Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Minot Published Dec. 29, 2009 By Laurie Arellano Chief, Minot Air Foce Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy arrived at Minot Air Force Base in a blizzard, and he departed two days later in the same blizzard, but in between, it was all about the Airmen as he toured the base and spoke with the people serving as the backbone of the nation's defense around the clock, 365 days of the year. "This is a pleasure for me," Chief Roy said. "I asked to come here, to carry the message to the Airmen and the leadership here that the Air Force is committed to them." Chief Roy's visit included visits to the 24-hour work centers such as the base fire department, ambulance services, missile maintenance, security forces control centers, missile operations pre-departure and to Civil Engineer's heavy vehicle section as they prepared to begin plowing the base. He met with Airmen from both the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing, getting hands-on experience learning some of the jobs that support the nuclear enterprise and asking the Airmen questions at every opportunity. The chief master sergeant of the Air Force spent Christmas Eve at a candlelight service in the base chapel, followed by a holiday social for Airmen living in the dorms. At each of his stops, he spent time listening to the Airmen as they talked about the challenges of duty here at Minot and their concerns for their future. He said he wanted the Airmen to know their mission is vital and that their development and training is his top priority. "I am focusing on their development, which includes not only the opportunities to deploy and gain experience supporting the war-fighting commanders, but also their education and training." Chief Roy said he wants Airmen here to understand that as professionals in the nuclear enterprise, they support a combatant commander every day, and they are a critical part of America's strategic deterrence. "This mission is vital," he said. "We are the safe holders of the nuclear deterrence that provides the confidence and credibility of our nation's defense." Throughout the visit, Airmen expressed gratitude that the chief master sergeant of the Air Force chose to spend his Christmas holiday with them and learn about the duties that have them deployed in place every day. "It's a huge morale boost," said Staff Sgt. John Bjornstad, 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron. "It's a huge honor to have him come up here like he did." Chief Master Sgt. Martin Smith, 5th Bomb Wing command chief, said this visit was historic for the base. "For Air Force leadership to come here during the holidays, rather than to a deployed location down range, sends a strong message to the Airmen here that what they do is important," he said. The chief master sergeant of the Air Force said as he departs Minot Air Force Base, he was impressed with the commitment Airmen display here every day and he is envious of the future the Airmen here have waiting for them. "I am in envy of the opportunities they'll have for education and training and the experiences they will gain in their service," he said.