North Dakota leaders support nuclear readiness at test launch

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MINOT, ND (KXNET) — The Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) Task Force 21 brought North Dakota leaders on a strategic military engagement.

Airmen and Navy aircrew from Minot Air Force Base (MAFB) and Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on November 5.

Included with the visit were mission briefs, meetings with military leadership, and the test launch of an ICBM that was equipped with targetable re-entry vehicles from the Airborne Launch Control System.

This test is part of routine and periodic activities that demonstrate that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable, and effective.

“These tests are administrative of what Striker Airmen bring to the fight if called by the president,” said Commander of AFGSC, General Thomas A. Bussiere. “An airborne launch validates the survivability of our ICBMs, which serve as the strategic backstop of our nation’s defense and defense of allies and partners.”

The re-entry traveled about 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s test site within the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Reagan Test Site (RTS) sensors support the research development, test, and evaluation of America’s defense and space programs.

For these tests, RTS members collect radar, optical, and telemetry data to evaluate system performance.

“RTS is honored to be the nation’s only long-range lang impact site providing our strategic partners a safe environment and truth in testing for the continued development of the ICBM modernization efforts,” said RTS Range Director, Army Lieutenant Colonel Casel Rumfelt. “This range and testing facilitate America’s technical advantage on the global stage. Our team brings decades of experience and a level of professionalism that makes the impossible seem easy in a no-fail environment. I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible team.”

The test takes months of preparation and involves multiple government partners and support from airmen of all the missile wings. Bases within AFGSC have members on alert 24 hours a day, year-round who oversee the ICBM forces.

MAFB is home to two major Air Force units: the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing. Both are Air Force Global Strike Command units. Minot is the only dual-wing nuclear-capable base, hosting the nuclear triad of B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Minuteman III missiles.

“It’s imperative to understand the overall mission and day-to-day operations of our military members in order to support them in the best way possible,” said MACEDC Board Chair and Task Force 21 Member, Cassidy Hjelmstad. “This engagement was a unique opportunity for leaders from across the state to learn more about North Dakota’s unique role in protecting the nation. Proud to be a part of Team Minot.”