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence. This was the 69th BS’ first deployment since it’s reactivation in September 2009 and the first major combat deployment of aircraft and personnel since World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez)

Women's worth as warrior Airmen

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Women from the 5th Security Forces Squadron here have continually been key contributors to ensuring Air Force Global Strike Command's mission of nuclear deterrence. In recent history, women have increasingly proven their potential and proficiency in various professions and occupations, to include military careers like security forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez)

How did that get on there?

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Staff Sgt. Adam Lewis, 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance craftsman, and Senior Airman Jerrett Parker, 5th MXS aircraft structural maintenance journeyman, work on the Minot AFB designator decal on the tail section of a B-52H Stratofortress here March 11. This was the first jet at Minot to receive the decals instead of being painted. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard)

How did that get on there?

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Staff Sgt. Adam Lewis, 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance craftsman, peels the backing off of the Air Force Global Strike Command decal on the tail section of a B-52H Stratofortress, here March 11. This was the first jet at Minot to receive the decals instead of being painted. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard)