91 MW completes code changes Published Sept. 9, 2009 By 1st Lt. Michael L. Bishop 91st Operations Support Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Months of preparation by the 91st Missile Wing culminated recently with the successful completion of a code change. A yearly requirement by U.S. Strategic Command, code change involves the careful coordination and cooperation of the maintenance, security forces and operations groups during three one-week periods each summer. Code change requires every one of Minot AFB's 150 missile launch facilities and 15 launch control centers undergo maintenance to change critical components involved in keeping the missiles on alert. "It's the most labor intensive thing we do in any given year," said Master Sgt. Mike McCarthy, a member of the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron. "It maintains the integrity of the codes to have them changed every year." "Code change is critical to the security of the weapon system," explained Capt. Ray Scholz, a 742nd Missile Squadron flight commander. "It ensures us that our codes systems will not be compromised." Preparations for code change begin months before the first teams dispatch to the field. The 91st Operations Support Squadron is responsible for the coding of all components as well as training missile combat crewmembers to pull alert during code change. "There were two months of training material preparation and checklist production," explained 1st Lt. Joseph Hannigan, 91st OSS classroom instructor. "Code change is a vital element for us to maintain nuclear surety." Captain Scholz said the training was only the beginning of this "challenging" experience. "Each crew had five hours of training and three to four hours of self-study in addition to time spent studying together as a crew," said Captain Scholz. Operations group personnel were not the only ones who underwent training prior to code change. Sergeant McCarthy explained that although maintenance members are familiar with the tasks, three to six hours of specialized code change training is still required. "Every year [the teams] get training to reiterate how it is done," Sergeant McCarthy said. Code change can require sacrifices to be made by all Airmen involved. "It's an entire week away from your family," Captain Scholz said. "You are pulling 12 hour shifts, sometimes on different sleep schedules." Staff Sgt. Zachary Des Jardines of the 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron said it takes all available personnel to complete the code change. "Everyone is pushing every day," Sergeant Des Jardines explained. "If you are qualified, you are working." Security Forces Group personnel are positioned around the missile complex during code change to provide protection during maintenance operations. Capt. Shaun Flint, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron operations officer, said the schedule is completed far enough ahead of time to allow Airmen time to plan. "More manning is required during code change," Capt. Flint said. "Some people will have to work additional days." Maintenance, security forces and operations personnel in the field are not the only ones affected by code change. Missile Alert Facility chefs provide an increased number of meals and facility managers have to make sleeping arrangements for multiple personnel during the week. Tech. Sgt. Jason Skym, a 741st Missile Squadron Facility Manager, said this year they were able to plan ahead for where everyone would be staying. "We knew what to expect because we knew what teams we would have on site," Sergeant Skym explained. Staff Sgt. Anthony Gwaltney, 740th Missile Squadron chef trainer, said chefs on average prepare 30 to 40 meals per meal period. Although preparations were made for the increased number of meals, additional rations were sent out on a daily basis to each site, explained Sergeant Gwaltney. Chefs also find themselves working extended hours to provide food for all personnel. "Sometimes they have to get up late at night to cook for teams returning from the field because they need something to eat," Sergeant Gwaltney said. "Then they are up at 6:30 a.m. to prepare breakfast." "It's the busiest time of the year," Sergeant Gwaltney added. "They put a lot of effort in and keep on pushing through." Besides all the effort and work put in place for code changes, the Rough Riders are prepared to support the base's strategic mission of ensuring our nation's security.