Warbirds OWN IT at GSC

  • Published
  • By Kiley Swopes
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Global Strike Challenge participants of the 5th Bomb Wing returned from the third annual Air Force Global Strike Command Global Strike Challenge score posting event, held at Barksdale AFB, La., from Nov. 5-7.

Global Strike Challenge show cases the bomber and ICMB force through competition and teamwork while recognizing outstanding global strike personnel and teams.

Approximately 400 competitors take part in Global Strike Challenge events at various locations around the United States. The four month competition of categories includes bomber, ICBM and helicopter operations, bomber and ICMB maintenance and security forces.

The 5th BW competed for the Fairchild Trophy, named for General 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.

Col. James Dawkins, 5th Bomb Wing commander, went into the score posting cautiously optimistic.

"After witnessing the excellent performance by the Warbirds on our inspections and exercises, I thought our chances were pretty good at bringing home some trophies," Dawkins said.

This year, the 5th BW returned to Minot Air Force Base with seven GSC trophies.

The 5th Security Forces Squadron won the Best Security Forces Tactics.

The 23rd Bomb Squad brought home the Bartsch Trophy for Best Electronic Countermeasures.

"There was a time during awards presentations that the Chief (Jurgella) and I couldn't even make it back to our seats before the 5th BW's name was called again for another award," Dawkins stated. "That was a great feeling."

The 5th BW also brought home first place for Best Bomber Nuclear Load, Best Bomber Crew Chief, Best Bomber Nuclear Crew Chief Team, and Best Bomber Nuclear Munitions Maintenance Team.

This year's competition added in an ICBM Nuclear MUNS team with efforts contributing towards the Blanchard Trophy. The 705th MUNS from the 5th BW competed under the 91st Missile Wing securing a win for both teams.

"The Warbirds brought home seven awards with each group winning at least one category," Dawkins said. "Of course I was disappointed that the 5th BW didn't win the Fairchild, but we are already setting plans in motion to bring home that trophy next year. Healthy competition makes us better warfighters."

Competitors include Airmen from Global Strike Command, Air 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, Mont.; Minot AFB, N.D.; F.E. Warren AFB, Wym. Top aircrew, maintenance and security forces teams from Whiteman AFB, Mo.; Minot AFB; Dyess AFB, Texas; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; and Barksdale AFB, La. also participated.