Hoeven and Maj. Gen. Colin Connor, director of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) modernization, said that while adjustments had been made to the Nunn-McCurdy plan to deviate from the previous sequential plan somewhat, Minot AFB will still have to wait its turn as the ball gets rolling at another base which has more urgent infrastructural needs.

Hoeven spoke positively on a recent meeting with Gen. Dale White, the head of the Air Force’s Sentinel ICBM program in Washington, D.C., where they discussed strategies for accelerating the development of Sentinel. These discussions included a commitment from White to visit Minot AFB to see firsthand the existing missions and further review the ICBM program.

“The Minot Air Force Base is not only the sole dual-nuclear base in the country, but as we advance our nuclear modernization efforts, it will grow as an economic driver for the region, building on the base’s nearly $1 billion in current economic impact,” said Hoeven. “On top of this, we continue to provide the resources needed to keep projects like Sentinel on track. I appreciate Major General Connor for joining today’s discussion and working with us to accelerate this critical initiative, and I look forward to hosting General White in Minot to keep making progress on this effort.”

Connor, commander of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB from June 2016-August 2018, said the involvement of Task Force 21 and state legislators were critical to the success of the project. Connor said his hope was Minot to serve as a benchmark for other communities given the city’s experience from the rapid expansion during the oil boom, and its historic commitment to the base.

CHARLES CRANE/MDN Task Force 21 members Jarid Lundeen, Brekka Kramer and Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer reacting during discussion around the Minot community's future role in supporting the Sentinel transition in the near future.

“The voice of the Air Force can only go so far. They were elected for a reason, and we need to help them do that,” Connor said.

Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer, who is on the Task Force 21 working group, said it wasn’t lost on anyone that is in a position to assist the Air Force as the project rolls out, and that the community’s spirit is, “to be as helpful and support as we can.” Jantzer said, in his opinion, the transition to the Sentinel program would prove to be as historic and significant to the community as when the base was originally completed in 1957.

Hoeven also touted the more than $1 billion ear marked for the development and procurement of upgrades to the B-52 fleet, and nearly $800 million for the development and procurement for the Long Range Stand Off nuclear cruise missile.

One critical update Hoeven hoped would be completed by November was the construction of Minot AFB’s new $140 million helicopter facility, which will be in time to house future fleet of 11 MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters. Hoeven said to expect four of the new helicopters to be delivered to the base starting in 2027. Connor said the Grey Wolf was already being used at Malmstrom AFB in Montana, calling it a remarkable aircraft and, “quite an upgrade.”