New 5 BW CC sees bright future for Minot AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 5th Bomb Wing's new commander, who took command June 5, recently took time to discuss his priorities, what it's like to be back at Minot AFB and the Team Minot spirit.

"Right now I'm measuring things, getting to know people -- getting to know the team," said Col. Bruce Emig. "We have a lot of transition this summer, which is pretty typical in the Air Force. For example, in addition to my own position, three of our four 5th BW group commanders are transitioning this summer, so we'll be busy bringing new leaders onto our team."

Regarding the base itself, the Colonel stated that his first impression of the facilities is that they've been greatly improved.

"I've noticed quite a number of 'quality of life' projects--the youth center, fitness center, new housing, and so on," he said. "And I think they've done a lot to enhance the base."

Colonel Emig also laid out his vision and goals for the wing.

"We are a nation at war. Our first job is to make sure we are prepared to execute our wartime missions in support of the Global War on Terror," said the commander. "We must continue to prepare and train so that our Airmen are totally prepared once they leave here to execute whatever mission is required of them."

The colonel also discussed the impact of the current pace of operations and deployment lengths.

"Obviously, it's a challenge to continue to support deployments over the long haul and we have to adjust accordingly in order to maintain that support," he said. "There are things we can do to help reduce the negative impacts of lengthened deployments. For example, we need to make sure our training programs are robust enough so that we're not sending the same people all the time."

"If there are things we can do smarter, or if there are things we can stop doing that don't give us as much bang for the buck, we need to look at those areas so we can fully do the things most important to us."

Colonel Emig also expressed his appreciation for the families and work centers that also provide key support for deployments.

"Taking care of the families is a big priority," he said. "We must be fully prepared to support Minot families -- because they're serving as well."

"During a deployment, it's not only the person who deploys who has to work harder," the colonel added. "That work center has now given up a person and they still have to do the same job back home."

Colonel Emig is no stranger to the "job back home," having served as the 23rd Bomb Squadron commander from 2001-2002, and is impressed with the team spirit still prevalent today.

"We've continued to build on the team attitude between the two wings," he said. "I'm definitely looking forward to continuing that. We have excellence as our standard and take great pride in doing things the right way. It's impressive and I'm proud of it."

Colonel Emig expressed his confidence that Minot AFB's standard of excellence will continue as the base readies for a very busy summer.

"We have a busy schedule ahead with major deployments, a demanding inspection schedule, and a lot of work to get ready for," he said. "I know that our team is up for the challenge."