MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy talks with Airmen from Minot AFB during an Airman’s Call held in Dock 1 here, Nov. 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Aaron Allmon)
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III talks with a defender from Minot AFB during a tour of the U-01 launch facility trainer here, Nov. 21. The tour was part of Welsh’s first visit to Minot since becoming the chief of staff. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Crawford)
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III talks with Airmen from Team Minot during a tour of the Weapons Storage Area here, Nov. 21. The tour was part of Welsh's first visit to Minot since becoming the chief of staff. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristoffer Kaubisch)
by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs Office
11/21/2012 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Warbirds and Rough Riders at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., reaffirmed why "Only the Best Come North," during a visit by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy here Nov. 20 and 21.
As part of Welsh's first visit as chief of staff to the Air Force's only dual-nuclear capable base, Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing showcased their dedication to strategic deterrence by providing the leaders a first-hand look at their mission.
After visiting several units and work centers on base, the passion and pride exhibited by Team Minot's Airmen was evident to the Air Force's top leaders.
"What I love about this place is the pride I see in you all, from security forces members to maintainers," Welsh said during an Airman's Call.
The story of Minot's Airmen is one the chief of staff wants the whole world to know about. While the bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile forces quietly and successfully do their job, he said they need to be recognized for having a 100 percent success rate since their initiation.
One of the main objectives of his visit here was to personally learn the story of Minot's Airmen and how they continually give their all for the strategic mission, even in the harshest of weather conditions and unforeseen hardships like last year's historic Souris River Flood, which displaced approximately 1,200 Minot Airmen and their families.
He recognized many are far from home and may not be accustomed to the North Dakota prairies, but because of their sacrifices, there has not been a stronger mission focus for the Air Force.
The nuclear enterprise is the Air Force's number one priority and, "we are not going to lose focus of that," stated Welsh.
While the mission is extremely important, both leaders stressed it is the individual Airman who makes the mission a success.
"We continue to develop Airmen," the chief said. "We focus on their education, their training and ensure they gain the experience needed to complete their job."
Welsh maintained that through innovative ideas and accomplishments of past Airmen, the Air Force continues to be the best in the world and that is the key to the Air Force's future.
"There is no comparison," said Welsh. "We adjust and change but we will continue to be the best Air Force."
During their address to Team Minot Airmen, both Welsh and Roy focused on key issues facing the Air Force and made it clear Airmen should look out for one another as brother and sister because that is one of the most important factors that can positively impact a work environment and make for a safer, more successful and resilient force.
With it being Thanksgiving Eve, Welsh and Roy thanked Team Minot Airmen and their families for the sacrifices they endure, and congratulated Minot on their recent victories at this year's third annual Global Strike Challenge.
"Your motto holds true," said Roy. "You are it, you are the best."
Comments
11/29/2012 11:35:20 PM ET Why not Minot Freezzing's the Reason
Former Minot Inmate, No longer at Minot
11/29/2012 7:03:16 PM ET In this story the older generation gets mad at younger generation for complaining.In all honesty I have never been to Minot nor do I wish to go there. I have heard nothing but horror stories about that place but I also heard nothing but horror stories about Cannon AFB which was my first duty station and I was there for four years.Some of the complaining is legitimate I feel and some of it is genuine whining. I do think that some places just aren't meant for some people meaning big city folk don't care for the country and vice versa and there is a bit of a morale dive when you're stationed somewhere you don't want to be. That said however you still have the opprotunity to leave although it might take some time and go somewhere else in the US or even overseas. The less time you spend thinking about how much the place you're at sucks the better off you will be.We all get it. Not every base is going to be everyone's cup of tea. Some bases have a worse reput
Shawn, GA
11/29/2012 1:17:14 PM ET Defend the North because winter is coming.
D, Winterfell
11/29/2012 12:38:13 PM ET HATED IT
Blaine and Antoine, Minot 1997-2000
11/28/2012 2:19:04 PM ET If you have to be stuck in ND at least try for Grand Forks. I loved North Dakota. Yeah the weather sucks but it's a good assignment.
SSgt, AK
11/28/2012 2:09:30 PM ET SBush is right. We've spoiled the younger generation with IPods Playstations Google and other forms of instant gratification. The 5-10 percent of these duds we have are so smart so talented but at times so lost. Time out at Basic allowing them to acknowledging EPR ratings before they go final you name it...we did to outselves and this is what we've got. We spend 80 percent of our time explaining the obvious to these duds who don't get it. If you can't handle an AF assignment GET OUT OF MY AIR FORCE that simple. As Gen Welsh would say we can't afford you.
Been There Twice, Robins AFB GA
11/28/2012 1:58:50 PM ET I have been at large bases small bases and not always in the most idyllic of locations. The bottom line is there are no bad assignments...only bad attitudes about assignments. Make the most of your time there...one day you will miss it.
CMSgt Adkins, Langley AFB VA
11/28/2012 10:17:01 AM ET A Bit Chilly Grandforks I couldn't agree with you more.
Reluctant Frozen Warrior, ND
11/28/2012 8:53:05 AM ET Seriously I think that it's time for Airmen as a whole to grow up and stop expecting eveything in life to be handed to them. My home town had a population of 2k Minot has 45k. That my friends is NOT remote or tiny. There are a million things to do here if your not lazy and you actually get the heck out of your dormroom instead of sitting around gripping and crying. Ever heard of Medora How about the MASSIVE lake an hour south There's this little thing called GOING OUTSIDE. Something that this generation has obveously never heard of. Yeah we don't have a billion clubs or 200k people but honestly I'm not a fan of swimming in the proverbial sea of humanity. Your not here to degrade the base your here to do your job period. Also it's called a parka and it has this crazy way of keeping you warm.
At Minot, NOT trying to PCS
11/27/2012 11:26:11 PM ET @Cane989...don't drink and type...just sayin'
KHM, OCONUS
11/27/2012 8:30:17 PM ET I was stationed at Minot from 98-01. Professionally speaking Minot was the best assignment I've had in 19 years. Any place you are assigned to be the best or worse...all depends on you the individual.
Me, Yokota Japan
11/27/2012 5:30:39 PM ET Folks...I'm retired from the Air Force after 27 years...for those of you stationed at Minot deal with it...you made a committment to the Air Force and your country so suck it up. How would you like to be in arms way taking constant fire day after day like our comrades in Afganistan and else where. Be fortuante you can ice fish and complain about trival things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things. I'm embarrassed to read some of these post...start acting like Amercians and do what you set out to do...Serve our country our Air Force.
SBush, Tuscola TX
11/27/2012 5:26:31 PM ET Well at least Minot still has a solid mission... I feel like here at Grand Forks they were grasping at straws and just happened to realize that since our airfield is empty they'd just fill it with RPA's I believe that's the newest term I'd hate it here if I didn't have such a solid team I work with - positive attitude can only get you so far it helps if your work center shares some of it.
A bit chilly, Grand Forks
11/27/2012 4:43:37 PM ET What about living in a remote freezing location with no mission What is the benefitneed of the AF then Assignments are most certainly what you make of them but I suppose that's easy to say when you're at a great one.
Reluctant Frozen Warrior, ND
11/27/2012 12:26:47 PM ET this is to Kelly Minot and the rest of your clowns. I was stationed there back in 95 thru 97 and belive me when i say this.. your all brain washed. Those clowns up there because of lack of a real city tend to focus more on the individual than the actual mission. There are alot of us otu there who have been there and felt its effect though out our lives. You can't tell me there are troops there not being kicked out for rediculous reasons to be made examples of. And the post intergration is a joke also. Look... do yourselves a favor and open your eyes and unlearn. and get the hell out of there I think the weather froze your brains way to much meaning you've been there way to long....
Cane989, somewhere your not
11/27/2012 12:23:45 PM ET Hahaha well seeing as how the editors cut my previouis statement in half. The second part which was quite amusing was taken out leaving an unfinished paragraph that looks like im talking about killing myself. This is definately not the case. Minot isnt that bad. Fear not Concerned Minot I'm quite content.
Frozen SF, Minot
11/27/2012 9:25:50 AM ET Hey Frozen - keep your head up. This place can be hard but youve gotta make the best of it. And if youre ice fishing in the open air youre doing it wrong You gotta hook up with a buddy that has a shelter out thereSure Ive seen a lot of people get out after their time at Minot but I think someone said it best below Choice does not trump Duty in the military.
Concerned Minot, Minot
11/27/2012 5:46:44 AM ET Let me give you Minot through my eyes. A cop experiences a 15 hour day of starring at high security walls or staring at a field from a 4 x 4 tower. During extra awesome times we stand infront of a bird without the ability to sit and about a three hour wait to be relieved from the time you call. When its cold you might get a ground heater of which the hose has been diverted to the maintenance guy that took it. Everything on base closes around seven. The BX is now closed on weekends due to manning. The town is small with nothing to do. You can fish for about 4 months then you have to drill through 2 feet of ice to fish. This means standing on a frozen lake where the wind picks up to a rediculous speed dropping the already sub zero temperatures to a deadly degree. The closest big city Bismarck is a larger minot. The only addition is a two slide water park thats usually frozen and a few more resturaunts. This is my first base and the only reason im not on the verge of suicide is becaus
Frozen SF, Minot
11/27/2012 4:00:06 AM ET Only the best come north
Gobert, Ramstein
11/26/2012 8:49:40 PM ET Only the best come North Yeah and only the lucky leave
Former Minot Inmate, Not at Minot
11/26/2012 8:37:50 PM ET Friends of mine from many years ago were stationed at Minot - one in missiles the other in Buffs. They said it was one of the best assigments they had because of the great units and the tight-knit community. I always had fun and great assignments none better than the middle of nowhere desert deployments. Focus on the positives and all assignments will be the best.
Craig Kowald, Everett WA
11/26/2012 7:34:37 PM ET When the 321st Missile Wing at Grand Forks shutdown we had many people apply for a voluntary stablized assignment to Minot because of the outstanding quality of life at Minot. Sure there were many people who complained about being stationed at the 'Forks but for the most part they were the type who didn't get involved in the many recreational educational local etc activities available to them. If I were still in I would definitely try to get assigned to the 91MW
JD, Washington
11/26/2012 4:04:16 PM ET Guys and gals. I've been stationed there twice both returning from PACAF. I didn't want to be there either time but made the best of it. An austere assignment like this is a good thing for us enlisted folks if we want to relate to Airmen when we become SNCOs. It diversifies our set of experiences toughens us up and makes us take the good assignments less for granted. I became a better NCO because of Minot and I'm a city guy from Detroit who'd never even though of going anywhere like that. Cheers
Been there twice, Robins AFB GA
11/26/2012 10:28:59 AM ET Any assignment whether it's Hickam or Minot is what YOU make of it. If you sit in your dorm room for 3-4 years playing video games it really doesn't matter where you're assigned. Every base and local community has something to offer you just have to get off your six and go find it sometimes.
Sgt Snorkle, USA
11/26/2012 10:23:18 AM ET Realistic...your attitudepriorities are backward. An assignment should never be viewed as a reward because you are so good at your job or your level of effort was so great. If you are so good at your job and your skill set fills a need in a mission such as Minot's then that is where the USAF needs you. The assignment system is not a reward program. Rewards come in the form of medals awards Commander's coins and camaraderie with fellow airmen etc. You're right the assignment is what you make of it. Some people in the USAF are selfish enough to be miserable in the best locations. Each location and mission has its challenges. It is up to you to be a part of making an assignment like Minot a great assignment and not be a cancer and bring fellow airmen around you down. The idea of the USAF owes me because I've done such a great job or I'm the best is a bad attitude and can only serve to hurt the team. The Only The Best Come North rings true when you finally get
Former Warbird, Barksdale
11/26/2012 10:17:13 AM ET FYI. Been there. Speaking from experience.
Realistic, Remote
11/26/2012 9:19:24 AM ET Hey Realistic I think youre missing the point. Getting an assignment to Minot isnt meant to be a reward or punishment. And you shouldnt need a motto to be motivated. Once youre here your attitude is the number one thing that is going to make or break you. The majority of the people that dog on Minot are those that havent been here. And for the most part most Minot alumni will tell you it was one of their best assignments. Oh it gets cold and its far away and still not considered remote. Boo hoo. You do your job and do it well. Ill tell you from personal experience once youve been here it doesnt seem cheesy. Its a phrase that you're proud to own.
Kelly, Minot AFB
11/26/2012 9:13:30 AM ET I always thought the motto Why not Minot hmmm I must be mistaken.
Joe, Arizona
11/24/2012 11:49:37 AM ET I guess it must take firewall 5 EPRs to get that coveted Thule assignment
DC, MD
11/24/2012 10:27:59 AM ET I have known numerous SF personnel who have bust their butt at places like Minot for 5-7 years. Some of them ask to leave and end up going to places like Incirlik AB in Turkey another tough nuclear security assignment.Some of them end of getting sent right back to Minot because of so called assignment availability and needs of the AF. Many of them end of getting out because they cannot stand another tour at Minot. Is this the right thing for the AF to do I am not saying it is or it isn't but everyone should have to do their time to prevent people like the ones described above from going back to that place after doing their initial tour. Despite how the AF try to spin the assignment there it is not glamarous for everyone and has driven a lot of people to retire or seperate earlier than they wanted to.
Hawaii SF, Hawaii
11/23/2012 7:26:27 PM ET Great story about great Airmen accomplishing a great mission for our Nation. I think it's awesome our top leaders find their way to Minot to see firsthand the pride and dedication of those who are assigned there.Realistic we need great Airmen to serve at all our assignments whether that assignment location is Minot or Hurlburt Afghanistan or the Phillipines. Thanks for serving wherever you serve...and I hope you're striving to be the best Airman you can be.
Chief Bill Turner, Hurlburt Field
11/23/2012 3:59:44 PM ET A cheesy way to try to motivate a base populace - maybe. But at least there is an attempt to motivate rather than the negative nonsense that the above comment spurs. Yea Minot sucks. But the mission there is arguably the most important in the Air Force considering it is the only dual-wing nuclear deterrent base in the Air Force. We have a duty to the American people to be at Minot. And we have a duty to ourselves to motivate our being here.I'm at Minot. It sucks. But I love it. Because I know I'm the best. Period. Choice does not trump Duty in the military.
Realistic, Minot AFB
11/23/2012 2:10:17 PM ET As someone who is grew up near a remote military installation in the north I never found the area to be remote. In my opinion remote would be Afghanistan Iraq Shemya Air Force Base or Eareckson Air Station- Alaskan Aleutian Islands. And to assume that most of the folks stationed at Minot do not want to be there is wrong I knew plenty of folks as a military brat and then as a military spouse who wanted to be stationed there.
Only the best come North, Colorado
11/22/2012 11:35:21 AM ET This motto is a cheesy way to try and motivate a base populace that mostly doesnt want to be there. If I am the best at my job and Im rewarded with an assignment to Minot for my efforts then there needs to be a serious reevaluation of what constitutes a reward. I know there are good things about every assignment and every assignment is what you make of it but if I have the choice Id rather not.
