12.23.21

Hoeven Reviews Minot Missions with USAF Secretary Kendall

Senator Invited Air Force Secretary to See North Dakota ICBM & B-52 Operations Firsthand, Continues Working to Keep Nuclear Modernization on Track

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hoeven, along with Senator Kevin Cramer, today joined U.S. Air Force (USAF) Secretary Frank Kendall in reviewing the missions and operations of the Minot Air Force Base. Hoeven outlined his efforts to ensure the modernization of the nation’s nuclear forces, including the dual nuclear missions in Minot, remains on schedule. To this end, the senator made the case to Kendall for nuclear modernization during his confirmation process earlier this year and invited the secretary to visit North Dakota. Hoeven subsequently helped pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes the following funding:

  • $2.6 billion for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), the replacement for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
    • The legislation also includes language prohibiting cuts to the ICBM force in the next fiscal year.
  • $609 million for the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile.
  • $660 million for upgrades to the B-52.

As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven works to ensure these programs are fully funded through the annual appropriations bills. Doing so prevents delays and helps ensure the nation’s nuclear deterrent remains effective for years to come. 

“The servicemembers stationed at the Minot Air Force Base play a key role in our nation’s defense, supporting two legs of our nuclear triad, and Secretary Kendall’s visit provides him the opportunity to see their good work firsthand,” Hoeven said. “The discussions we’ve had today support our continued efforts to ensure the modernization of our nuclear forces moves forward without delay. The NDAA that we helped pass earlier this month supports this important goal, and we will continue working to provide full funding for the GBSD, LRSO and B-52 upgrades in the coming years.”