MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Approximately 600 government civilians employed at Minot Air Force Base are in furlough status due to the federal government shutdown, according to Maj. Tom Barger, chief of Public Affairs at Minot AFB.

“While various base services and events are affected by furloughed civilians and the lapse in appropriations, the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing continue to carry out daily functions essential to national security and public safety,” Barger said.

“A lapse in appropriation, depending on its length, can significantly impact our readiness, modernization efforts and overall ability to maintain technological superiority,” he added.

Minot AFB is the only dual wing nuclear-capable base in the Air Force, hosting two legs of the Strategic Triad. The 5th Bomb Wing operates B-52 Stratofortresses and the 91st Missile Wing controls Minuteman III intercontinental missiles in the Minot missile field.

According to the base’s fiscal year 2024 (as of September 2024) economic impact report, the base’s personnel included 591 appropriated fund civilians; 408 non-appropriated fund contract civilians and private business employees; and 5,480 appropriated fund military members. The total personnel of 12,825 included 6,346 active-duty military dependents or family members.