Roughriders gear up for code change

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Apryl Hall
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airmen of the 91st Missile Wing are increasing time, tempo and teamwork on the job as the code change season kicked off this week.

In order to maintain the upmost security, the codes used to launch the 91st MW’s 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles are changed during an approximate 6-week process.

“Code change is important because it allows us to make sure our security systems are still fully functional, and keep our nuclear deterrence process constantly changing to prevent unauthorized access,” said Senior Airman Joshua Blake, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron facilities maintenance technician team chief.

All 91st MW units are involved in code change. Operators, security forces and maintainers work together to ensure the change goes off without a hitch. Working that closely with other units isn’t a foreign idea, but that teamwork is much more essential during code change.

“Code change is different because usually we are working by ourselves at our own pace,” Blake said. “With the different teams that are involved, we have to make sure everybody is able to do their job when they get to site to make sure everything runs smoothly. There’s a point your team reaches when they figure out the flow with each other, and from that day forward, everything begins to run smoothly.”

In addition to working together with all units, the maintainers’ schedules are greatly altered for those six weeks.

“Code change is different than the day-to-day work because of having to stay in the field for five days straight, along with multiple shops and dispatches being involved for every site,” said Senior Airman Ryan Brown, 91st MMXS FMT.

While completing the code change itself, communication is key for maintainers. One miscue could double their workload.

“It’s critical for all shops to be communicating and getting updates,” Brown said. “If that communication chain fails, your day often goes from eight hours to 16 hours long.”

Despite such a demanding and important few weeks, the atmosphere isn’t always intense. Being on site for up to 16 hours and having to work as a cohesive unit to accomplish such a crucial mission creates a strong bond between Airmen. And if not the friendships, the morale visits and food-runners always make code change memorable.

“I would have to say my favorite about of code change is getting fed by our leadership,” Brown said. “I always look forward to sloppy joes and tacos in a bag.”

Blake agrees.

“My favorite part about code change would have to be getting food from the morale runners,” Blake said. “It’s nice just sitting down in the truck with the team, enjoying some good food and cool A/C!”