SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The Utah Air National Guard completed an intensive Nuclear Operations Readiness Exercise Nov. 1-3.
The exercise engaged the 151st Wing in around-the-clock operations, preparing members to execute their nuclear mission immediately. This annual exercise reflects UTANG’s role in the broader nuclear operations strategy, ensuring readiness in an increasingly complex global environment.
The nuclear mission is the Air Force’s top priority, making exercises like NORE crucial for ensuring that every Airman’s skills remain sharp and ready for this no-fail mission.
These readiness drills reaffirm the UTANG’s ability to support U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. nuclear deterrence operations.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, a primary UTANG asset, provides the essential refueling support that strategic bombers require to execute the nuclear deterrence mission as part of the U.S. nuclear triad.
“The scenarios we faced were as close to real-world threats as we could make them, and every Airman brought their best to each challenge,” said Col. Doug Foster, 151st Wing commander. “Exercises like the NORE are essential to ensuring we’re not just ready for today’s threats but prepared for the unpredictability of tomorrow.”
This year’s NORE scenario was structured to immerse Airmen in “deploy to fight” and “fight in place” operations. The exercise presented a realistic scenario where Airmen might need to respond to an attack on home soil. This scenario underscored the essential readiness UTANG Airmen must maintain, reminding them that adversaries could target forward-deployed forces and the homeland itself.
“Every Airman plays an essential part in this mission, whether directly supporting the aircraft or maintaining the systems and structures that keep us operational,“ said Lt. Col. Nathan Jones, 151st Wing inspector general. “This mission ensures the U.S. can project its deterrent power, wherever and whenever needed.”
The exercise incorporated advanced threats, such as drones, allowing the UTANG to test systems and skills against evolving forms of warfare. From base defense protocols to command and control operations, every aspect of the exercise reinforced the UTANG’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to unconventional threats.
“Our adversaries are constantly evolving, but the men and women of the 151st Wing are trained and ready to respond to any threat,” said Foster. “This exercise pushed us to examine every detail, revealing both our strengths and areas for improvement. We’ve gained invaluable insights that will guide our future training, turning unknowns into knowns, and we’re already documenting lessons learned to refine our protocols and enhance readiness.”
With only three active-duty tanker wings in the continental United States, the 151st Wing plays a crucial nuclear deterrence role, ensuring that bombers have the fuel to reach their targets.
While aircrews and maintainers visibly perform the mission, Foster stressed that every Airman contributes directly to its success, from logistics to admin.
“It’s not about proximity to the cockpit,” Foster said. “Everyone’s role matters and each Airman is an essential component in this mission. Their work ensures that the mission doesn’t just happen but happens effectively.”
The NORE enabled the UTANG to test the newly implemented Deployed Combat Wing and Air Base Wing concepts. The exercise involved collaboration with the Salt Lake City International Airport, which observed UTANG’s Emergency Operations Center procedures.
“Our Airmen have proven, at the Air Force level, what we are prepared for and what we need moving forward,“ Foster said. “Every hand on deck made this exercise possible, proving once again that we are the hardest workers in the room. And as I always say — it’s not a competition, but we’re winning.”