Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) Task Force 21 announced they will host a nuclear triad symposium in Minot, North Dakota Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The symposium will focus on sustaining credible nuclear deterrence amidst growing challenges while speakers cover modernization including the Sentinel and B-52 projects, the state of nuclear deterrence, and our adversaries.

The event’s keynote speaker is career space and missile officer Lt. Gen. Michael J. Lutton, the Deputy Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and Deputy Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Prior to his current assignment, Lt. Gen. Lutton commanded the Twentieth Air Force, AFGSC, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. From June 2014 – June 2016, he served as Minot Air Force Base 91st Missile Wing Commander.

“We know that Minot Air Force Base serves an important role as the bedrock of nuclear deterrence by being the only base with two legs of the nuclear triad,” Brekka Kramer MACEDC President | CEO shared. “Together, it is imperative that we continuously educate and build understanding and advocacy around the importance of nuclear deterrence and what Minot Air Force Base does for our nation, allies, and partners. It is critical that leaders understand the role we play, the threats that face our nation, and importance of modernization.”

Major modernization projects are underway for bombers, missiles, and weapons systems. In addition to the advocacy and education efforts of Task Force 21, there is a focus on preparing the state for the Sentinel project. Sentinel is the weapon system to replace the aging Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system representing the modernization of the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. What makes Sentinel unique is the off-base construction and footprint it covers, including 15 missile alert facilities and 150 launch facilities.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven and U.S. Representative Kelly Armstong of North Dakota are also scheduled to speak. The National Defense Industrial Association Northern Tier Chapter is an event partner bringing in experts on Russia and China. In addition, an update on Sentinel and the final report of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic p\Posture of the United States are planned for the event.

The half-day symposium will start with continental breakfast at about 7:00 a.m. (CDT) at the Clarion Event Center, 2200 Burdick Expressway East, Minot, N.D. There is no cost to attend this in-person symposium and registration is now open. A full line up of speakers and event agenda will be announced soon.

More information can be found at TaskForce21.com or by contacting the Minot Area Chamber EDC at 701-852-6000 or minot@minotchamberedc.com.

In 2024, Task Force 21 will host two nuclear triad symposiums, the April 23 event in Minot, N.D. and one in Washington, D.C. on September 20, 2024.