Minot Airmen impress functional experts in NSSAV Published Nov. 24, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Nuclear Surety functional experts came here Nov. 15 to 22 to assist Minot's bomb wing and new munitions maintenance group in determining their readiness on an upcoming nuclear surety inspection here. The Nuclear Surety Staff Assistance Visit is a week-long process in which the NSSAV team gives the wing's nuclear surety and training programs a hard look prior to the upcoming Initial NSI and NSI. The team consists of subject matter experts in the nuclear surety field from all across ACC and AFMC. "This was not an inspection," said Lt. Col. Jon Dawson, 5th Bomb Wing inspector general. "This was a staff assistance visit from Air Combat Command and Air Force Materiel Command." This was the first staff assistance visit performed by the two major commands simultaneously since the 798th Munitions Maintenance Group stood up here Aug. 18. The ACC team brought 35 experts and AFMC brought 17. The 69th Bomb Squadron, the new B-52H Stratofortress unit here, is scheduled for an INSI Jan. 19 to 24. The importance of the NSSAV team's visit is quite clear when it comes to preparing the wing and group for the upcoming inspections. "The inspectors came off the base with a great impression due to your professionalism, motivation and dedication," said Col. Douglas Cox, 5th BW commander. "This incredibly positive influence shows you should be proud." Compliance to those standards means performing extremely difficult tasks and training perfect, every time. This pre-inspection process is designed to see if the standards are being met by going over all processes dealing with nuclear surety with a fine-toothed comb. This allows the NSSAV team to recommend whether or not the wing can proceed with the actual NSI inspections. The team's findings also provide the wing commander an in-depth look on how prepared the wing is to accomplish the mission safely and securely. While the NSSAV seems like a rigorous inspection, it is primarily designed to assist the wing by enhancing the wing's nuclear surety program. This is accomplished by pointing out possible shortcomings and how to fix them, as well as identifying outstanding performances by wing airmen. These observations are made possible by having subject matter experts in all fields relating to nuclear surety as part of the NSSAV team. As with any job or function, there are always areas for development and advancement. "The NSSAV team came to give us an outside look on our operations and to determine if we have any short falls," Colonel Dawson said. "They then give us guidance on how we can improve the issue areas." By recognizing potential shortcomings early, Minot Airmen are able to take the comments from the NSSAV team, and immediately make the changes necessary to perfect the task at hand. "Minot AFB did an outstanding job of supporting the 50 plus NSSAV members," said Colonel Dawson. "Our Airmen proved they are ready to support the Air Force by providing a safe, secure and reliable nuclear deterrence around the world." [Editor's note: Some information provided by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Dow during last year's NSSAV.]