Warbirds Meet New Leaders | News, Sports, Jobs

Submitted photo U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing (BW) commander, left, and Master Sgt. 5th BW Command Chief Wayne Sharp, right, hosts the 5th BW’s inaugural roll call at Minot Air Force Base, July 30. . US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa Bankston.

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander and Chief Sgt. Wayne Sharp, 5th BW command chief, hosted their first calls as the new 5th BW command team here July 30-31.

The team took this opportunity to introduce themselves, their families and their leadership philosophies to the Warbirds of the 5th BW.

“We don’t want to be strangers” Lamarand said. “We’ll be outside, so when you see us, come talk to us. We love hearing from you and want to hear your stories because you are our “why.” You, each other, our families, that’s why we do this.”

Prior to assuming command of the 5th BW, Lamarand served as commander of Operations Group 2 at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. His 24-year military career shaped his unique leadership philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal connection and teamwork.

“How do we overcome the challenges that will come our way? Teamwork, challenging realistic training and disciplined execution lead to readiness for lethal combat missions.” Lamarand explained. “Fortitude we win. “By resisting, we conquer.” The first line of defense is those disciplined and dedicated teams you form at the workstation and friends and families who support each other at home. Take care of each other so we can all get through the mission.”

Sharp served as commander of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB, Fla., before assuming responsibilities as commander of the 5th BW. Having previously served at Minot AFB in various roles from 2017-2020, he recognized the unique challenges facing Airmen stationed here and echoed Lamarand’s sentiments.

“J-BAG-P”, Sharp said. “It means ‘just be a good person.’ I came back here because I care about the Airmen at Minot AFB. I know this can be a tough base to work with, but you kill it every day and I wanted to be a part of it again.”

Lamarand explained that a strong foundation of operational discipline, dignity and respect is necessary for mission success, both at work and at home.

“Our goal here is to build airmen ready for combat missions. Not just the aircrews, but the airmen from every point of view,” Lamarand said. “We do this by establishing a family of teammates who are successful at work and at home. Make sure you listen, talk to the person on your left and right, and look out for each other.”

The command team concluded by recognizing the seriousness of the 5th BW’s mission and encouraging Airmen to take care of each other so they are better equipped to handle the unique stressors associated with a mission at Minot AFB.

“Our job here is to win without fighting, and we do that by establishing a credible and capable deterrent,” Lamarand said. “We are DoD’s most strategic and important base; the success of the Minot mission affects the world. That’s the stress and the pressure that’s on you and it’s your teammates that will help you achieve that.”