Members of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., performed extremely well in their latest nuclear surety inspection, receiving the highest rating of “satisfactory” from Air Force Global Strike Command inspectors. “We were proud to show the assessment team our ability to provide safe, secure, and effective global strike and nuclear deterrence forces,” said Col. Doug Cox, 5th BW commander, in a statement provided to the Daily Report. From Aug. 11-20, the team of inspectors assessed the B-52 bomber unit’s ability to execute its nuclear mission. NSIs are extremely detailed and demand the highest standards of compliance and accountability. Cox said this rigorous inspection process is “part of the culture that recognizes the special trust and responsibility we have for the most powerful weapons in our nation’s arsenal. It remains a step-by-step, methodical process through which we continue to strengthen the nuclear enterprise.”
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.