Warbirds soar to success Published Feb. 8, 2012 By Capt. Genieve David Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- More than 150 inspectors from Air Force Global Strike Command and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency recently conducted a Nuclear Surety Inspection at the 5th Bomb Wing here. NSIs are extremely detailed and demand the absolute highest standards of compliance and accountability. NSIs constantly test, assess, evaluate, compare and hone processes, procedures, and readiness. By design, it evaluates safe, secure, and effective unit nuclear mission capability and takes place at least once every 18 months. Col. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC Inspector General, said the wing performed phenomenally and he was impressed with the resiliency, teamwork, motivation and dedication of the Warbirds. "The strength of our nation's defense rests squarely on your shoulders," Bussiere said referencing the 5th BW Airmen. "This mission of the 5th Bomb Wing is absolutely critical to this nation." Air Force and MAJCOM inspectors with the assistance of the Air Force Inspection Agency, Department of Energy, U.S. Strategic Command and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency provide deep, rigorous, invasive inspections, to include NSIs, to ensure that a unit's nuclear mission is thoroughly examined. "Your performance during this inspection was remarkable especially considering what we endured this summer--you overcame that obstacle, kept your focus to ensure we remain safe, secure and effective in our mission," Col. James Dawkins Jr., 5th BW commander said. Commanders use inspection results and reports to adjust focus and resources as needed to keep the units combat ready, safe, secure and effective at all times. Areas of inspection included operations, maintenance, security and support activities needed to ensure a unit is performing its mission in a safe, secure and effective manner. "I'm really proud of what each and every one of you did during our inspection and continue to do every single day," Dawkins said. "You showed the inspectors that you were proud, confident and professional warriors ready to carry out the President's orders at a moment's notice."