Few, if any, reporters get the opportunity that we at the Northern Sentry do, that being direct contact and interviews with both wing commanders and both of the Command Chiefs. It is an opportunity that I am blessed to have, not only once, but usually once a year.

There is so much activity on base that having the commander of either the 5th Bomb Wing or the 91st Missile Wing sit down and give you an uninterrupted hour of their time to ask them questions about their job, the base and the community, makes me feel very special, even though we are just on small cog in a huge wheel of media that the base deals with on a daily basis.

Recently CNN made its’ way to Minot Air Force Base to report on how changes in political climate have affected the only dual nuclear mission base on U.S. soil. If you haven’t had an opportunity to watch these segments, take some time to check them out here.

It will certainly be worth your time. Colonel Jimmy Schlabach did an on-camera interview. His comments were very re-assuring that the mission at Minot AFB goes on 24/7, whether the political climate around the globe changes or not.
That brings me down to the mission, or missions, of Minot Air Force Base. Even though much of today’s war machine is computer controlled, the mission is accomplished every day by Airmen. I would like to share a couple of comments from my recent interviews, hoping that you will appreciate them as much as I did.

First, Minot Air Force Base has the most first-term Airmen of any base in the U.S. Air Force. Wow! Imagine yourself at age 18-19. You make a life choice to join the Air Force, and in less than a year you are in Minot, North Dakota, working with older than average systems, that being the B 52 and the Minuteman III, and you are part of a mission to be the head of the spear in deterrence of world powers, small or large, from attacking the United States.

Second, the quality of the young men and women we are seeing at Minot Air Force Base is top notch, much better than when I joined some 25 years ago. (Comment from Command Chief Wayne Sharp). I have often sat in line at the main gate of Minot AFB and looked at the sign that says, “Only The Best Come North.” It isn’t lip service folks, nor is it a slogan line that Minot AFB uses loosely. I work with a staff of around 20 Airmen in Public Affairs. Kind of like the B 52 and the Minuteman III, I have been around a while. Yet, these young Airmen are ready to be deployed at moment’s notice in support of a Bomber Task Force hallway around the world. They are the face of the Minot Air Force Base when VIPs arrive, as they do every week, to get the story of Minot Air Force Base firsthand. When they arrive in Minot, they have to hit the ground running. They are true professionals in what they do. And I can repeat this story about the many other Airmen that I meet.

The mission is being accomplished 24/7, and the mission is being accomplished well. Not with new technology, but with weapon systems that are both over 50 years old. What makes the difference? The same as with your car or home. Attention to details. Application of knowledge and finally, the determination to “get it done!” That’s what keeps Minot AFB on the point. Airmen, whether it be first year or experienced, staying on task and getting it done.

All of the Airmen at Minot Air Force Base made a choice. A choice to step up and serve their country, to accomplish a mission, and be ready 24/7. Thanks to Col’s Jesse Lamarand and Jimmy Schlabach, and to Chief’s Sharp and Thomas for their time. Quality at the top will always mean good things happen all the way down. Only the “Very” Best Come North.