The 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., received a satisfactory—a passing rating—during a recent nuclear operational readiness inspection. An inspector general team from Air Force Global Strike Command visited the North Dakota base from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12 to evaluate the wing, reported the Minot Daily News. “The IG team evaluated numerous scenarios, special interest items, and conducted a formal critique across the 5th Bomb Wing,” Capt. Genieve David, a Minot spokeswoman, told the newspaper. Back in August, the 5th BW received a satisfactory rating—the highest possible mark—in a nuclear surety inspection, which gauged the wing’s ability to execute its nuclear mission. Minot’s 91st Missile Wing also excelled in its NSI in September.
The design of the launch facilities for the Air Force’s new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile are likely to undergo major revision, posing yet another challenge for the much-delayed and over-budget program to modernize the land-based component of America’s nuclear triad, officials said.