Submitted Photo Gen. Anthony Cotton, left, U.S. Strategic Command commander; U.S. Air Force Col. James Schlabach, center, 91st Missile Wing commander; and Randy Norwood, right, Omaha (Neb.) Chamber assistant vice president, pose for a photo during the Omaha Trophy ceremony at Minot Air Force Base on Wednesday. Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trust Tate.

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, presented the 2024 Omaha Trophy to the 91st Missile Wing during a ceremony at Minot Air Force Base on Wednesday.

The Omaha Trophy represents the highest civilian honor awarded to top-performing military units supporting U.S. Strategic Command’s USSTRATCOM strategic deterrence efforts.

USSTRATCOM is a global combatant command charged with deterring strategic attacks through a secure, reliable, and effective military capability — and, responding decisively if called upon.

Founded in 1971 by the Strategic Air Command Consultation Committee (SACC), the award has continued under the Strategic Command Consultation Committee (SCCC) following USSTRATCOM’s formation in 1992.

“These airmen work day in and day out with a level of grit, determination and dedication that I haven’t seen in my 26 years in the Air Force,” U.S. Air Force Col. James Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander, said.

This prestigious recognition is given for excellence in areas such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, ballistic missile submarines, strategic bombers, and global operations.

Cotton praised the honored units for their exemplary readiness, performance, and dedication to safeguarding national security.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women that represent STRATCOM and all three legs of the triad, but I have a special place for the 91st,” Cotton said.”The culmination of my career to be able to hand out my last Omaha Trophy to the 91st is pretty special.”

The Omaha Trophy remains the top civilian recognition for excellence within the nuclear enterprise.