MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Bomb Wing conducted a base-wide readiness exercise, or Warbird Week, from May 1-8, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.
Warbird Week is a routine base-wide readiness exercise designed to test 5th BW Airmen’s abilities to operate in a variety of scenarios. As part of the exercise, various circumstances and conditions were simulated across the base to measure overall performance and response.
“The intent of exercises like Warbird Week is to reinforce training that Airmen already have,” said Nick Hoff, 5th Bomb Wing exercise program specialist. “The scenarios played out this week validate what Minot Airmen are capable of and what areas could be improved upon for future exercises or potential real-life situations, while maintaining readiness.”
Warbird Week provided multiple realistic training opportunities for 5th BW Airmen and gave them first-hand experience in overcoming challenging situations. These situations included an active-shooter, medical response, and other potential real-world scenarios testing unit response.
“Enhancing overall preparedness of 5th Bomb Wing Airmen is the ultimate goal here. The most important asset we have is our people and preparing Airmen on the ‘how’ in responding to certain situations helps proactively protect our most important asset,” said Hoff.
These exercises play a crucial role in the 5th BW’s ability to maintain the readiness and proficiency required to overcome any challenge. Preparation is key when navigating any challenging situation, and that’s exactly what Warbird Week provides.