Secretary of the Air Force sees ongoing modernization at Minot AFB

Published July 2, 2026
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

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

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink visited Minot Air Force Base to see the dual missions of the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, June 29, 2026.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kelvin Moreno, 91st Missile Wing Atomic Spark innovation co-director, shows Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink a 3-D printed firearm magazine loader during a visit at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 29, 2026. The modernization of Minot AFB’s legacy Minuteman III infrastructure is one of Meink’s main priorities. Minot AFB is responsible for 15 missile alert facilities and 150 Minuteman III missiles located across roughly 8,000 square miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies) — Tech. Sgt. Kelvin Moreno, 91st Missile Wing Atomic Spark innovation co-director, shows Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink a 3-D printed firearm magazine loader during a visit at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., June 29, 2026. The modernization of Minot AFB’s legacy Minuteman III infrastructure is one of Meink’s main priorities. Minot AFB is responsible for 15 missile alert facilities and 150 Minuteman III missiles located across roughly 8,000 square miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies)

During his visit, Secretary Meink saw firsthand the many ongoing readiness and modernization efforts and heard from teams across the base carrying it out.

“There is no base quite like Minot, hosting two thirds of the nuclear triad that provides the combat capability underwrite our National Defense Strategy," Meink said.

Meink met with Warbird Airmen from the 5 BW, who briefed him on the capabilities of the B-52H Stratofortress. Like the Minuteman III missile system, the B-52H Stratofortress is a legacy system that is undergoing modernization to ensure an enduring competitive edge in the nation’s strategic deterrence efforts. Among other advances, the B-52H will be upgraded with new engines that will improve their performance and change their designation to B-52J.

“‘The venerable B-52 with its ability to carry the widest assortment of armaments in the department provides combatant commanders the flexibility and long-range strike capability required to deter and, if necessary, win a potential future conflict,” said Meink.

Meink also met with missileers, maintainers and security forces Airmen from the 91 MW to better understand the operational considerations and conditions of the North Dakota missile fields where the Sentinel modernization effort is already taking place. Briefers showcased the intricacies of the payload transporter, transporter erector and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles that are used daily throughout the missile field complex.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink lands at Minot Air Force Base for an immersion June 29, 2026. The visit reinforced Minot AFB’s commitment to strengthening readiness, enhancing warfighting capabilities, and maintaining credible deterrence in support of national defense objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies) — Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink lands at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., for an immersion June 29, 2026. The visit reinforced Minot AFB’s commitment to strengthening readiness, enhancing warfighting capabilities, and maintaining credible deterrence in support of national defense objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and leaders from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing gather for a combined mission brief during a visit at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 29, 2026. During the visit, base leadership and Meink discussed initiatives that will enhance operational readiness and reinforce the Air Force's ability to deter potential adversaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies) — Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and leaders from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing gather for a combined mission brief during a visit at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., June 29, 2026. During the visit, base leadership and Meink discussed initiatives that will enhance operational readiness and reinforce the Air Force's ability to deter potential adversaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink is greeted by U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. James Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander, upon arrival at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 29, 2026. The visit reinforced Minot AFB’s commitment to strengthening readiness, enhancing warfighting capabilities, and maintaining credible deterrence in support of national defense objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies) — Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink is greeted by Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander, and Col. James Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander, upon arrival at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., June 29, 2026. The visit reinforced Minot AFB’s commitment to strengthening readiness, enhancing warfighting capabilities, and maintaining credible deterrence in support of national defense objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies)

“Airmen have been operating in this missile field complex since 1962,” Meink said. "Since that first alert to the present day, missileers have stood the watch, maintainers have sustained the weapons systems and defenders have secured the field, 24/7, 365."

Meink has spoken about the necessity of modernizing the nation’s nuclear strategic deterrence capabilities. The modernization of Minot AFB’s legacy Minuteman III infrastructure remains a priority for the department. Minot AFB is responsible for 15 missile alert facilities and 150 Minuteman III missiles located across roughly 8,000 square miles. The Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system will replace the Minuteman III, with improved range, accuracy, flexibility and payload capacity.

“The Sentinel acquisition program represents the nation's investment in a credible, responsive deterrent for the next half century,” said Meink.

Meink got a sense of the Team Minot Airmen who dedicate themselves to the base’s dual nuclear mission as well as the local community leaders who champion the mission here. He noted the unique attitude of Minot AFB and its surrounding community.

“I've heard they say, 'Only the best come North,' and after what I have witnessed, both on the installation and in the Minot community, I understand why,” Meink said.