NSI: Stay focused—it’s game time

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert Wheeler
  • 2d Bomb Wing Commander
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Every day we perform critical tasks to ensure we're prepared to provide responsive, flexible and accurate bomber combat power. In two short weeks the Nuclear Surety Inspection will test a potion of our mettle.

With several nuclear surety exercises--and a few more to come--the wing plans and programs office has challenged us. We've focused on sharpening our skills in a high-pressure environment. We have graded ourselves and will continue to improve as we get closer to the inspection. But it doesn't stop there.

We're not the only unit being inspected during this busy time. Across base Col. Ed Walker and the 917th Wing are preparing for their operational readiness inspection. We've worked together to ensure Barksdale is setting the standard for other units to follow and that relationship is critical to Barksdale's future.

I ask a lot of you daily and this is no exception. This inspection highlights our ability to be trusted stewards of incredible combat power. The capability and deterrence effect of our razor edge focus is second to none. The NSI is a zero-defect environment that demands not only attention to every detail but perfection. Failures have international implications to our credibility and capability as a nation. To put it in perspective, if you fail a conventional operational readiness inspection the four star commander of ACC gets notified. If you fail an NSI the President get notified. Something to think about.

The focus is on operations, maintenance, security forces, munitions, medical and mission support but everyone has a part in the NSI. We'll be tested in many areas including technical operations, security, supply support, logistics, explosive ordinance disposal, nuclear control order procedures, and management and administration.

As you stay focused, an important thing to remember, in preparing for this demanding event, is today's drill could be tomorrow's call to war. Deterrence is our business and showcasing Barksdale's capabilities makes our enemies think twice and it has kept our nation safe for many decades

The 2d Bomb Wing stands ready to deliver combat capability in defense of our nation. We're first in peace, in war and to victory. We've spent a long time preparing for this inspection and now's the time to keep the Mighty Deuce "Second to None!"