NSI

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Members of the 5th Security Forces Squadron and 5th Munitions Squadron prepare for a weapons transportation convoy briefing during a Nuclear Surety Inspection here May 15. An NSI is designed to evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations. Areas to be evaluated during the NSI include operations, maintenance, security, and support activities needed to ensure the wing performs its mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner. This no-notice inspection concluded May 22. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Sergeant Stacy Moless)

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NSI

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND -- Airman First Class Randee Puckett, 5th Munitions Squadron re-entry system/re-entry vehicle journeyman, inspects the outside of a storage and transportation container for imperfections during the Nuclear Surety Inspection here May 16. The base's first no-notice Nuclear Surety Inspection concluded on 22 May, with an announcement that the wing recieved a satisfactory rating. 2009 was a year that brought progress and a renewed emphasis on safe, secure and reliable nuclear operations. The 91st Missile Wing transitioned to Air Force Global Strike Command with the 5th Bomb Wing scheduled to follow suit in 2010. . (US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard)

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NSI

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Capt. Pam Stewart and Tech. Sgt. William Lewis inspect records at the 5th Medical Group during the Nuclear Surety Inspection here May 14. An NSI is designed to evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations. Areas to be evaluated during the NSI include operations, maintenance, security, and support activities needed to ensure the wing performs its mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner. This no-notice inspection concluded May 22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Gallardo)

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NSI

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND -- Tech. Sgt. Richard Ditmars, non commissioned officer in charge of the 5th Security Forces Squadron Pass and Registration office, explains the different policies and procedures governing the pass and registration office to an Air Combat Command Inspector General team member during the Nuclear Surety Inspection here May 18. An NSI is designed to evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations. Areas to be evaluated during the NSI include operations, maintenance, security, and support activities needed to ensure the wing performs its mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner. This no-notice inspection concluded May 22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard)

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NSI

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Staff Sgt. Betty Puma, 5th Munitions Squadron, reviews a Nuclear Weapons Maintenance Procedure checklist as part of the Nuclear Surety Inspection, here May 19. An NSI is designed to evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations. Areas to be evaluated during the NSI include operations, maintenance, security, and support activities needed to ensure the wing performs its mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner. This no-notice inspection concluded May 22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)

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NSI

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Staff Sgt. Gerald Roberts, 5th Munitions Squadron, inspects a weapons cart at the Weapons Storage Area during a Nuclear Surety Inspection here May 19. An NSI is designed to evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations. Areas to be evaluated during the NSI include operations, maintenance, security, and support activities needed to ensure the wing performs its mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner. This no-notice inspection concluded May 22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright)

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5BW completes NSI with satisfactory rating

Published May 28, 2009
By Laurie Arellano
Chief, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The base's first no-notice Nuclear Surety Inspection concluded today with an announcement that the wing has been given the highest rating possible -- a satisfactory rating, meaning it remains certified to perform its strategic mission.

The 10-day inspection was a demanding and detailed evaluation of the wing's mission, covering 14 major graded areas, including maintenance, operations, security and support activities needed to ensure a unit is performing its mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner. While previous inspections have included giving units advance notice, the policy of no-notice inspections ensures units remain at the highest standards of compliance and accountability every day, and inspections thoroughly test every aspect of the wing's responsibility.

"I'm a fan of no-notice inspections," said Col. Joel Westa, 5BW commander. "By earning the highest grade possible after having the most rigorous and intensive inspection ever, with no preparation, we have shown the world the tremendous improvements we have made."

Colonel Westa said the entire base demonstrated an attitude of teamwork, commitment and professionalism, which inspectors noted.

"Everyone can be proud of their accomplishments," said Colonel Westa. "I'm proud of you all, and I'm honored to be your commander."

Colonel Westa said the entire base can take credit for a job well done, and he pledged his support to the 91st Missile Wing as they prepare for their Nuclear Surety Inspection to be conducted by Air Force Space Command inspectors in June.