Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Slife visited Minot Air Force Base to review modernization efforts for the dual-nuclear mission. The visit included discussions with local and military leaders about accelerating the Sentinel program's development and constructing facilities at all three missile bases concurrently to maintain schedule and reduce costs.

The focus was also on upgrading the base’s Weapons Storage Area and mission planning facilities to prepare for operating the new Long Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile, expected in the early 2030s. "Minot Air Force Base is the only dual nuclear base in the nation," said Hoeven. He emphasized the importance of modernizing nuclear forces as a deterrent against adversaries and highlighted General Slife's visit as crucial for understanding these projects' significance.

Hoeven has been advocating for concurrent construction at Minot and other missile bases to keep the Sentinel program on track, which he believes will help reduce costs. As part of his efforts, he authored a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction bill to ensure Minot has necessary facilities ready for when the LRSO missile becomes operational.

Hoeven, serving on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, aims to accelerate deploying the Sentinel by identifying cost savings amid rising construction expenses. His efforts include pushing for concurrent facility construction with Department of Defense officials and Northrop Grumman.