Team Minot cleans the MAFs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alyssa M. Akers
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

The 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing personnel at Minot Air Force Base have teamed up to ensure mission readiness at the missile alert facilities throughout North Dakota.

Since May 22, Minot AFB personnel have traveled to all MAFs for “Blitzkrieg,” the operation in which the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron, and other units complete work orders that have accumulated through the winter months.

“This is the first time we’ve ever done this,” said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Corcoran, 5th CES structure craftsman and MAF Blitzkrieg NCO in charge. “The two wings are working together so we can knock these work orders out and get the MAFs running smoothly.”

Record-breaking snow from last winter created a few issues at the MAFs. Due to several days of road closures, teams couldn’t drive to fix the minor issues as they occurred.

“The base was unable to complete some work orders through the winter due to the snow, so we’re trying to complete them through the summer,” said Corcoran. “Additionally, we’re installing a new vent system on the roof to help alleviate snow buildup.”

Each squadron created teams of multiple career fields to visit the MAFs for the jobs. One of these teams, the Electromagnetic Team, arrived early to H-01 to complete their respective work orders in a timely and effective manner.

“Our main goal is to restore the capsules to excellent condition,” said Tech. Sgt. Randy White, 91st MMXS EMT assistant NCO in charge. “We need to make sure our equipment is reliable and the location can remain operable and withstand any kind of attack.”

With anywhere from two-to-four work orders at each site for each team, Team Minot will likely be working on these discrepancies throughout summer, said White.

“Right now, we have three teams focusing on Oscar, Delta and Hotel MAFs,” said Corcoran. “Once they’re done, we will move on until there are no more work orders.”