A B-52H Stratofortress approaches the flightline to perform a touch-and-go landing as 2nd Bomb Wing Airmen prepare other B-52H Stratofortress bombers for takeoff during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The 2nd Bomb Wing was evaluated on its ability to accurately and efficiently perform their mission anytime and anywhere when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)
A T-38A Talon from Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., sit between two B-52H Stratofortress bombers during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. Even when the 2nd Bomb Wing participates in an exercise, the transient alert team takes care of military and commercial aircraft that need refueling, emergency repairs and attention. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)
A B-52H Stratofortress takes-off during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. Exercises are used to prepare the 2nd Bomb Wing for inspections and helps the wing maintain a state of readiness in order to complete its mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)
A B-52H Stratofortress maneuvers in the sky during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The B-52 first came off the assembly line 60 years ago in 1952, with the last model, the B-52H, being delivered to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in 1962. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)
A B-52H Stratofortress performs a touch-and-go landing during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base La., June 5. A touch-and-go landing involves the aircraft landing on the runway for a brief moment and then taking off again. The aircraft will never come to a complete stop nor will it deploy its chute when performing this maneuver. The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts training exercises to constantly refine and improve operational procedures and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)
A B-52H Stratofortress deploys its drag parachute as it lands during an exercise on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The parachute is used to slow down the aircraft as it lands. The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts training exercises to constantly refine and improve operational procedures and capabilities. Realistic training during wing exercises is critical to the wing's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to real world situations, and is a vital part of Air Force readiness. Wing Airmen train often to ensure base units are ready to fight any challenge, anywhere at anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)
by Senior Airman Kristin High
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
6/26/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Team Barksdale participated in a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise here June 3 through 12.
The exercise allowed the base to validate and improve Air Force Global Strike Command's strategic bomber potential by demonstrating the ability to successfully complete nuclear related tasks in a time constrained environment.
"This has an opportunity for the base to train like we fight, so when the flag goes up, we're ready," said Lt. Col. Melvin Green III, 2nd Bomb Wing Exercise Planning deputy director. "More importantly, we were able to demonstrate our nuclear capabilities."
A NORE is one of many training exercises the XP office develops in order to ensure the 2nd Bomb Wing is able to accomplish its mission.
These exercises are conducted not only in preparation for upcoming inspections, but also to ensure and help maintain a state of readiness throughout the wing.
"We prepare to be war-ready by providing safe and reliable munitions and support to our customers anytime...anywhere," said Master Sgt. Kelvin Samuel, 2nd Munitions Squadron systems flight chief. "During the NORE we had 45 Airmen deliver starter carts to the flightline. Additionally, we had 20 Airmen help the Navy with munitions builds."
The wing also recently wrapped up a Consolidated Unit Exercise which demonstrated its conventional capability. NOREs provide an opportunity for the wing to focus on its nuclear mission.
"Conducting an exercise at this junction allowed us to better understand or work out nuclear procedures in order to prepare for the upcoming Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection this fall," said Green.
NORIs are conducted, by regulation, every 36 months. In conjunction with that, the XP office tries to plan two major exercises for the wing per calendar year.
"If there is something the bomb wing commander feels we need to improve upon, it's up to our office to implement that exercise," said Green. "We schedule and plan it, so if there's a skill the base needs to improve upon, we'll be better prepared. In the grand scheme of things, if we fail these inspections, what we lose is confidence. Not only does our nation lose confidence in our ability to carry out our nuclear mission, but both our allies and enemies are aware and take note of our failure to carry it out. By demonstrating our ability we deter our enemies and assure our allies that we are ready and able."
According to Green, the strategic mission can be equated to muscles. Muscles need to be exercised to remain strong and able to perform any task.
"The minute Team Barksdale stops exercising is when our skills to perform are diminished leaving us in a weakened state," he said. "A capability is not a capability if it's not exercised."
