Written by: Tech. Sgt. Rusty Frank, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Airman 1st Class Mathew Nolan, 5th Security Forces Squadron defender, stands guard at a B-52H Stratofortress during exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 21, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wing’s ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations. U.S. Air Force photo I Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham *photo has been altered for operational security reasons*
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —
Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing participated in exercise Prairie Vigilance, Sept. 15-23, 2022. The exercise is designed to test the wing’s ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations. “Munitions control plans, schedules everything within the squadron that deals with our national defense assets here at Minot AFB,” Senior Airman Nicholas Buchert, a 705th Munitions Squadron munitions controller. “We [do this by] coordinating with outside agencies, such as security forces, to secure and manage the movements [of our assets] in a timely manner.”
PV is a way to showcase Air Force Global Strike airpower and capabilities, it’s also an exercise in ensuring Airmen are prepared and ready to execute such a vital mission. Maintainers, security forces, and aircrews are tested in their response efforts in support of defeating strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. “In this exercise the 5th Operations Group role is to provide trained and ready aircrew [that is] always ready to respond to our aircraft at a moment’s notice,” said Capt. John Cavassa, a 69th Bomb Squadron pilot. The exercise not only demonstrates the wing’s ability to stand alert in the event of an attack, but it projects lethality across the globe.
Maintenance Airmen with the 5th Bomb Wing prepare the bomb bay of a B-52H Stratofortress for inspection during the exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 17, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wing’s ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations. U.S. Air Force photo I Senior Airman Zachary WrightAirmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron stand guard in front of a B-52H Stratofortress for inspection during the exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 17, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wing’s ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.. U.S. Air Force photo I Senior Airman Zachary WrightSenior Airman Junior Merem, a 5th Force Support Squadron food service specialist, serves food to Airmen who are on alert during exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 16, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wing’s ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations. U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Alexander NottinghamA B-52H Stratofortress take-off from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, during exercise Prairie Vigilance Sept. 22, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wing’s ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations. U.S. Air Force photo I Senior Airman China Shock
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