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Exceptional work for bomb wing on award

Hoeven

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – For the fifth time, men and women of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base have been named the recipient of the Omaha Trophy as the best strategic bomber wing in U.S. Strategic Command. The award is for 2016.

“The men and women who carry out the missions at Minot Air Force Base play a critical role in maintaining our national security and supporting our communities,” said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, congratulating the wing for its newest award.

“Being recognized as the best strategic bomber wing reinforces what I’ve long said – that North Dakota’s servicemembers are among the best in the world. The brave and selfless airmen and civilian employees at Minot Air Force Base dedicate their lives to the mission while often sacrificing time with their families and loved ones. We are indebted to their service and commitment and I’ll continue to make sure we give them the resources and support they need to serve our country,” Heitkamp said.

The Omaha Trophy, created in 1971, is awarded to U.S. Strategic Command’s top performing wings in five categories: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; Ballistic Missile Submarine, Strategic Bomber, Strategic Aircraft and Global Operations.

“As part of the nuclear triad, the 5th Bomb Wing plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe,” said Sen. John Hoeven. “This Omaha Trophy is a testament to the excellent work done by the men and women of the 5th Bomb Wing. We need to do our part in supporting them by ensuring they have the tools they need to continue to execute their mission at the highest level, which is why we are working to modernize and upgrade the B-52 and the weapons it carries.”

Hoeven

“Congratulations to the 5th Bomb Wing at the Minot Air Force Base,” said Congressman Kevin Cramer.

“Their unwavering commitment to fly, fight, and win as ‘Guardians of the Upper Realm’ makes North Dakotans and U.S. citizens proud. I am honored to advocate for the resources necessary to maintain and enhance Minot’s crucial role in keeping our nation safe,” Cramer said.

The Minot bomb wing also won the Omaha Trophy in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014.

The 5th Bomb Wing operates the B-52H Stratofortress to provide global strike and combat-support capabilities to geographic commanders. To perform its mission, and to support the mission of the 91st Missile Wing, four groups are assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing: the 5th Operations Group, 5th Mission Support Group, 5th Maintenance Group and 5th Medical Group, according to Minot AFB information. Col. Matthew Brooks is commander and Col. David Ballew, vice commander, of the Minot bomb wing.

Selections for the Omaha Trophy are based on formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety and factors such as community involvement and humanitarian actions.

Cramer

Other organizations receiving the 2016 Omaha Trophy are:

– ICBM: 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

– Ballistic Missile Submarine: USS Alaska, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga.

– Strategic Aircraft: 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild AFB, Wash.

– Global Operations: 21st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, Colo.

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