Submitted Photo Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, 20th Air Force commander, front center, and Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Taylor, 20th Air Force command chief, front and fourth from left, meet with company grade officers at Minot Air Force Base March 23. The visit underscored the importance of leadership engagement at every level and reinforced the connection between higher headquarters and airmen executing the mission on the ground. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anthony Ramey.

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, commander of 20th Air Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Taylor, Command Chief Master Sergeant of 20th Air Force, recently visited the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base to meet with airmen and discuss the mission.

20th Air Force is headquartered at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and is responsible for operating, maintaining, securing and supporting the Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) weapon systems. Maintaining the United States’ land based nuclear deterrent is critical to ensuring the nuclear triad remains operational and ready 24/7/365.

During their visit, the command team engaged directly with airmen across the wing, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the force at every level. Through this tour they observed how teams across maintenance, operations and security forces contribute to the round-the-clock mission.

Huser and Taylor met with missileers, defenders, maintainers and support personnel to hear firsthand about their experiences, challenges and perspectives on the mission. Airmen shared insights into the realities of operating in a demanding and highly specialized environment, from long hours in the missile field to maintaining critical systems in North Dakota’s extreme weather conditions.

“The operations of the 91st Missile Wing are critical to the mission of strategic and global deterrence,” said Huser. “At the end of the day, deterrence depends on people, and our airmen at Minot are delivering every single day.”

The visit provided an opportunity for Huser and Taylor to see how the 91st Missile Wing sustains a state of readiness while operating and maintaining the Minuteman III ICBM weapon system. Airmen demonstrated the processes and coordination required to ensure the system remains safe, secure and effective as it continues to serve as a cornerstone for the nation’s strategic deterrence.

“The work happening here is critical to our nation’s defense,” said Taylor. “The airmen executing this mission are doing so with a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.”