Nearly 200 attendees were given the opportunity to engage in tactical dialogue that will prove critical for innovation, not only in the Minot area but the country as a whole, according to a news release from MACEDC.

Carrying the theme “Sustaining Strategic Deterrence: Modernizing the Nuclear Triad for a Changing World,” the symposium, held Friday, Sept. 26, brought together senior military leaders, members of Congress, national security experts and defense industry executives with Minot civic leaders. The discussion underscored an urgent truth: America’s nuclear triad must be modernized without delay, and communities like Minot are indispensable partners in that mission, according to MACEDC.

“Task Force 21 exists for a singular purpose — to inform, educate and advocate for the men and women who carry out the nation’s most consequential mission,” said Pete Hankla, chair of Task Force 21. “By convening leaders here in Washington, we ensure Minot’s perspective is heard where decisions are made and policies are shaped.”

As the only U.S. community that hosts two legs of the nuclear triad — intercontinental ballistic missiles and strategic bombers — Minot provides a unique and essential voice in conversations about deterrence. Task Force 21, a volunteer-led committee of the MACEDC, works year-round to connect community leaders, industry and policymakers to sustain the strength of the nation’s strategic forces, according to the news release.

Submitted Photo Lt. Gen. Michael Lutton, deputy commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and deputy commander of Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., was a speaker at the 14th Annual Nuclear Triad Symposium held Friday, Sept. 26, in Washington, D.C. Lutton is a former commander of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base.

Brekka Kramer, president-CEO of MACEDC, said strategic deterrence is not just a military issue but a national one.

“North Dakota is proud to shoulder this responsibility, but we do not do it alone. It takes partnerships between military personnel, families, communities, industry, and the Department of War to sustain a deterrent posture that keeps America safe,” she said.

This year’s symposium featured perspectives from Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe, U.S. Navy; Lt. Gen. Andy Gebara, U.S. Air Force; Lt. Gen. Michael Lutton, Air Force Global Strike Command; along with members of North Dakota’s congressional delegation and other national defense leaders. Their collective message was clear: modernization is not optional. It is essential for the credibility of U.S. deterrence in a rapidly evolving global environment, according to the news release.

Lutton emphasized the importance of collaboration and underscored the role of community support in sustaining readiness.

“You are the decisive difference for our airmen and their families and for their mission,” he said.