News

Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing walk-off a bus after returning from a Bomber Task Force mission at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 24, 2023. The Airmen spent six weeks in Guam in support of Bomber Task Force missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trust Tate)

July 24, 2023

Barons return home following Bomber Task Force deployment

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — The 23rd Bomb Squadron’s world-famous “Bomber Barons” returned home from their most recent Bomber Task Force deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 24. The contingent, composed of approximately 280 Airmen and four B-52H Stratofortress, logged hundreds of flight hours from dozens of sorties within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility during the six-week deployment. The BTF also provided an opportunity for the squadron’s aircrews, maintainers and support personnel to integrate with various allies and partners present in the region for unrelated military exercises.

Delivering assurance: tri-bombers sync efforts in Alaska frontier

July 21, 2023

Delivering assurance: tri-bombers sync efforts in Alaska frontier

All three Air Force bombers arrived to Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson, Alaska for joint missions July 18-19.

Master Sgt. Britni Burnette (right), 90th Operations Group first sergeant, talks with Airman Jenna Lawson (left), 90th Operations Support Squadron commander’s support staff, on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, May 5, 2023. Burnette’s efforts as 90 OG first sergeant earned her the Air Force Global Strike Command’s award for “Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

July 20, 2023

AFGSC First Sergeant of the Year: Putting on the diamond to serve others

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. — In case you missed it, Master Sgt. Britni Burnette, a distinguished first sergeant in the 90th Operations Group, earned Air Force Global Strike Command’s award for “Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year” earlier this year. Throughout her tenure as a first sergeant, Burnette demonstrated exemplary performance, providing expert advice to one group and five squadron commanders, thereby upholding morale, welfare, and discipline, according to the award narrative. Her guidance maximized the readiness and lethality of the 444 Airmen responsible for delivering intercontinental ballistic missile nuclear deterrence for the United States. One of the key aspects of a first sergeant’s role is ensuring the welfare and readiness of Airmen, according to Burnette. They act as trusted advisors and advocates, addressing personal and professional challenges faced by service members. By providing guidance, resources and support, first sergeants help Airmen navigate the complexities of military life, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the unit.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 5th Maintenance Group performs routine maintenance on a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron during a Bomber Task Force deployment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 9, 2023. BTF deployments like this enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

July 19, 2023

Minot Airmen maintain aircraft, ensure readiness during Bomber Task Force deployment

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM — Approximately 150 Airmen assigned to the 5th Maintenance Group at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, including avionics specialists, crew chiefs, and aerospace ground equipment specialists, accompanied the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron on their most recent Bomber Task Force deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The maintenance team is responsible for nose to tail care of four B-52Hs for the duration of the BTF deployment, performing extremely technical, high-stakes tasks every day and every night.

Airmen from the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron pose for a group photo at a missile site at Minot Air Force Base, July 10, 2023. These Airmen helped load a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in just 18 hours for Operation Bullystick. Operation Bullystick was held to test agile combat employment concepts. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Trust Tate)

July 17, 2023

Operation Bully Stick

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — On July 10, 2023, the 91st Missile Wing kicked off Operation Bully Stick, which generated the largest missile movement in 10 years. Operation Bully Stick is an operation in which the 91st MW aims to load an intercontinental ballistic missile into a launch facility as safely, efficiently, and quickly as possible. For Operation Bully Stick, Team Minot set out to demonstrate ICBM agile combat employment with rapid nuclear generation capability in support of CDRUSSTRATCOM while integrating total force support.

A U.S. Air Force pilot answers questions about his aircraft at the 2023 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 15, 2023. RIAT participation demonstrates U.S. commitment to European allies and partners while highlighting U.S. capabilities to a diverse audience, emphasizing unity, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Symantha King)

July 16, 2023

U.S. integration at the Royal International Air Tattoo 23

RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom — The U.S. Air Force brought over 12 aircraft and 100 Airmen to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, July 14-16.

Tech. Sgt. Jennel Edwards, 91st Security Forces Group evaluator, communicates via radio at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 14, 2023. Edwards was recognized by Air Force Global Strike Command as the NCO of the Year for 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson)

July 14, 2023

Minot Airman recognized as AFGSC NCO of the Year

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — Humbleness, accountability, empathy, teachability, emotional intelligence. These are the qualities that Tech. Sgt. Jennel Edwards, an evaluator for the 91st Security Forces Group, says an effective noncommissioned officer must possess. Air Force Global Strike Command recently recognized Edwards as the NCO of the Year for 2022.

B-52 Stratofortresses return to Indo-Pacific for BTF missions

July 12, 2023

B-52 Stratofortresses return to Indo-Pacific for BTF missions

Bomber Task Force missions demonstrates the credibility of U.S. forces to address global security environments that are more diverse and uncertain than ever before.

Minot combat crew comm team maintains security during Indo-Pacific deployment

July 11, 2023

Minot combat crew comm team maintains security during Indo-Pacific deployment

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Whether training at home or supporting Bomber Task Force operations abroad, Airmen aboard 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortresses carry sensitive communication codes that are vital to mission accomplishment.

A member of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara, or Indonesian Air Force, watches as a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, taxis upon landing at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, June 19, 2023. Two B-52s arrived in Indonesia to participate in bilateral training exercises, marking the first time U.S. Air Force B-52s had landed on Indonesian soil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

July 5, 2023

First-ever USAF B-52 deployment concludes in Indonesia

MEDAN, Indonesia — More than 60 Airmen and two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, completed a bilateral interoperability exercise in Indonesia.