Vice commander returns to his Minot AFB roots

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Air Force career of the new vice commander of the 5th Bomb Wing returns to Minot Air Force Base after nearly 22 years of service.

"I'm very glad to be back at Minot," said Col. Jeffrey D. Neischel. "I'm happy to see the same sense of community and camaraderie both on base and in town."

Originally from Medina, N.Y., Neischel was commissioned into the Air Force after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies in 1989. While there he also met his wife Laura.

"In Daytona Beach the two most important things happened in my life... I met my wife and was commissioned in the Air Force," said Neischel.

After pilot training at Laughlin AFB, Texas, the then second lieutenant received his first assignment to Minot AFB as a B-52H Stratofortress pilot for the 23rd Bomb Squadron.

"Flying the B-52 at Minot AFB for my first operational assignment was an amazing experience," said Neischel.

As a captain, Neischel left Minot AFB in 1996 bound for Barksdale AFB, La., where he became an instructor pilot for the 20th Bomb Squadron. Over the next four years, he earned the rank of major and remained at Barksdale, where he served various roles, including as an instructor pilot at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School B-52 detachment there.

"I am a B-52 aviator to the core," said Neischel. "I enjoy being an instructor pilot and sharing my passion for the B-52 with others."

After Air Command and Staff College in 2003, Neischel followed with an HQ Air Staff assignment at the Pentagon for three years. Then a lieutenant colonel, he returned to Barksdale in 2006 to become the Director of Operations for the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron. The following year he became the Commander of the 340th Weapons Squadron, U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

"I never strayed far from the B-52 community," said Neischel. "If I wasn't flying them at Minot or Barksdale, I was involved with its requirements, acquisition, test, plans or policies at the Pentagon."

In 2009, Neischel left Barksdale AFB for Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. His follow-on assignment was Chief of Assessments, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration once again at HQ Air Force at the newest directorate, AF/A10, where he earned the rank of colonel.

"Besides being a fantastic area for history and site seeing, you'll get a close-up view of the Air Force's and DOD missions at the strategic level with a Washington D.C. assignment," said Neischel. "I highly recommend it."

In August 2013, after nearly 22 years, Neischel returned to Minot AFB as the 5th Bomb Wing's Vice Commander. Since his original tour here, much has changed. The city as well as the base had grown dramatically, but despite those changes, the community remains exceptionally supportive of the base and the mission, added Neischel.

"The city has grown so much since I departed in 1996," said Neischel, "but the fantastic relationship between the base and city has only grown stronger."

He is eager to work for the 5th Bomb Wing Commander, Col. Alex Mezynski, because of his detailed formula for mission success, said Neischel. Mezynski has a plan outlining the wing's mission, vision, and priorities that transmits a clear vector and sets expectations.

"Our mission is to provide full-spectrum deterrence and outstanding support to the 91st Missile Wing," explained Neischel. "It's two legs of the triad, but there is only one Team Minot."

In the event that deterrence fails, the 5th Bomb Wing would turn to the venerable B-52 to provide firepower on demand to complete the mission, added Neischel.

"Our daily deterrence mission is credible because of the proud, confident and professional Airmen," said Neischel. "These dedicated men and women work long hours, in austere conditions, and always ensure mission success through inspiring acts of service-before-self. This is why 'Only the Best Come North.'"

While it is the Airmen at Minot AFB who make the mission possible, it is through the support of the community both on and off base that keeps the Airmen driven, he said. This support is what sets Minot above other bases, Neischel explained, and why after more than 20 years, he is excited to be back with Team Minot.

"The local community is awesome, and integral to our success," said Neischel. "Without their support, generosity and teamwork, our mission wouldn't be possible."

Returning to Minot around the same time of year Neischel and his wife arrived during their very first assignment; they look forward to all the activities available during the winter. In addition to watching his favorite football or race team, Neischel is also excited about the many opportunities offered by the Outdoor Recreation Center.

"There are plenty of things to do here in the winter," said Neischel. "Embrace the culture and the climate, and if you look for opportunities to have fun, you'll never be bored."

As Neischel settles into his new role here, he continues to lead with his "work hard, play hard" attitude, explaining how Airmen who put in the time and effort required to do their job, will ultimately be rewarded in the end. He believes this outlook will help develop and train Minot Airmen to be the best they can be.

"There are a lot of aspects about the wing I am getting to know better; the leadership, the Airmen, the mission," said Neischel. "But I know we'll continue to watch our Minot AFB Airmen 'Own it.'"