Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has expressed his support for the confirmation of Troy Meink as Secretary of the Air Force. Following a vote in favor, Hoeven highlighted the importance of North Dakota's military missions to national defense. "North Dakota is home to a growing contingent of missions that are central to our nation’s defense, most of which fall under the Air Force and Space Force," said Hoeven. He emphasized the role Meink will play in enhancing these operations, particularly in modernizing nuclear deterrence at Minot, supporting unmanned missions and counter-drone technology development in Grand Forks, improving radar capabilities at Cavalier, and reinforcing Air National Guard missions in Fargo.

Hoeven also noted future collaboration with Meink on bringing an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission to Grand Forks Air Force Base. This initiative aims to ensure adequate U.S. capacity in this critical area.

As part of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven intends to work closely with Secretary Meink on both new and ongoing missions within North Dakota. His priorities include advancing dual-nuclear mission modernization at Minot Air Force Base, utilizing Project ULTRA for developing counter-drone technologies against emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS), establishing a future ISR mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base, and supporting the MQ-9 mission for the North Dakota Air National Guard.