B-52s from Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB exercise rapid launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A group of B-52H Stratofortresses from the 5th Bomb Wing here and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., taxi down the runway during a rapid-launch scenario here Oct. 28 as part of Prairie Vigilance 09-2, a combined-training exercise between the 5th Bomb wing here and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB.. The purpose of PV 09-2 was to exercise, evaluate and validate the 5th BW’s war-fighting capability in support of its Emergency War Order mission. The exercise, which lasted from Oct. 21 to 28, included aircraft generation/employment and aircrew testing/certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kelly Timney)

B-52s from Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB exercise rapid launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A B-52H Stratofortress from Barksdale AFB, La., takes off during during a rapid-launch scenario here Oct. 28 as part of Prairie Vigilance 09-2, a combined-training exercise between the 5th Bomb wing here and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB. The purpose of PV 09-2 was to exercise, evaluate and validate the 5th BW’s war-fighting capability in support of its Emergency War Order mission. The exercise, which lasted from Oct. 21 to 28, included aircraft generation/employment and aircrew testing/certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joe R. Rivera Jr.)

B-52s from Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB exercise rapid launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A pair of B-52H Stratofortresses take off in quick succession during during a rapid-launch scenario here Oct. 28 as part of Prairie Vigilance 09-2, a combined-training exercise between the 5th Bomb wing here and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB.. The purpose of PV 09-2 was to exercise, evaluate and validate the 5th BW’s war-fighting capability in support of its Emergency War Order mission. The exercise, which lasted from Oct. 21 to 28, included aircraft generation/employment and aircrew testing/certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joe R. Rivera Jr.)

B-52s from Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB exercise rapid launch

Published Oct. 29, 2008
By Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Seven B-52H Stratofortresses from the 5th Bomb Wing here and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., exercised a rapid-launch scenario here Oct. 28 as part of Prairie Vigilance 09-2, a combined-training exercise.

The purpose of PV 09-2 was to exercise, evaluate and validate the 5th BW's war-fighting capability in support of its Emergency War Order mission. The exercise, which lasted from Oct. 21 to 28, included aircraft generation/employment and aircrew testing/certification.

"We were able to mass rapid and decisive firepower," said Lt. Col. Rolando Diaz Jr., chief of 5th BW plans and programs. "Our combined forces successfully integrated to perform this important mission. It was definitely a team success!"

The exercise marked the first time in more than four years that Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB combined forces and assets at this level to execute the EWO mission. All facets of the wartime mission were exercised to provide a credible response capability for the nation.

"We're glad to be here," said Lt. Col. Paul Griffith, chief of 2nd BW plans and programs. "We're fully on board with augmenting the 5th Bomb Wing mission."

Following the take-off today, the aircraft from Barksdale AFB flew home while the remaining B 52 returned to base here.

"I'm very pleased how well things are going," said Col. Joel Westa, 5th BW commander. "The integration between the 5th Bomb Wing and 2nd Bomb Wing was especially noteworthy.

"We will continue to exercise and focus on this critical mission," the wing commander added. "We are poised and ready right now, and these exercises help us hone our edge."