CSAF, CMSAF agree with Minot's motto..."Only the Best Come North"

by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs Office

11/21/2012 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) – Warbirds and Rough Riders at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., reaffirmed why “Only the Best Come North,” during a visit by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy here Nov. 20 and 21.

As part of Welsh’s first visit as chief of staff to the Air Force’s only dual-nuclear capable base, Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing showcased their dedication to strategic deterrence by providing the leaders a first-hand look at their mission.

After visiting several units and work centers on base, the passion and pride exhibited by Team Minot’s Airmen was evident to the Air Force’s top leaders.

“What I love about this place is the pride I see in you all, from security forces members to maintainers,” Welsh said during an Airman’s Call.

The story of Minot’s Airmen is one the chief of staff wants the whole world to know about. While the bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile forces quietly and successfully do their job, he said they need to be recognized for having a 100 percent success rate since their initiation.

One of the main objectives of his visit here was to personally learn the story of Minot’s Airmen and how they continually give their all for the strategic mission, even in the harshest of weather conditions and unforeseen hardships like last year’s historic Souris River Flood, which displaced approximately 1,200 Minot Airmen and their families.

He recognized many are far from home and may not be accustomed to the North Dakota prairies, but because of their sacrifices, there has not been a stronger mission focus for the Air Force.

The nuclear enterprise is the Air Force’s number one priority and, “we are not going to lose focus of that,” stated Welsh.

While the mission is extremely important, both leaders stressed it is the individual Airman who makes the mission a success.

“We continue to develop Airmen,” the chief said. “We focus on their education, their training and ensure they gain the experience needed to complete their job.”

Welsh maintained that through innovative ideas and accomplishments of past Airmen, the Air Force continues to be the best in the world and that is the key to the Air Force’s future.

“There is no comparison,” said Welsh. “We adjust and change but we will continue to be the best Air Force.”

During their address to Team Minot Airmen, both Welsh and Roy focused on key issues facing the Air Force and made it clear Airmen should look out for one another as brother and sister because that is one of the most important factors that can positively impact a work environment and make for a safer, more successful and resilient force.

With it being Thanksgiving Eve, Welsh and Roy thanked Team Minot Airmen and their families for the sacrifices they endure, and congratulated Minot on their recent victories at this year’s third annual Global Strike Challenge.

“Your motto holds true,” said Roy. “You are it, you are the best.”

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