509 BW exceeds the standard for nuclear surety

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Matthew Miller
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affair
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo,. --  
"Outstanding." "Excellent." "Best seen to date." "Exceptional." "Superb." 

Those statements are normally heard in the newspaper's entertainment section describing the latest box office thriller. Wednesday, these were the same words used over and over by the Air Combat Command Inspector General Wednesday to describe the 509th Bomb Wing's performance during the latest Nuclear Surety Inspection June 3 - 11. 

"The military importance and political sensitivity of operations with nuclear weapons dictate that all the units and personnel maintain the highest possible standards of performance," Col. Michael Rollison, ACC IG, said during the out brief. "Nuclear surety inspections are an intense and demanding event with no room for error. 

An NSI is designed to evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations and takes place every 18 months. Areas evaluated on the NSI included technical operations, management and administration, security, logistics movement, safety, storage and maintenance facilities and supply support. 

"During this NSI you delivered a very impressive performance," Colonel Rollison added. "Your unit's professionalism, discipline and attitude about nuclear surety, nuclear operations and the nuclear mission was exceptional throughout the wing. Congratulations!" 

The inspection looked at 14 key areas and graded the wing's ability to be caretakers of an unrivaled combat power. Of these graded areas, 13 of 14 were either excellent or outstanding. Thirty-four teams and 73 Airmen were recognized as superior performers and seven individuals received the coveted IG coin, the most Colonel Rollison has ever given out during an inspection. 

"It is important to note that these inspections are extremely detailed and demand the highest standards of performance," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynes, the ACC Inspector General. For example, even something such as improper tire pressure on one of the transport vehicles could result in an overall unsatisfactory grade, ACC inspectors said.
"Regardless, there is no room for error in dealing with the nuclear enterprise of the United States Air Force," said General Reynes. "We must meet the highest standards of safety, security and effectiveness. Anything less than full compliance is unacceptable."