Submitted photo: U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing (BW) commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Sharp, 5th BW command chief, right, host their first 5th BW All-Call at Minot Air Force Base July 30. During the All-Call, team members introduced themselves, explained their leadership philosophies and their goals for their time at Minot AFB. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa Bankston.
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Sharp, 5th BW command chief, held their first all-calls as the new 5th BW command team here July 30 and 31.
The team took the opportunity to introduce themselves, their families and their leadership philosophies to the Warbirds of the 5th BW.
“We don’t want to be strangers,” said Lamarand. “We’ll be out and about, so come by and talk to us if you see us. We love to hear from you and we 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 the 2nd Operations Group at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. His 24-year military career shaped his unique leadership philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and teamwork.
“How do we overcome the challenges that lie ahead? Teamwork, demanding, realistic training and disciplined execution lead to lethal combat readiness,” explained Lamarand. “Fortitudine vincimus. ‘By perseverance we win.’ The first line of defense is the disciplined and committed teams you build at work and the friends and families who support each other at home. Take care of each other so we can all accomplish our mission.”
Sharp served as command chief of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB in Florida before assuming responsibilities as command chief of the 5th Fighter Wing. Having previously served in various capacities at Minot AFB from 2017 to 2020, he was aware of the unique challenges faced by pilots stationed here and echoed Lamarand’s sentiments.
“J-BAG-P”, Said Sharp. “It stands for ‘Just be a good person.’ I came back here because I care about the soldiers at Minot AFB. I know it can be hard working here on this base, but you give it your all every day and I wanted to be a part of it again.”
Lamarand explained that mission success requires a strong foundation of operational discipline, dignity and respect both at work and at home.
“Our goal is to train combat-ready pilots. Not just flight personnel, but pilots of all kinds,” said Lamarand. “We do this by creating a family of team members who are successful at work and at home. Make sure you listen, talk to the person to your left and right, and care about each other.”
In closing, the command emphasized the importance of the 5th Air Wing’s mission and encouraged Soldiers to look out for one another so they are better prepared for the unique stresses that come with deploying to Minot Air Force Base.
“Our task here is to win without fighting, and we do that by building a credible, effective deterrent,” said Lamarand. “We are the Department of Defense’s most strategic and important base. The success of a mission in Minot impacts the entire world. That’s the stress and pressure that’s on you, and your teammates will help you achieve that.”
