Air Force connects with Minot community on future of Sentinel ICBM

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Trust Tate
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Air Force officials from Air Force Global Strike Command and Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted a public town hall Aug. 26, 2025, at Minot State University to discuss details with the community on the transition process from the Minuteman III to the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system.

The event educated residents, civic leaders and local workforce members regarding major features of the Sentinel program, such as future developments, economic benefits and infrastructure construction. Officials also fielded questions from those in attendance about the program's budget and future contracting opportunities.

“The Sentinel program isn’t just vital to Minot, North Dakota; it’s critical to our entire nation,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. “The presence of Air Force Global Strike Command here tonight underscores just how essential Minot is to global defense.”

Minot AFB is one of three primary U.S. bases set for modernization under Air Force Global Strike Command. Additionally, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and Malmstrom AFB, Montana, will also see the current Minuteman III systems upgraded, including missile silos, launch control centers and other support facilities.

While speaking to the town hall attendees about the need to modernize our ICBM infrastructure, Maj. Gen. Colin Connor, director of ICBM Modernization, Site Activation Task Force, thanked the community for their unrivaled support to the base and its mission.

“The community builds the missile; the Air Force operates it,” Connor said. “The Minot community supports us like no other.”

Air Force officials, elected leaders and local civic leaders emphasized transparency and community involvement as the defense project moves ahead.

Amid these discussions, leaders also highlighted the unwavering commitment of the service members who continue to carry out the Minuteman III mission on the ground.

“Our Airmen are out there executing the mission, rain or shine,” said Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander. “They stand ready so that our national leaders can be confident: If the time ever comes, we are prepared to deliver.”

Lt. Col. Nicholas Conover, Site Activation Task Force Detachment 12 commander, introduced himself as the person on the ground in Minot charged with making the Sentinel program a success here.

“The Site Activation Task Force is here — it's here to stay, and it’s here to get the job done,” Conover said. “It’s going to remain here until they take the last Minuteman off alert, and they put Sentinel in the hole.”

Conover mentioned the desire for an open line of communication and provided contact cards to those in attendance to reach out to him with any questions and concerns regarding the Sentinel program.

Conover said he aims to ensure project success while keeping the public informed through open communication.

Members of the public can contact the Sentinel Hotline by email at AFGSC.Sentinel.Hotline@us.af.mil or by phone at (701) 723-6853.