Nearly 200 military leaders, policymakers, national security experts, and defense industry executives joined Minot civic leaders on September 18 for the 15th Annual Task Force 21 Nuclear Triad Symposium at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Hosted by Task Force 21, a military support and advocacy initiative of the Minot Area Chamber EDC, the symposium focused on the future of America’s nuclear deterrent and Minot Air Force Base’s critical role in that mission. With the theme of Advancing Strategic Deterrence: The Nuclear Triad in a New Era, discussions provided attendees with updates on modernization efforts for all three legs of the nuclear triad — including the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system and upgrades to the B-52 Stratofortress fleet.

“For 15 years, the Task Force 21 Nuclear Triad Symposium has helped leaders better understand America’s nuclear mission and the critical role communities like Minot play in supporting it. That kind of sustained advocacy is important,” said Brekka Kramer, President | CEO of the Minot Area Chamber EDC and Task Force 21 Member. “We remain committed to bringing civic, military, industry, and policy leaders together to support the men and women who carry out this mission every day.”

Among this year’s presenters was Gen. Dale R. White, Director of Critical Major Weapon Systems at the Pentagon, who described the relationship between military bases and their local communities as critically important.

Presenters also included:

• Vice Adm. Douglas L. Williams, Director, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs
• Lt. Gen. Mike Lutton, Deputy Commander, U.S. Strategic Command
• Lt. Gen. Jason R. Armagost, Deputy Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command
• Lt. Gen. Brandon D. Parker, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Deterrence & Nuclear Integration
• Brig. Gen. Michael Walters, National Nuclear Security Administration Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application
• U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.)
• U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
• U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.)
• Dr. Matthew Kroenig, Atlantic Council

“Task Force 21 is deeply grateful to the distinguished military leaders, policymakers, and subject matter experts who shared their insights during this year’s Nuclear Triad Symposium,” said Pete Hankla, Chair of Task Force 21. “We also extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors and strategic partners, whose support made this important event possible, and to everyone who attended and contributed to a day of thoughtful dialogue. These conversations help strengthen understanding of strategic deterrence, modernization, and the future of America’s nuclear mission.”

The 2026 Task Force 21 Nuclear Triad Symposium was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Northrop Grumman. It was also supported by elite sponsors Bechtel, Cyber Innovation Center, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin; executive sponsors Raytheon, and Textron Systems; and partnerships with the City of Minot and State of North Dakota.