Task Force 21, Minot’s base retention and new mission committee, will host its ninth annual symposium on the nuclear triad today.

Typically, the symposium has been held in Washington, D.C., but this year’s event will be virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Minot Area Chamber of Commerce information.

“This is a great opportunity for our community – home to two legs of the triad – to stay engaged in the national debate concerning the need for the recapitalization of all three legs of the triad,” said Mark Jantzer, chairman of Task Force 21.

Minot Air Force Base has two legs of the nuclear triad – B-52 bombers and Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. The third leg is the Navy’s ballistic missile submarines.

“Seeking and Securing National Consensus on Nuclear Deterrence and Modernization” is the topic of the symposium. Past and present leaders of America’s nuclear forces, and prominent and non-government experts will be the presenters.

The speakers and panelists include Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer; Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Barbara Barrett, secretary of the Air Force; along with a number of other experts in their fields.