Capt. David Casanova, B-52H Stratofortress weapons

Capt. David Casanova, B-52H Stratofortress weapons system officer assigned to the 69th Bomb Squadron, and his team run out of the Alert Shack on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, ND, Oct. 19, 2020. During Prairie Vigilance, Casanova works on the Alert Parking Area near the Alert Shack. He is on stand-by and ready to respond at a moment's notice. Casanova and his team are always ready to strike. His experience over the years has helped him prepare and know what to expect, making him always equipped to handle the mission. Casanova has several roles, the most notable being the weapons systems operator, and recently, he helped with a project he calls the “Group Integration Task Force”. He is organizing this task force to show every Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing how every single task they do ultimately helps the B-52 accomplish its mission. From maintainers to security forces or finance to chefs; every single Airman has a role in helping us, says Casanova. “We’ve all been working hard. The aircrew I work with really set the tone for being prepared, but we also enjoy our time together.” Casanova says he is excited to look back at all the hard work Team Minot has put in to accomplish the Prairie Vigilance exercise. His favorite part of the exercise and working in the Alert Shack is the adrenaline rush he gets when the call comes in that it’s time to go to work. He may wait in his room for hours on end waiting for the alarm, but once it sounds, he is ready to respond. Casanova is proud of the Airmen who come together to make this mission happen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jesse Jenny)