MAFB kicks off combined generation exercise Published April 22, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Kidron Vestal Deputy Chief, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Bomb Wing kicked off a combined exercise with the 2nd Bomb Wing of Barksdale Air Force Base here April 22. Minot Air Force Base and Barksdale Air Force Base are participating in a nuclear operational readiness exercise (NORE)--a 10 day event with simultaneous coordination between both installations. "It is a field-level demonstration of our commitment to the nuclear enterprise," said Col Parker Northrup, 5th Operations Group commander. One of the major objectives is to ensure "there are no seams between the two [bases]," said Northrup, with the over-arching goal of "[providing] a training opportunity to ensure we can get the mission done." When an Airman is out on the flight line doing maintenance, the only distinguishing quality between Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB should be the patch he or she wears, Northrup said. The exercise focuses on using the capabilities in a manner that ensures their continued credibility, said Northrup. When an event such as the NORE is developed, Col Joel S Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, develops training objectives to be met and those below him, who plan the event, must ensure the exercise plans support the objectives, said Northrup. A successful exercise also means that the deterrent capability of the B-52 is assured at the highest level of national security. Northrup said that the policy documents this exercise supports originate from the White House and the office of the Secretary of Defense. Over 3,500 personnel and a wide-breadth of AFSCs (Air Force Specialty Codes) are involved in this exercise. For more information about the NORE or to schedule a base tour, please contact Public Affairs at 723-6212.