Barksdale officials complete Nuclear Surety Inspection

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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) --  Officials of the 2nd Bomb Wing here completed the first no-notice Nuclear Surety Inspection in mid-November, the first inspection without prior warning conducted in more than 15 years according to Air Combat Command officials.

More than 45 experienced inspectors extensively evaluated the wing from Nov. 9 through 17 in all facets of operations, including technical operations, management and administration, security, logistics movement, safety and maintenance facilities and supply support. 

Air Force and ACC officials require the highest possible standards of individual reliability and professional competence in Airmen performing duties associated with the safety, surety and reliability of nuclear weapons and critical equipment.

"Nuclear Surety Inspections are the most demanding inspections we conduct, and conducting them on a no-notice basis ensures ACC Airmen are maintaining the highest professional standards of accountability and responsibility in the control of nuclear weapons and nuclear-related material," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynes Jr., the ACC inspector general. 

General Reynes added that the 2nd Bomb Wing's Airmen performed in a professional manner during this no-notice inspection, with proactive engaged leadership observed at all levels.

"The 2nd Bomb Wing demonstrated how seriously it takes its responsibilities to protect and safeguard weapons and on maintaining the highest standards of compliance and accountability," he said.

Nuclear Surety Inspection parameters are extensively detailed and demand the highest standards of compliance and accountability. There is no margin for error in operations within the nation's nuclear enterprise, ACC Inspector General officials said.

"This inspection highlighted our ability to be trusted stewards of incredible combat power -- it's a capability that's second to none," said Col. Robert Wheeler, the 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "Today's drill could be tomorrow's call to war. Deterrence is our business and making our enemies think twice has kept our nation safe for many decades."

Lt. Gen. Robert J. "Bob" Elder Jr., the 8th Air Force commander, said he was impressed with the professionalism of both the wing and the inspection team.

"They clearly demonstrated that nuclear operations are the top priority for every member of our B-52 Stratofortress force and Headquarters Air Combat Command, just as they are for 8th Air Force," General Elder said. "I am particularly proud of the 2nd Bomb Wing's performance on this very tough inspection as well as their daily contributions as a ready, flexible, and adaptive deterrence force for our nation."

A Nuclear Surety Inspection is designed to evaluate a unit's ability to execute nuclear operations in a safe, secure and reliable manner. The bomb wings in ACC can expect a no-notice inspection anytime during their 18-month inspection vulnerability period.

The last NSI of the 2nd BW was completed in April 2008.

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