20th AF commander supports Team Minot Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 20th Air Force's commander and command chief recently visited Team Minot Airmen here as part of a base and downtown community tour focused on understanding the state of flood recovery efforts.

"I came here to find out what the state of affairs is with our Minot Airmen and the community itself," said Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, 20th Air Force commander. "I also came to see what the state of recovery is out in the missile fields."

Despite the difficulties Team Minot Airmen have endured because of the flooding, Alston said he was proud to see the mission continue.

"I think the Airmen really understand their purpose here because they were able to keep this mission going uninterrupted," said Alston. "This occurred even when challenged with both fighting the floods in the missile complex, as well as supporting their fellow community members and Airmen downtown."

Alston said he was inspired to hear the efforts of Airmen and the base in full support of one another.

"Minot AFB is a very close-knit community that respects its Airmen, values the mission, and values their presence here," said Alston. "In the end, everyone came through and delivered on what was asked of them."

The general stressed the significance of how Minot has the most challenging environmental conditions and yet it continually produces the same results as every other wing.

"The ability to continue deterrence every day requires the skill and professionalism of hundreds of Airmen focused on keeping the missiles on alert and showing a strong credible deterrent force every day," said Alston. "Minot steps up to those challenges every day."

Alston explained that there is no mission more important in the Air Force than to secure the homeland which is the heart of the reason of why Minot AFB exists.

"The Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff have emphasized year after year that the number one priority is the nuclear enterprise," said Alston. "Minot AFB is responsible for one third of America's alert force. The overall credibility of the AF nuclear enterprise hinges everyday on the success at Minot AFB and the other wings as well."

The general explained Airmen from all over the country and every background imaginable find themselves here in Minot with an extraordinarily challenging mission to perform. He said he hoped all Airmen would have an exceptionally satisfying tour of duty here because of the highly consequential work they perform every day.

Chief Master Sgt. David R. Nordel, 20th Air Force command chief, added that overall both wings have done an exceptional job in working with one another through challenges. He said having served in North Dakota in the past he knows the relationships in the community are special.

"Serving in Minot prepares you for just about any challenge ahead," said Nordel. "It's unique in a very positive way. We have to look at Minot as an Air Force model of how more than one mission can exist on one base, co-existing and appreciating each other's missions."