U.S. Sen. John Hoeven met with Gen. Thomas Bussiere to ensure the modernization efforts at Minot Air Force Base stay on track.
Bussiere, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, is working with Hoeven to ensure the base has the facilities necessary to house and operate new weapons systems, including the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile, as soon as they are developed.
“There are real, concrete steps we can take to accelerate our nuclear modernization programs, reduce the costs of the Sentinel program and ensure Minot is ready to field these missions as soon as the weapons systems are ready to deploy. Doing so is vital in ensuring our nation can continue to effectively deter the aggressions of our adversaries,” Hoeven said. “Today’s meeting with General Bussiere is making sure key officials are on the same page and working with us on building the new missile facilities at the three ICBM bases and getting a plan in place to upgrade Minot’s facilities for the new cruise missile.”
Hoeven asked Bussiere to work with him on concurrently constructing facilities at all three missile bases to accelerate the Sentinel program and reduce costs, and to invest in upgrades to the base’s Weapons Storage Area and mission planning facilities needed to support the LRSO cruise missile. The Air Force expects to operate the new missile in the early 2030s.