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Task Force 21, a military support and advocacy initiative of the Minot Area Chamber EDC, will return to the Washington, D.C., area this September to host the 15th Annual Task Force 21 Nuclear Triad Symposium.
According to MACEDC information, the event will bring together senior military leaders, policymakers and national security experts for a day of strategic discussions on the state of nuclear deterrence in 2026 and the critical role Minot Air Force Base plays in securing the nation.
The symposium will be held on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.
The theme of this year's symposium is Advancing Strategic Deterrence: The Nuclear Triad in a New Era.
Distinguished presenters will include:
- Gen. Dale White, director, Critical Major Weapon Systems
- Lt. Gen. Mike Lutton, deputy commander, U.S. Strategic Command
- Vice Adm. Douglas Williams, director, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs
- Lt. Gen. Jason Armagost, deputy commander, Air Force Global Strike Command
- Lt. Gen. Brandon Parker, deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration
- U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND
- U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND
- U.S. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, R-ND
- Deputy Administrator Scott Pappano, National Nuclear Security Administration
- Dr. Matthew Kroenig, Atlantic Council
As the Department of War prepares for major modernization projects, including the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system and upgrades to the B-52 Stratofortress fleet, the symposium will give attendees a comprehensive look at the current state and the future of the nuclear triad while highlighting Minot's critical role in national defense.
"Strategic deterrence is evolving, and the decisions being made today will have implications for decades to come," Pete Hankla, chair of Task Force 21, said. "Creating an opportunity for senior leaders and experts to come together for these conversations is an important part of Task Force 21's mission. It also allows us to reinforce Minot's essential role in the nation's nuclear deterrent -- and our community's commitment to its long-term success."
Task Force 21 was founded in the late 1990s following the work of Task Force 96, which helped ensure Minot AFB retained both of its wings during the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure process. Today, the volunteer-led group continues that legacy through education, advocacy and strategic engagement with the local community, North Dakota officials, members of Congress, and the public on national security issues -- particularly those that affect Minot AFB, the U.S. Air Force and America's nuclear deterrent.
"Minot is the bedrock of our nation's nuclear deterrent as the only installation entrusted with two legs of the nuclear triad," Brekka Kramer, MACEDC president-CEO, said. "Our responsibility as a community, and as members of Task Force 21, is to be strategically engaged as we advocate for the success of the dual missions at Minot Air Force Base. The Nuclear Triad Symposium is one of the key ways we put that commitment into action."
Northrop Grumman is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Task Force 21 Nuclear Triad Symposium. The event is free to attend, but advance registration is required, as space is limited. For updates, registration and full speaker biographies, visit taskforce21.com or contact the Minot Area Chamber EDC at 852-6000 or minot@minotchamberedc.com.