Soon enough, the 2023 Nuclear Surety Inspection at Minot AFB will be over. We have been hearing about preparation for the Nuclear Surety Inspection in our Military Affairs Committee meetings. From what we hear in those short briefings, a lot of time and effort has gone into getting ready for the NSI, and Team Minot will be eager to hear about the results. I guess it may be with a bit of swagger that we say, “we are confident that Minot AFB got through the NSI!”

But that’s not all that has kept MAFB on a torrid pace. Just returning from Juniper Oak was the 69th Bomb Squadron. Stories and photos of Juniper Oak were featured in the Northern Sentry.

Members of the 91st Missile Wing were at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, and were able to share photos of the operational test launching of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM. The launch is also available on YouTube and social media channels. As always, it gives you the vision of nuclear deterrence at its finest.

What the last month has once again shown us is the pace that the men and women of Minot Air Force Base maintain, 24/7. Had there been challenges such as frigid temperatures or blizzard conditions, the pace still would have been maintained. It is simply amazing. Congratulations to both the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st MW. Only The Best Come North!

Winter Is Not Over
With the long weekend coming up, make sure to enjoy the winter activities that are still available. Even though we have experienced warmer temperatures in Minot, north of us in the Turtle Mountains and Lake Metigoshe area it is always a bit cooler, and the blanket of snow remains for skiing at Bottineau Winter Park, or for snowshoeing and cross country skiing at Lake Metigoshe Park, and a trip to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Watford City is certainly worth your time.
Do I want a repeat of last year’s April snowstorm? Well probably not. But Mother Nature has the last word. I have enjoyed the moderate temperatures (for the end of January and beginning of February), and hope they continue.

Best Kept Secrets
Well, it really isn’t a secret, but like every other arts group in the city, The Heritage Singers, a male chorus of around 40 members, had to put their performance season on hiatus during COVID. One of the Heritage Singers’ most popular events is their annual Variety Show. It an evening of food, fun, comedy, music, and camaraderie. After three years, the Variety Show returns. There are six performances at The Barn at 52 Pines. The dates are February 16-18, and 23-25. For more information on tickets, call the Minot Area Council of the Arts at (701) 852-2787. This is guaranteed to be a great evening that you won’t want to miss.

Today’s Chuckle
Why do people say “break a leg” when you go on stage? Because every play has a cast.