Providing a glance of performance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Ashley
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Minot Air Force Base hosted its first ever Air Force Global Strike Command Backstage Pass Tour for local civic leaders Feb. 16, at the Uniform 0-1 launch facility trainer.

The tour provided civic leaders with an inside look at the 91st Missile Wing's daily training operations as well as an overview of the weapons systems it is responsible for overseeing.

"By inviting community members to tour our facilities, we are able to foster community partnerships which are essential for strengthening the public's trust and support of Team Minot's mission of nuclear deterrence," said Col. S.L. Davis, 91st Missile Wing commander.

During the start of the tour, civic leaders were briefed by the wing commander and had the opportunity to view a short video about the Minuteman III capabilities. The video helped explain the basic construction and functions of the weapon system and its multiple procedures for launch.

"Our Airmen in the 91st Missile Wing are on the front line of strategic deterrence every day," said Lt. Col. James Wakefield, 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron commander. "Visits like these allow us the opportunity to show off our fine Airmen and the fantastic job they do every day in some of the harshest conditions."

Visitors had a chance to tour both the above-ground portion of the launch facility trainer as well as the underground part.

"The tour on the topside area allows our neighbors the opportunity to ask the questions many have always wondered as they drive around the North Dakota countryside seeing the fences, white poles and strange signs," said Wakefield.

Wakefield said that during the downstairs tour, maintenance technicians really get to take pride in telling their side of the mission. They tell the stories of the great test launches they do, or of the frigid nights they spend trying to return a missile on alert.

Wakefield also talked about some of his personal experiences in leading a 15-man team, of what he called the best and the brightest operators and maintainers in the Air Force, during a test launch last year. In addition he explained to the visitors the standard of perfection their teams have when working together.

By inviting the public on tours and other community events and engaging in these dialogues, it allows Team Minot an opportunity to thank the community for their support and for being good neighbors, said Wakefield.

"I can't say enough about the fantastic relationship with the local community here in Minot," said Wakefield.

He alluded to the great teamwork from both the base and the community in working together through the difficulties during last summer's flood.

"It didn't matter whether you were an Airman or a local resident, in a time of need we were all there to pitch in and help each other out," said Wakefield.