Bomb Wing to undergo Nuclear Surety Inspection

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Staff Sgt. Kepler Baksh and Staff Sgt. Matthew Street, 509 Civil Engineer Squadron, perform operational checks May 28 on the ADM 300 durign a training session that would be utilized inside the CCS to detect any type of radiological contamination. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Park)

Bomb Wing to undergo Nuclear Surety Inspection

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Tech. Sgt. Nathan Kidwell, 509 Civil Engineer Squadron, dress out May 28 to perform procedures for training to identify a clean area for the set up of the CCS and calling in coordinates the Mobile Emergency Operations Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Park)

Bomb Wing to undergo Nuclear Surety Inspection

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Staff Sgt. Thomas Breckel and Airman 1st Class Isaac Stein,509 Civil Engineer Squadron, perform an 8 leg radial survey during a training session May 28 to determine how far from the "accident" site contamination had traveled. The training is part of the preparation for the Nuclear Surety Inspection June 3-11. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Park)

Bomb Wing to undergo Nuclear Surety Inspection

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Staff Sgt. Jeremy Franklin and Staff Sgt. Matthew Street, 509 Civil Engineer Squadron, perform breakdown procedures May 28by monitoring the equipment of the contamination control station to ensure that the equipment was not found contaminated after operation . (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Park)

Bomb Wing to undergo Nuclear Surety Inspection

Published June 3, 2008
By Senior Airman Dilia Ayala
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The 509th Bomb Wing Nuclear Surety Inspection is set to begin June 3.

The eight-day inspection will focus on the wing's ability to manage nuclear resources while complying with all nuclear surety standards.

"This (inspection) is just another opportunity to show the world that we are the best at what we do," said Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, 509th BW commander during a commander's call June 2. "It will take every one of you. You can and you will.

The 59 Inspector General inspectors from Langley AFB, Va., will primarily inspect the flightline and Weapons Storage Area. Additionally, the IG inspectors may look at unit lockout/tagout programs. These programs have been designated a special interest item.

"Our inspection has national importance and there are a lot of people out there counting on us to show that the U.S. Air Force always handles nuclear operations in an outstanding manner," the general said. "What it comes down to is that we have the weight of the United States Air Force on our shoulders."

Previous nuclear-related inspections for the 509th include a limited Nuclear Surety Inspection in September 2007 resulting in a satisfactory rating and a Joint Nuclear Surety Inspection in December 2006 resulting in a satisfactory rating. "Satisfactory" is the highest possible rating achievable for an NSI.

Team Whiteman members are advised that some inspection scenarios may drive FPCON changes which will require a wing-wide response. All FPCON simulations will be activated and units should be familiar with their provisions as well as normal FPCON procedures.