Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – U.S. Air Force Col. John E. Burrell, 5th Bomb Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Scott D. Bradbury, the 5 BW command chief, addressed Airmen as the 5 BW’s new command team, July 22 and July 24, 2026, outlining leadership priorities while emphasizing mission readiness, the future of the wing and the importance of families here.
“My priorities are family, mission, and values,” said Burrell. “Family is first because they are why we win. They are our bedrock. My charge to you is to maintain the work, life balance. This mission is our responsibility to our nation. We will hold the line, we will innovate, we will find different ways to get the mission done, all the while taking care of our families.”
He stressed that mission accomplishment remains the 5 BW’s top priority while encouraging Airmen to maintain a healthy work-life balance with their friends and loved ones, reminding them to remember why they serve. Burrell also challenged Airmen to uphold their values by remaining credible, humble and competent in every aspect of their service, ensuring they are always prepared to answer the nation’s call through unwavering combat readiness. He emphasized the 5 BW’s focus by declaring that the unit will remain “combat ready always.”
Joining Burrell was Bradbury, the 5 BW command chief. As the senior enlisted leader for the wing, Bradbury serves as Burrell’s principal advisor on matters affecting readiness, professional development, discipline, welfare and force utilization.
“Uphold the Air Force culture and standards, take care of and look out for each other, and continue to execute this incredible mission,” Bradbury said. “This is my first time being assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command and to Minot. I’m excited to be a part of this storied mission and serve alongside all of you.”
Bradbury plays a key role in ensuring Minot AFB’s Airmen remain prepared to support the wing’s global bomber mission while serving the installation’s broader community of more than 12,000 active-duty Airmen, family members and civilian personnel.
The command team reemphasized the 5 BW’s continued focus on strengthening its operational capabilities while investing in the development and well-being of its Airmen. Through his emphasis on mission excellence, family, values and constant combat readiness, Burrell encouraged Airmen to remain engaged, adaptable and committed to delivering credible strategic deterrence and global strike capability.
“I promise you this,” said Burrell. “As your commander, I will always fly lead. Anything I ask you to do I will do it myself. I will be right there alongside you serving.”
