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Task Force 21 Brings National Security Leaders Together for 14th Annual Nuclear Triad Symposium

Posted: Oct 01 2025

Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) Task Force 21 once again placed Minot, North Dakota, at the center of the nation’s defense dialogue when it hosted the 14th Annual Nuclear Triad Symposium in Washington, D.C. 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.

Carrying the theme “Sustaining Strategic Deterrence: Modernizing the Nuclear Triad for a Changing World,” the symposium brought together senior military leaders, members of Congress, national security experts, and defense industry executives alongside 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.

“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.

Brekka Kramer, President | CEO of the Minot Area Chamber EDC, emphasized that 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.”

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.

Task Force 21’s ability to convene this caliber of dialogue reflects the strength of Team Minot’s partnerships and its steadfast commitment to ensuring America’s deterrent remains strong. Lt. Gen. 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.”

The symposium was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Northrop Grumman; lead sponsors Amentum, Bechtel, and Lockheed Martin; executive sponsor Cyber Innovation Center, and through partnerships with the City of Minot and State of North Dakota.

Nuclear Triad Symposium - Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2025