Senior military leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders gathered in Minot on April 28, 2026, for the Task Force 21 (TF21) North Dakota Nuclear Triad Symposium — an event that underscored the critical role Minot Air Force Base plays in safeguarding the nation and supporting global stability.
Held at the Clarion Hotel Convention Center, the symposium brought together a robust lineup of speakers from across the country, offering timely insights into the evolving global threat environment, the future of nuclear deterrence, and the once-in-a-generation modernization efforts underway at Minot Air Force Base.
“Events like this strengthen our relationships and foster a deeper understanding of nuclear deterrence and the Global Strike mission,” said Gen. Stephen L. Davis, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and Commander of Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Global Strike Command bases have the best and most supportive local communities.”
Minot Air Force Base remains the only installation in the United States to host two legs of the nuclear triad, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s strategic deterrence. Gov. Kelly Armstrong emphasized the importance of that role, noting that deterrence remains essential in today’s geopolitical climate.
“When we talk about the nuclear triad, we’re really talking about maintaining peace through strength,” Armstrong said. “This is one of the most strategically important military installations in the nation.”
The symposium also reinforced the longstanding partnership between the Minot community and the base — one that leaders repeatedly described as a model for the nation.
“We don’t make friends at Minot — we make family,” said Col. Jimmy Schlabach, Commander of the 91st Missile Wing. “The vast majority of our Airmen are not from nearby, so we are looking for community, and Minot has it in spades.”
Col. Jesse Lamarand, Commander of the 5th Bomb Wing, praised the performance of Minot’s Airmen, pointing to recent operational successes and inspection results.
“Our Airmen have purpose. They are prepared,” Lamarand said. “Our job is to win without fighting, and the way we do that is through purpose, preparation, production, and our people.”
A key focus of the symposium was the Sentinel ICBM modernization program, which will replace the aging Minuteman III system currently deployed across North Dakota. Col. Ty Cisneros, who leads the Command and Control Divison for the program, called it “a generational modernization.” and “a national security imperative.”
“The Minuteman III system continues to be effective. That’s a testament to our greatest weapon system, which is our Airmen,” Cisneros said. “However, we can’t ignore that that system was in place 60 years ago with a life service of approximately 10 years. We cannot rely on that system indefinitely to counter tomorrow’s threats.”
Gen. Davis noted that preparations for Sentinel are well underway. “We are advancing missile development, establishing the supply chain, and maturing the design and construction approach with the goal of fielding the system as quickly and effectively as possible,” he said.
Throughout the day, speakers emphasized that national defense is not solely a military responsibility — it is a shared effort that includes local communities, business leaders, and organizations like the Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC).
“We are grateful to the leaders from across North Dakota and around the country who traveled to Minot, and to our speakers for sharing their insights on the critical role this installation plays in protecting our nation,” said Brekka Kramer, President | CEO of the Minot Area Chamber EDC. “Minot isn’t Minot without Minot Air Force Base, and we are committed to supporting it every step of the way.”
Additional speakers at the symposium included U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, who provided remarks via video, along with foreign policy advisor John A. Hill and national security expert Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs.
MACEDC and Task Force 21 extend their sincere appreciation to all speakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees who contributed to the success of this year’s symposium. Special thanks to presenting sponsor Northrop Grumman; elite sponsors Cyber Innovation Center and General Dynamics Mission Systems; and executive sponsor North Star Community Credit Union for their support in bringing this important conversation to Minot.