02.11.11

HOEVEN MEETS WITH BASE COMMANDERS AND TASK FORCE 21 IN SUPPORT OF MINOT AIR FORCE BASE

BISMARCK, ND – Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) toured the Minot Air Force Base today and met with senior leaders including 5th Bomb Wing Commander Col. Douglas A. Cox and 91st Missile Wing Commander Col. Ferdinand “Fred” Stoss to discuss the current status and future of the base.

“The Minot Air Force Base, with its dual missions involving the B-52 bombers and Minuteman III missiles, plays a strategic role in our nation’s defense system. It is also a vital economic engine for Minot and the state of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “The base is undergoing significant housing and operations construction projects with the addition of the 2nd Bomb Squadron. I look forward to working with commanders, base personnel and Minot leaders to continue to support Minot Air Force Base and its vital role in our nation’s defense.”

Hoeven was recently appointed to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. The tour of Minot Air Force Base projects provided a valuable overview of the military construction program at the Base.

The wing commanders also briefed Hoeven on the activation of the 69th bomb squadron and the transition to Global Strike Command. The Senator reviewed progress on a number of projects at the base including new and remodeled housing units and construction of a new training complex for the 91st Missile Wing’s Missile Procedures. The facility will co-locate training and evaluation functions, consolidate the operations group training, evaluation and logistics and will provide a one-stop shop for rations, supplies and warehouse support.

The Minot Air Force Base is home to 12,865 military, military family members and civilian employees, up almost 1,000 from one year ago.

Following his meetings at the base, Hoeven met with Task Force 21 members at the Minot Chamber of Commerce to discuss ongoing support for the Base and implementation of the START treaty. Hoeven was a member of the Base retention committee when he lived in Minot, and served as its chairman.

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