Central ND News

Under Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Melissa Dalton visited Minot Air Force Base (AFB) this week to observe the capabilities of the bomber and missile enterprise and meet with airmen, Minot Group Command Teams, and Task Force 21 Civic Leaders. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) had invited Dalton to North Dakota during her confirmation hearing.

Minot AFB houses two major Air Force units and is unique in hosting two out of three legs of the nuclear triad: the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing. The 5th Bomb Wing operates B-52H Stratofortress aircraft, providing global strike and combat-support capabilities. The 91st Missile Wing manages Minuteman III missiles, maintaining a combat-ready nuclear force. The Air Force’s Sentinel program is modernizing the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), replacing Minuteman missiles at Minot, Malmstrom, and F.E. Warren Air Force bases.

During Dalton's visit, she and Cramer discussed Minot AFB's strategic importance and ongoing modernization efforts. "The number one priority of our national defense strategy is nuclear modernization, and Minot Air Force Base is at the heart of this effort with two of the three legs of our triad," said Cramer. "As one of its most vital programs, it is imperative the Air Force never reduces the geographical redundancy of Sentinel’s placement."

Cramer emphasized that seeing a B-52 or Minuteman missile in person underscores their significance beyond any briefing in Washington. He appreciated Dalton's commitment to visiting North Dakota to understand Minot's role in national defense.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Cramer supports the nation’s nuclear triad and advocates for GBSD modernization funding. In January, a Nunn McCurdy breach occurred when Sentinel program costs increased by more than 25% over original estimates. This requires cancellation unless certified by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) as essential to national security. In July, DOD declared that "Sentinel program remains essential to U.S. national security" and committed to restructuring it to address budgetary issues.

Cramer secured key provisions in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act: $3.7 billion for Sentinel GBSD modernization, $770 million for B-52 engine replacement and radar modernization, $228 million for MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters at Minot AFB, and $40.8 million for Nuclear Command, Control & Communication (NC3).

Dalton's visit concluded Cramer's August visits to military installations in North Dakota. Earlier activities included bringing online Space Development Agency Operations Center North at Grand Forks AFB, participating in a Grand Forks Base Retention Committee meeting, touring University of North Dakota’s National Security Corridor, announcing new Navy personnel at Grand Forks AFB, meeting with E-Space CEO Greg Wyler on workforce development initiatives with UND faculty and SDA staff, announcing educational initiatives between SDA and UND, and touring Collins Aerospace in Jamestown.