F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Leadership from the 319th Missile Squadron traversed the missile complex during the squadrons week long code change, providing food and conversation to the Airmen tackling that critical mission.
Every year the 90th Operations Group’s squadrons perform a cleansing of sensitive components to maintain a high level of security and prevent any assets from reaching Americas adversaries. During this time Warren Airmen push their capabilities while safely, securely and effectively accomplishing that task.
“These cookouts are a means to boost morale,” said Master Sgt. Ricky Smith, 319th MS facility management NCO in charge. “We have an abundance of maintenance and security forces out here for an entire week and morale can get down.”
Including Smith, most if not all leadership in the squadron have been on the receiving end of code change cookouts going back to the beginning of a majority of their careers.
“This has been going on for as long as I can remember, even back when I was on crew at [Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota] in the late 90s and early 2000s,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy Olson, 319th MS commander.
From then to now this tradition has been going strong for years giving hundreds of personnel the opportunity to connect and bond between career field and rank.
“This was fantastic and the burgers were amazing,” said Senior Airman Logan Hershberger, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron Electrical Maintenance Team technician. “I planned on heading straight to my room after getting back, but instead of secluding myself they were here to cook for us, play some games and talk. This was a good way to spend a Wednesday.”
Security forces, maintenance, chefs and missile crew Airmen were given an opportunity to bond over home cooked meals and make connections across various career fields furthering the camaraderie of the Warren family.
“I like coming out and being able to chat with the folks who have been working their tails off all week,” Olson said. “Code change is one of those times that always amazes me to see the dedication of all of our Airmen. It’s really motivating to see.”