As the USSTRATCOM commander, Correll oversees the nation’s nuclear arsenal, which comprises the land, sea and air-based nuclear capabilities collectively known as the nuclear triad.

Minot AFB is the only installation in the Department of War that hosts two legs of the nuclear triad. The 5th Bomb Wing (5BW) provides the air leg by maintaining and operating the nuclear capable B-52H Stratofortress aircraft. The 91st Missile Wing (91MW) provides the land leg with a fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).

During their visit with Team Minot, Correll and Naumann visited with leadership and airmen from both wings to see up close how Minot AFB uniquely supports both mission sets.

“The focus and effort by the airmen at Minot is absolutely impressive,” said Correll.

Submitted Photo Airman 1st Class Andrea Figueroa Meza, a 5th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, gives a presentation about pilots’ survival equipment to U.S. Navy Adm. Rich Correll, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, at Minot Air Force Base, Tuesday, Dec. 16. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum.

After taking a seat inside the B-52H Stratofortress aircraft and engaging with aircrew and airmen, Correll took time to recognize the 5th Bomb Wing Warbirds’ outstanding performance and thanked the airmen.

“Our strategic deterrence mission only happens because of you,” Correll said. “The aircraft take flight because of you. The missiles are ready and credible, because of you. Thank you and your families for your service.”

Correll and Naumann’s immersion into the Team Minot mission included in-depth briefings on the bomber alert mission, ongoing modernization projects for both wings and a firsthand look at how the 91st Missile Wing Rough Rider airmen regularly maintain and secure the Minuteman III ICBMs.

Correll received a 91st Missile Wing traditional “Bully Stick” in reference to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s adage to “speak softly and carry a big stick” and the 91st Missile Wing’s ICBM arsenal. After being immersed in the missile wing’s “Bully!” battle cry tradition, Correll took time to personally recognize Rough Rider airmen for their outstanding performance in their units.

“It is an honor to witness Team Minot’s spirit and resilience that ensure this critical mission never stops,” Naumann said.