MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- March 12, 2020 was an important day for women and little girls dreaming of a career in the U.S. Air Force. On this day, 91st Missile Wing women from Minot Air Force Base participated in the All-Female Missile Alert Day in support of National Women’s History Month.
According to Col. Cathy Barrington, 91st Operations Group commander, the event started in 2016 and has grown through the years.
“We had this event during Women’s History Month where we put 90 [female] missileers out on alert in charge of all the [Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles] for the nation,” said Barrington. “What makes it unique is that we’re reaching out to different career fields and we’re getting more and more people involved, because it’s a celebration of what everybody brings to the force.”
Capt. Katelyn Woodley, 742nd Missile Squadron deputy flight commander, was one of the event participants.
“I think it’s amazing that we can promote and support each other and come together to cover a whole day on alert,” said Woodley. “Little girls out there can see female empowerment and maybe see themselves serving in the future, and to know that they can be a part of that message means a lot. I think the event is awesome. This year, we’re going to be integrating more than just crews; we’re going to be integrating maintenance personnel, helicopter crews and security forces.”
This yearly event brings focus to the talent of the female Airmen at Minot AFB.
“To look out at our crew force and see everybody come together, and do something extraordinary to celebrate the contribution of every single missileer is something incredibly positive,” said Barrington. “I’m so proud of our Airmen and what they’re doing.”