11.09.12

Hoeven Congratulates Minot AIr Force Base For Bringing Home Top Honors At Global Strike Challenge

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today congratulated the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base for winning several honors, including the coveted Blanchard Trophy, at the third-annual Global Strike Challenge.

“Minot Air Force Base is home to some of our nation’s best airmen and we’re proud of their accomplishments at the Global Strike Challenge,” said Hoeven. “These men and women work hard to keep our nation safe and secure. They take their missions seriously and train every day to be the best, which is evidenced by the many honors they earned at this year’s Global Strike Challenge.”

The Global Strike Challenge is a competition for top security forces, maintainers and missile and bomber crews to compete to be recognized as the best in their fields. The competition took place at the Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.

Minot’s 91st Missile Wing earned the Blanchard Trophy, the nation’s top honor for an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Wing. The 91st Missile Wing also won the Spirit Bell for best representing the Air Force Global Strike Commands teamwork and esprit de corps. Additionally, they took home honors for the Best Security Forces M9 Shooter, Best Security Forces Mental and Physical Challenge, Charlie Fire Team trophy for Best Security Forces Group, Best Helicopter Tactical Crew, Best Helicopter Squadron, Best ICBM Electro Mechanical Team, and Best ICBM Munitions Team.

Minot’s 5th Bomb Wing won the Bartsch Trophy for best electronic countermeasures, Best Security Forces Tactics, Best Bomber Nuclear Load Team, Best Bomber Crew Chief Team, Best Bomber Nuclear Crew Chief Team, and Best Bomber Nuclear Munitions Maintenance Team.