Barksdale Airmen undergo NSE

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Senior Airman William Horner, 2nd Security Forces Squadron, provides security for a B-52 Stratofortress during a nuclear surety exercise Sept. 22. The NSE is designed to ensure Barksdale's ability to execute nuclear operations in a safe, secure and reliable manner. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren)

Barksdale Airmen prepare for NORI

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Airmen from the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, weapons load crew, open the bomb bay doors to a B-52H Stratofortress before a weapons download during a nuclear operational readiness exercise Oct. 7. During a NORE Barksdale Airmen undergo scenarios in coordination with the U.S. Strategic Command directives. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brittany Y. Bateman)(RELEASED)

Bucc Smoke

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Capt. Ryan Allen, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, does a pre-flight check on a weapon during the Bucc Smoke competition Aug. 3. The 20th BS weapons and tactics, scheduling and training flights have worked closely to plan, schedule and design the tactical objectives for the competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Y. Bateman)(RELEASED)

HARM office keeps aircrew mission-ready

Airman 1st Class Jamie Walden (left) and Airman 1st Class Nicole Cofey, aviation resource managers with the 2nd Operations Support Squadron, sort through files of aircrew members in the Host Aviation Resource Management office on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 19. The HARM office makes sure all aircrew are physically qualified, keeps track of all flight record folders, logs flight times, awards ratings and badges, gives flight record reviews, publishes aeronautical orders and in/out processes all flyers and jumpers on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

Best of the best

Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, Eighth Air Force commander, presents the Linebacker Trophy for Best B-52 Operations Squadron to the 2nd Operations Support Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 16 at the first night of the score posting of the Global Strike Challenge. Continuing the tradition established in 1974, the Linebacker Trophy is named in honor of those crews who participated in the Linebacker missions over North Vietnam between May and December 1972. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexandra M. Boutte)

Barksdale Airmen earn prestigious command awards

Published March 31, 2011
By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Team Barksdale earned three prestigious awards for the year of 2010 during the 2011 Air Force Global Strike Command Commander's Conference March 24.

The 2nd Operations Support Squadron won the Maj. Charles J. Loring Jr. Award for best overall bomber operations support squadron. The 20th Bomb Squadron won the Brig. Gen. Kenneth N. Walder Award for best overall bomb squadron and the 2nd Bomb Wing won the Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Castle Award for best bomb wing.

"There were three bomber trophies and Team Barksdale won all three of them," said Col. Thomas Hesterman, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander. "This clean sweep is well-earned recognition for our awesome Airmen. It is a demonstration of their pride, professionalism and performance."

The 2 BW, 2 OSS and 20 BS won their awards for leading the way in the Air Force chief of staff's No. 1 priority of reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise by passing three major nuclear inspections and aiding Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in passing their nuclear inspection. Furthermore, 2 OSS conducted nuclear and conventional taskings in support of four combatant commands despite dramatically reduced manning. The 20 BS deployed in support of the United States Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission, where it effectively deterred regional adversaries while it bolstered global force projection.

"We have a group of outstanding Airmen who exhibit a culture of excellence every day," said Lt. Col. Reid Langdon, 2 OSS commander. "I am very grateful to serve as their commander and to know that the squadron's efforts are recognized at the higher levels. This is a great validation of all the hard work our Airmen do each and every day. The 'posse' is proud to be part of Team Barksdale and proud to serve in such a great Air Force."

"I feel honored and privileged to be part of a unit that has been recognized for a long year of hard work and dedication," said Capt. Christopher Conant, 20th Bomb Squadron executive.

This last year began with a return from an extended deployment to Guam, which was immediately followed by three months of back-to-back demanding nuclear exercises, Captain Conant explained. The 20 BS made the nuclear mission its No. 1 priority and was "flawless" in its performance.

"I feel as though this squadron has been in the unique position of a true force multiplier for AFGSC," the captain continued. "As such, the 20 BS directly reinvigorated the nuclear enterprise and supported our 2 BW mission of deterrence. So, it is an understatement to say that I feel extremely grateful and proud to be part of such a dedicated organization."

"Being the best sends a clear message to our nation's enemies about the capability of this war-fighting team. Great job Airmen of the mighty deuce," Colonel Hesterman concluded.