19th MUNS: Managing the munitions mission

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 590th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  An Air Force Materiel Command unit, performing a critical mission for the 509th Bomb Wing officially stood up here more than a year ago, but thanks to seamless operations, many Whiteman Airmen may not understand the squadron's impact.

The 19th Munitions Squadron, a subordinate unit of the 498th Munitions Maintenance Group here, performs assembly, inspection, and maintenance of Protection Level-1 assets to support B-2 global strike missions of Air Force and U.S. Strategic Command operational commitments, according to Major David Goode, 19th Munitions Squadron commander. The unit reports to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center at Kirtland AFB, N.M.

"Our unit mission is a critical aspect of strategic assurance and deterrence and global strike operations, and directly impacts the mission of the 509th Bomb Wing," he said. "We are in absolute sync with brethren across the wing. Our joint success in this mission is predicated on teamwork and trust."

The 19th MUNS teamwork and dedication to special trust and responsibility for the most powerful weapons in this nation's arsenal has been proven many times since the unit's stand-up in October 2009. During the 509th BW's DNSI in July, the inspecting agencies recognized the 19th MUNS for their processes and dedication to safe, secure and reliable operations.

"We embody an ethos of compliance, precision and accountability in all mission areas," Major Goode said.

The hard work of the 19th MUNS Airmen also has senior leadership singing their praises.

"The professional warriors of the 19th MUNS are highly trained, continuously evaluated and certified to provide safe, secure and reliable munitions for the 509th Bomb Wing's operational deterrent mission," Col. Paul Irwin, 498th MUMG commander said.

The 19th MUNS is made up of more than 85 military and civilian personnel in their work center.

"The staff support team and leadership's top priority is to support the men and women that directly maintain our assets, as we together support the mission of the 509th Bomb Wing," Major Goode said. "We strive to maintain a steady production pace to provide our team with predictability and stability. Like the rest of Team Whiteman, inspections and exercises increase our tempo, but we take great pride in being 'always ready' for whatever taskings come our way."

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force made it clear that leaders must communicate to weapons technicians every day that their service is valued every bit as much of those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq today, according to Maj. Goode.

"Their contribution is critical and they're writing our nation's history as we live it," he said.

In its first year of existence, the unit excelled during the 509th Bomb Wing Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection and was recognized as the best Munitions Squadron seen to date, according to Maj. Goode.

Additionally, the squadron earned the first-ever overall excellent rating in a Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection according to the Maj.

"It's been a stellar year, and a testament to the strength of our people," Major Goode said. "I can't say enough positive things about our squadron members."