Rear Adm. William W. “Trey” Wheeler III, chief of staff of U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt AFB, Neb., and Rita Sanders of the Strategic Command Consultation Committee, were at the base to make the presentation.

In a joint statement Wheeler and Sanders said it was their “distinct privilege” to come to Minot to present “not just one Omaha Trophy, but two trophies to two of the best units in our armed forces.”

The Omaha Trophy for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Category was awarded to the 91st Missile Wing and the Omaha Trophy for Strategic Bomber Category was awarded to the 5th Bomb Wing.

“Both of these units have proven themselves to be the very best our nation has to offer. Since the inception of USSSTRATCOM in 1992, these two units have been awarded 13 Omaha Trophies between them.

Submitted Photo Rear Adm. William “Trey” Wheeler III, chief of staff of U.S. Strategic Command, speaks at Minot Air Force Base on Tuesday. He was at the base for the presentation of prestigious Omaha Trophies to both wings. Photo by Airman 1st Class Jesse Jenny.

“The Omaha Trophy is the most prestigious award given by a civilian community to our military. Each of these units protect our nation in silence. They aren’t looking for accolades and pats on the back, but sometimes we need them to know that we greatly appreciate the sacrifices they endure to ensure our families are safe.

“It isn’t easy to be that line in the sand when it comes to strategic deterrence, but it is men and women just like those of the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing that accomplish these missions each and every day. It takes 150,000 men and women to provide strategic deterrence and if that were to ever fail, it will be these airmen that delivers a decisive response because they are the best equipped, resilient and trained combat-ready force in our nation’s military today.

“In the past year they have proven that they are the best of the best. They have set the standard through their hard work and dedication. They have every reason to be proud.”

Minot AFB is the only dual wing nuclear-capable base in the Department of Defense. The bomb wing has B-52 bombers and the missile wing operates, maintains and secures Minuteman III ICBMs in the Minot missile field.