Submitted Photo A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base deploys its drogue parachute upon landing, in this U.S. Air Force photo, on June 12 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for a Bomber Task Force deployment.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – More than 200 airmen and four B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on June 14 to conduct Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions.

BTF deployments and operations support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s missions by integrating strategic bomber capabilities in a joint and coalition environment.

“Being here in the Indo-Pacific with the Bomber Task Force allows our forces to showcase our ability to deploy anytime, anywhere in support of the combatant commander’s objectives,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Loucks, BTF commander. “Training and operating in the priority theater allows us to demonstrate our continued readiness, willingness and commitment to our allies and partners.”

BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, and they validate its always-ready, global strike capability.

Minot AFB projects in fiscal year 2024 budget

Several Minot Air Force Base projects are included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), according to Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND.

The Senate Armed Services Committee voted to advance the NDAA for fiscal year 2024 out of committee.

The Minot AFB projects are as follows:

— Provides $3.7 billion for Sentinel (Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent) modernization.

— Provides $770 million for B-52 commercial engine replacement program and radar modernization.

— Provides $40.8 million for the Nuclear Command, Control & Communication program, which will modernize the communications equipment used at Minot AFB.

— Limits the intercontinental ballistic missile count to no less than 400 total protecting the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

Other N.D. projects include providing almost $2 million for Camp Grafton’s Institutional Post-Initial Military Training Unaccompanied Housing. Camp Grafton is located south of Devils Lake.

The act also provides for a 5.2% pay raise for both military servicemembers and the Department of Defense civilian workforce.