Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) Task Force 21 is pleased to announce the full speaker line up for the North Dakota Nuclear Triad Symposium on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The symposium will focus on sustaining credible nuclear deterrence amidst growing challenges while speakers cover the state of nuclear deterrence, threats from the Chinese and Russian regimes, America’s Strategic Posture Commission report, Congressional and State of North Dakota updates, modernization projects underway, and a briefing on the Sentinel project.

Check-in and continental breakfast begin at 7:00 a.m. (CDT), welcome and opening comments will take place promptly at 7:50 a.m. The symposium is scheduled to conclude by 1:45 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

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. Lt. Gen. Lutton will be opening the event with an Air Force Global Strike Command briefing.

“Minot Air Force Base serves as the bedrock of nuclear deterrence as the only base with two legs of the nuclear triad,” Brekka Kramer, MACEDC President | CEO shared. “It is critical for leaders at all levels to understand nuclear deterrence, the threats that face our nation, sustainment of current missions, and the importance of seeing through the major modernizations projects that are underway. This work includes preparing the state for Sentinel.”

Col. Tytonia S. Moore, Deputy Director of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Modernization, Site Activation Task Force will be discussing the modernization and implementation of 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, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will share their perspective about the importance of nuclear modernization and the role North Dakota plays in protecting the nation.

William A. Chambers, Maj. Gen. U.S. Air Force (retired) and Commission Executive Director, Institute for Defense Analysis will speak about the America’s Strategic Posture Commission Report, which highlights strategic challenges requiring urgent action.

The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) President & CEO Hon. David L. Nordquist is also scheduled to speak. The NDIA Northern Tier Chapter, which includes the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Minnesota, is an event partner bringing to the table briefings on China and Russia. James P. (Phil) Wisecup, Vice Admiral, US Navy (retired) will speak on China, and Dr. Anna Batta, Associate Professor of International Security Studies Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, is an expert discussing Russia.

The half-day symposium will take place 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. Individuals must be registered to attend. The event is expected to fill quickly so early registration is encouraged.

A full line up of speakers, event agenda, and 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.