The Air Force’s new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters from Boeing, like this one, to be assigned to Minot Air Force Base, will be housed in a new Helicopter Operations and Tactical Response Force building to be constructed at the base. This Grey Wolf helicopter made a stop at Minot AFB in November 2022, the first time any of the new helicopters had been at the Minot base. The Grey Wolf will replace the Bell UH-1N Huey helicopters currently used to protect the intercontinental ballistic missile fields at Minot AFB, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and Malmstrom AFB, Montana.

Current construction projects at Minot Air Force Base include a special vehicle maintenance facility and repairing the track and field.

Lt. Col. Scott Howe, commander of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron at the Minot base, said the first project they are looking at doing this year already has been awarded.

That project, a special vehicle maintenance facility, will have a large drive-through bay to service large mission essential vehicles, including snowplows, fire trucks and transport erectors. A $5.022 million project, the design is 100% complete and the metal building components are already on site. The estimated completion date is this fall.

Howe reported on Minot AFB construction projects during a presentation to members of the Minot Area Chamber EDC’s Military Affairs Committee meeting at the Minot base in February.

Repair of the track and field, a $4.98 million project, will include demolition of existing asphalt track and replacement with rubberized, 300-meter track in addition to infrastructure for a future air-supported dome structure. The foundation, subgrade backfill and exterior storm water piping were completed before winter exclusion. Estimated completion date of the project is this June.

Howe said they are still hoping for money to finance a bubble for the track.

Future construction projects on the docket for Minot AFB include:

The helicopter operations and tactical response force facility. An $80-140 million Military Construction (MilCon) project, it will be a nine-bay facility to house the 54th Helicopter Squadron’s new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters and 91st Security Force Group’s tactical response force.

For the flying mission, Howe said there’s a seven-phase ramp repair project with the first four phases completed. The project replaces 60-year-old original concrete.

“There’s about $100 million worth of work on the ramps and about half is done. We still need more money for that. We’re looking at keeping that on the docket to try to get some more money to replace the last phases of the ramp,” he said.

Phase five of that project is a No. 1 priority for fiscal year 2024.

Construction is also being planned for the Magic City Gate and Minot Gate (south gate).

Howe said a major focus is taking care of the airmen and families at Minot AFB.

“We do have a project we’ve got bids for and are awaiting money from our headquarters — AFCEC,” he said.

A full building renovation of Dorm 131 at the base will be an $8-12 million project. It will include new walls, new finishes and upgraded support systems plus exterior concerns will be addressed.

“This is the first of a four-set series. As this one goes through, we have three more behind it,” Howe said.

Bids for the project have been received and it is ready for award.