Senior Airman Alyssa Bankston, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —
Minot Air Force Base will receive up-armored Ford F-350 patrol trucks over the next two years as part of a phased replacement of its Humvees and BearCats. The transition marks a modernization effort aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency and sustainability for the defenders who rely on these vehicles every day.

For many years, the Humvee has been a valuable asset to the Air Force. Its lightweight, four-wheel-drive design allowed it to operate in diverse terrain and transport Airmen, cargo and weapons systems.

“I like the Humvee because it’s a proven platform that’s served the Air Force well for decades,” said Tech. Sgt. Zachary Horton, 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron Commander’s Support Staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “It’s versatile and we can configure it for various mission requirements. It handles rough terrain better than most standard trucks, and since many of us have trained on them, there’s already a familiarity that makes them effective in the field.”

The BearCat, another long-standing vehicle in the fleet, has proven reliable for emergency response in rough terrain and natural disaster scenarios.
These vehicles have become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain, with heavy wear on components, high fuel consumption and reduced overall safety.

The introduction of the up-armored Ford F-350 patrol truck offers a balance between protection, adaptability and cost-effectiveness. Outfitted with an armored crew box in the rear, independent climate control and intercom systems and off-road handling enhancements, the trucks are designed to meet Team Minot’s security and defense requirements. The F-350 also provides increased passenger capacity, improved survivability in non-combat environments, and readily available parts for faster, cheaper maintenance.

The F-350s offer reliable transportation for patrols, convoy operations and rapid response, while also providing a safer platform for our Airmen.

5th Logistics Readiness Squadron (5LRS) vehicle maintenance Airmen have also played a key role in evaluating and preparing for the fleet transition. Compared to Humvees, which often require extensive repairs and specialized parts, the F-350 is expected to streamline operations.

“From a maintenance perspective, this is a big win,” said Senior Airman Alexis Garnigan, 5LRS vehicle maintenance apprentice. “The turnaround is usually quicker, depending on the job, so it saves time and resources for other missions in need.”

The first shipments just arrived this month, with full delivery expected to be completed by 2027.

For Minot’s defenders and maintainers, the fleet modernization underscores a commitment to keeping Airmen safe, sustaining readiness and investing in the future of the mission.