Washington, D.C. Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Congressman Earl Pomeroy announced today that the Air Force will establish a unit at Minot AFB to oversee the maintenance and sustainment of nuclear weapons at all of the nation's Minuteman ICBM bases.

This will bring a new nuclear mission to Minot.

"Minot supports both bombers and a missile wing. It makes great sense for Minot to host the group that would oversee the upkeep of many of our nation's nuclear weapons," the delegation said. "This is a reflection of the great work that Minot has done to be one of the best-equipped and best-trained bases in the country."

The decision by Air Force Secretary Michael Donley comes after the members of the North Dakota delegation urged Air Force leaders to locate the new Munitions Maintenance Group at Minot.

Minot was one of five potential bases surveyed by the Air Force for the location of the headquarters of the 778th Munitions Maintenance Group. The unit will be officially established this summer and will assume command of munitions squadrons at Vandeburg Air Force Base, CA; F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY; Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT; and Minot Air Force Base.

"This is great news for Minot. Yet another mission means the future is looking very bright for Minot Air Force Base and the community," the delegation said.