Submitted photo A North Dakota delegation including Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, center, along with Minot, Minot Air Force Base and other representatives, attended a test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile unarmed from Vandenberg Space Station in California, November 5.

Minot Area Chamber EDC Task Force 21 led a delegation of North Dakota leaders in a strategic military engagement with Minot Air Force Base and Air Force Global Strike Command as Navy aviators and crews were testing the launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on November 1, 2017. 5 from Vandenberg Space Station, California.

The visit included mission briefings, a meeting with military leaders and the test launch of an ICBM equipped with multiple targetable reentry vehicles from aboard the Airborne Launch Control System that was removed from the complex. missiles from North Dakota and transported to Vandenberg for testing.

ND representatives included Lt. Governor Tammy Miller representing the ND Military Commission, Sally Johnson representing ND Senator John Hoeven and Minot AFB, state and community leaders.

The test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st century threats and reassuring allies. This test launch is not the result of current world events.

The test launch was the culmination of months of preparation involving several government partners. Airmen from all three missile wings were selected to serve on the task force supporting the test launch.

Minot Air Force Base is home to two major Air Force units: the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing, which are units of Air Force Global Strike Command. Minot is the nation’s only twin-wing nuclear base, hosting two branches of the nuclear triad with a fleet of B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Minuteman III missiles. As one of three operational ICBM units in the Air Force, the 91st Missile Wing, whose members are known as the Rough Riders, is responsible for strategic deterrence on an operational basis, maintaining and securing the fleet of Minuteman III missiles located in underground launch facilities at an 8,500 square mile missile complex in northwest North Dakota.

“It is imperative to understand the overall mission and daily operations of our military in order to best support them. This engagement was a unique opportunity for leaders across the state to learn more about North Dakota’s unique role in protecting the nation. Proud to be part of Team Minot,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, Minot Regional Chamber EDC Board Chair and Task Force 21 member.