509th, 131st Bomb Wing excel during NSI

  • Published
  • By Candy Knight
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 509th and 131st Bomb Wings recently completed a seven-day Nuclear Surety Inspection at Whiteman Air Force Base.

The NSI is a rigorous and detailed process designed to evaluate the wing's ability to perform its nuclear mission, and the wings earned a "Satisfactory" rating, the highest rating a unit can receive on an NSI.

"What's one word you can think of after hearing that report?" Brig. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, 509th Bomb Wing commander, asked the wing after the inspector general team concluded their briefing. "Wow. Just wow."

During the inspection, inspectors evaluated multiple areas, including operations, maintenance, security and support activities needed to ensure the wing's ability continue as stewards of America's nuclear power.

"On behalf of General Wilson and the entire IG team, congratulations. I have to say, as a recipient of many inspections, I have never seen such a consistent level of superior work across an entire organization," said Col. Douglas Cox, Air Force Global Strike Command inspector general.

"The performance of the men and women of the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings during this inspection truly epitomizes the Air Force core value of 'Excellence in All We Do.' The entire nuclear enterprise should be proud to look at these two organizations."

NSIs are tough to pass, as a typical inspection requires that hundreds of items meet high Air Force standards in order to receive a "Satisfactory" rating. Any items, if they are located in a critical area and do not meet standards, could result in an "Unsatisfactory" rating.

"I have never seen the level of professionalism and excellence you demonstrated without hesitation," Bussiere said. "The persistent, engaged leadership displayed at every level of both our wings was incredible to behold. You need to be very proud of these results. Senior leaders across the nuclear enterprise are going to be studying this inspection for years, looking for ways to duplicate your outstanding results."