Sentry Contributor
The U.S. Air Force recently conducted a readiness exercise at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, designed to test readiness to conduct deterrence operations. The September 2024 drills included personnel from the 2nd and 5th Bomb Wings.
The training operation demonstrated Air Force Global Strike Command’s air power and capabilities, ensuring Minot Air Force Base and Barksdale Air Force Base Airmen are prepared and ready to execute vital missions. Hundreds of Airmen, including aircraft maintainers, security forces and aircrews from two wings, were tested and proved their superior response efforts in support of deterring and, if necessary, responding to strategic attacks against the United States and its Allies and Partners.
“The purpose of ‘Prairie Vigilance’ is inherent in the name itself: vigilance. … It’s how the 5th Bomb Wing ensures the safety, security and reliability of not just the weapons on base, but the human weapons systems that are involved in maintaining, sustaining and executing our president’s nuclear options,” said Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander.
The exercise focused on the safe and secure handling of assets and capabilities through communication, coordination and attention to detail. It enables crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and validate the always-ready, global strike capability. It also enhances the safety, security and reliability of the bomber leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. Moreover, it helps individual units learn what their mission is within the greater command structure and helps individual Airmen understand what role they play and why.
“Col. Lamarand says all the time that even though this is for practice, people are watching,” said Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Sharp, 5th Bomb Wing command chief. “These training operations let our adversaries and allies know that we operate in safe and reliable conditions, and we’re ready to go at any given time.”
The training plays an essential role in confirming the Airmen’s abilities to execute their tasks in a stressful, fast-paced environment, and gives squadrons the opportunity to perfect their contribution to Air Force Global Strikes Command’s mission of providing strategic deterrence, global strike and combat support … anytime, anywhere.
The exercise is regularly planned and not scheduled or conducted in response to any specific geopolitical conditions or situations. The training is routine and occurs multiple times each year.