91st MW passes NSI, ORI

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
The 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing are leading the way to restore the Air Force's credible, nuclear deterrent capabilities.

The Headquarters, Air Force Space Command Inspector General team conducted a Nuclear Surety Inspection (NSI) of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB from June 14-28, 2009, with oversight provided by representatives from the Air Force Inspection Agency and United States Strategic Command.

The wing received an overall grade of "Satisfactory", the highest possible, during their NSI and, as a result, remains certified to perform their strategic mission. The wing also received an overall grade of "Satisfactory" on their Operational Readiness Inspection, conducted during the same timeframe.

Hundreds of people gathered together to hear the results of the two-week long inspection.

"Your achievement is enormous," said Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, AFSPC commander while addressing Airmen at the outbrief. My hat is off to you. This is a big day for all of us."

Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, 20th Air Force commander, was also very proud of the achievements of the 91st MW.

"[Passing the NSI] is cause for celebration," General Burg said. "Minot's Airmen have demonstrated they meet all requirements of the nuclear enterprise. They have just set the standard for 20th Air Force."

The events of the day had the 91st MW commander, Col. Chris Ayres, inspired with a few words to say.

"There is a wave of emotion here today," Colonel Ayres said. "You can feel it. I couldn't be more proud. We set out on a path to return to glory and today on this stage we have returned it. Do we have areas we can improvement? Of course; but every person here today should be proud of what we accomplished."

Minot AFB is experiencing a string of successes, as the 5th Bomb Wing also received a "Satisfactory" in their recent inspection. Col Julian Tolbert, spokesperson at the base, says "We are all one team--we are leading the way."

"We have a long history with Nuclear Surety and Operational Readiness inspections and traditionally they are extremely difficult to pass -- especially since we have increased the intensity, depth and rigor of our inspections," said Col. Scott Gilson, AFSPC Inspector General. "Part of reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise is demanding the absolute highest standards of compliance and accountability. Perfection is the standard for the nuclear enterprise and is the benchmark to which operations are evaluated during these inspections."

Based on its proven qualifications, the installation continues to boast the most powerful nuclear mission in the world.