Air Force leaders visit Minot AFB to advance Sentinel modernization

Published March 24, 2026
Fifth Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) --

Gen. Dale R. White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems, visited Minot Air Force Base, March 19–20, to assess mission requirements and ongoing preparations supporting the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system modernization efforts.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jaime Kerr briefs U.S. Air Force Gen. Dale R. White. — Tech. Sgt. Jaime Kerr, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron technician, briefs Gen. Dale R. White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 20, 2026. The visit allowed White to see firsthand the infrastructure and operational requirements for the upcoming transition to the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alyssa Bankston)

The visit focused on ensuring alignment between program development and operational execution as the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III system to the LGM-35A Sentinel.

“The Sentinel program is foundational to our nation's security, which is why these engagements with our operational Airmen are so critical,” White said. “It’s my responsibility to ensure the capability we deliver is not only modern, but executable, sustainable, and aligned to the realities of their mission. My ultimate accountability is to the warfighters operating this mission around the clock; they deserve a weapon system that honors their unwavering commitment to our nuclear deterrent.”

The Sentinel represents a comprehensive modernization of the land-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad, replacing aging Minuteman III infrastructure with a modernized, flexible weapons system. The program includes plans to fielding 400 missiles and modernizing 450 launch facilities and more than 600 supporting facilities across the United States, with initial capability expected in the early 2030s.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Dale R. White shakes hands with an Airman. — Gen. Dale R. White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems, greets 1st Lt. Julianna Salcido, 741st Missile Squadron crew commander, during a tour of a Missile Alert Facility at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 20, 2026. The visit allowed senior leaders to engage directly with the Airmen operating the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile force and discuss the upcoming transition to the LGM-35A Sentinel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Team Minot leadership salutes an arriving aircraft. — Team Minot leadership salutes as Gen. Dale R. White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems, arrives at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 19, 2026. White visited to assess mission requirements and oversee preparations for the LGM-35A Sentinel modernization, which will replace the aging Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Dale R. White is briefed by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Nicholas Gydesen. — Lt. Col Nicholas Gydesen, 91st Operations Support Squadron commander, briefs Gen. Dale R. White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., March 20, 2026. These engagements ensure Sentinel program leaders deliver a capability that is modern, executable, and aligned to the realities of the mission for the Airmen who operate it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

During the visit, White met with Airmen and leaders across the installation to better understand operational considerations, infrastructure requirements, and the phased approach to transition. At Minot AFB, Sentinel Site Activation Task Force Detachment 12 is leading efforts to prepare for the system’s arrival, including managing early planning, deactivation sequencing, and construction integration.

“The transition to Sentinel is a once-in-a-generation effort that requires close coordination between our Airmen, industry partners, and program leadership,” said Col. James L. Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander. “Our team is focused on conducting precision operations for Minuteman III as long as it’s needed, while ensuring we are ready to execute the transition to Sentinel.”

The Air Force continues to advance the Sentinel program through ongoing missile development and testing, supply chain stabilization, and refinement of a modular, repeatable construction approach designed to improve efficiency and cost predictability at scale.

“This is about delivering credible deterrence on a predictable cost and schedule,” White said. “We are applying lessons learned early, reducing risk where we can, and ensuring the system we field is ready for Airmen to operate on day one.”

The visit underscored the importance of deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and sustained investment to ensure the ICBM force remains a cornerstone of the nation’s strategic deterrence.