Submitted Photo U.S. Air Force Capt. Britton Blake, a 69th Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress pilot, explains air-launched cruise missile capabilities to Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak at Minot Air Force Base on May 5. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies.

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, R-ND, visited Minot Air Force Base, home to two of the three legs of America’s nuclear triad, on May 5 where she toured critical infrastructure, gained insight into the security protocols that keep America’s most powerful assets ready to defend the nation 24/7, and discussed the future of America’s nuclear deterrence, according to information from her office.

She also met with airmen responsible for safeguarding some of the most powerful assets in the U.S. defense arsenal.

“This visit was a chance to hear directly from those serving at one of the most strategically important bases in the country. Their motto, ‘Only the Best Come North,’ accurately reflects what we have here in Minot,” Fedorchak said.

At the 5th Bomb Wing headquarters, Fedorchak received a combined mission briefing from Col. Jesse Lamarand, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing’s B-52 bombers, and Col. James Schlabach, commander of the 91st Missile Wing’s Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, on what it takes to keep America safe.

Fedorchak heard about the challenges these airmen face, from maintaining Cold War-era facilities to upgrading with next-generation technologies.

The 91st Missile Wing, responsible for more than 150 Minuteman III ICBMs spread across an 8,500-square-mile missile complex, represents the land-based component of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

Fedorchak discussed the ongoing modernization of the base’s infrastructure, including the upcoming Sentinel program, which will extend the viability of the existing ICBM fleet well into the 21st century.

During a tour of the base, Fedorchak saw some of the infrastructure challenges the base faces, from aging Cold War-era facilities to the need for updated barriers and expanded missile support infrastructure for the Sentinel missile system. They also discussed the importance of supporting airmen who manage the largest active nuclear stockpile in the country, including eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that delay access to health care.

Fedorchak also got an up-close look at a B-52 bomber and concluded her tour with the Security Forces Group, where she toured a Minuteman III ICBM silo.

While at the base she also learned about “Operation Home for the Holidays,” a fundraising initiative that helps airmen cover the cost of their travel during the holiday season.

Submitted Photo
U.S. Air Force Col. James Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander, explains capabilities of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak at Minot Air Force Base on May 5. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies.