Whiteman to participate in Global Strike Challenge 2012

  • Published
  • By Candy Knight
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO --  A total force team from the 509th Bomb Wing is set to compete in the third annual Global Strike Challenge beginning Monday.

The challenge is the world's premier bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile and security forces competition showcasing teams from bomber and missile wings competing to be named "best-of-the best."

Last year, more than 450 competitors took part in the challenge which pits crews from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, the Reserve and Guard, in head-to-head competition.

"This is a highly visible competition," said Capt. Jon Roe, GSC team member from the 393rd Bomb Squadron. "It is a big honor to represent [Whiteman]. We are excited about the competition."

The challenge is a combination of historic bomb and missile competitions and incorporates three major events into one: the former Proud Shield bomber competition, the former Olympic Arena missile competition, and the former Giant Sword combat weapons loading competition.

Like its predecessors, the Global Strike Challenge is designed to enhance readiness, teamwork, esprit de corps, mission pride and a competitive spirit.

"The competition gives us the opportunity to excel, said Capt. Paul Rowney, GSC team member from the 13th Bomb Squadron. We have an amazing group of professionals doing amazing things, and competition breeds greatness."

In 2010, the 509th Bomb Wing won the Fairchild Trophy for best bomb wing and the Charlie Fire Trophy for best security forces. In 2011, the wing came in second place, a loss that Roe wants to avenge.

"We are going to do the best we can," Roe said. "If we make the right decisions, we should walk away with the trophy."

The bomber operations competition begins Monday. Whiteman will compete against 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., the 2nd and 7th Bomb Wings at Dyess AFB, Texas, and the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, S.D.

According to both Roe and Rowney, one key aspect to winning is remaining focused on the mission and the scenarios each team will face.

"If we remain focused on our mission and the scenarios, we'll do fine," Roe said.

The competition concludes later this year with the traditional score posting and trophy presentations at AFGSC headquarters, Barksdale AFB, La.