Submitted Photo Task Force 21(TF21) Nuclear Triad Symposium attendees from the Minot area, from left to right, are Jason Zimmerman, TF21 member and Minot Area Chamber EDC ( MACEDC) Board member; Bruce Christianson, TF21 member; Cassidy Hjelmstad, TF21 member and MACEDC Board chair; Roscoe Streyle, MACEDC Governmental Affairs Committee chair; Mayor Tom Ross, TF21 member and MACEDC Board member; Jonn Knecht, TF21 member and MACEDC Board member; Mark Jantzer, TF21 chair; Pete Hankla, TF 21 vice chair and MACEDC Board member; Brad Doll, Verendrye Electric Cooperative general manager; Ryan Ackerman, MACEDC Board chair-elect; Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, MACEDC Workforce Development specialist/military liaison; Harold Stewart, Minot city manager; Jessica Klein; TF21 member; and Brekka Kramer, MACEDC president/CEO and TF21 member.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) hosted the 13th Annual Task Force 21 Nuclear Triad Symposium on Sept. 20 at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. The event drew nearly 200 attendees, including military officers, defense experts, department of defense contractors, ambassadors and government officials. The event centered on the importance of nuclear modernization and deterrence in safeguarding U.S. national security.

“When you hear from top experts on the state of our national defense, it’s eye-opening,” said MACEDC President a nd CEO Brekka Kramer. “Minot Air Force Base’s role in global security cannot be overstated and it’s important we host events like this symposium to ensure we are doing everything we can to educate and advocate for the nuclear triad.”

Retired Adm. Charles Richard, former U.S. Strategic Command commander, provided insights into the current state of the nation’s nuclear infrastructure and the critical role of strategic deterrence. North Dakota’s congressional leaders – U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer, John Hoeven, and U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong, all R-ND – spoke about the importance of supporting nuclear deterrence efforts.

Author and expert Gordon Chang addressed U.S.-China relations, while James Howe, president of Strategic Concepts and Analysis, discussed the future of space warfare and its national security implications. Military leaders, including Lt. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, Maj. Gen. Colin Connor, Brig. Gen. Christopher Menuey, and Capt. Mark Parrella, also highlighted the importance of ongoing nuclear deterrence initiatives. The Honorable Madelyn Creedon and Dr. Matthew Kroenig shared insights on America’s Strategic Posture and spotlighted the work of the Congressional Commision.

Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, delivered the afternoon keynote, emphasizing Minot’s pivotal role in U.S. nuclear deterrence.

“Minot is the most important base in the Department of Defense,” Bussiere said. “Where Minot goes, the Air Force goes. Where Minot goes, the department goes.”

The 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB are units of Air Force Global Strike Command.

Task Force 21 Chair Mark Jantzer closed the event, stressing the urgency of continued advocacy.

“The word ‘urgency’ came up repeatedly today,” Jantzer said. “We need to talk to our national, state, local and public leaders and members about these important issues.”