Submitted Photo A North Dakota delegation including Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, front center, along with Minot, Minot Air Force Base and other representatives attended a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, on Nov. 5.

Minot Area Chamber EDC Task Force 21 led a delegation of North Dakota leaders on a strategic military engagement with Minot Air Force Base and Air Force Global Strike Command as airmen and Navy aircrew test launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Nov. 5 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The visit included mission briefings, meeting with military leadership and the test launch of an ICBM equipped with multiple targetable reentry vehicles from aboard the Airborne Launch Control System that was pulled from North Dakota’s missile complex and transported to Vandenberg for the test.

N.D. representatives included Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller representing the N.D. Military Commission, Sally Johnson representing N.D. Sen. John Hoeven, and Minot AFB, state and community leadership.

The test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter 21st century threats and reassure allies. This test launch was not the result of current world events.

The test launch was the culmination of months of preparation that involved multiple government partners. Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force to support the test launch.

Minot Air Force Base is home to two major Air Force units: the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, which are Air Force Global Strike Command units. Minot is the only dual-wing nuclear-capable base in the nation, hosting two legs of the nuclear triad with a fleet of B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Minuteman III missiles. As one of the Air Force’s three operational ICBM units, the 91st Missile Wing, whose members are known as the Rough Riders, are responsible for strategic deterrence by operation, maintaining and securing the fleet of Minuteman III missiles located in underground launch facilities in an 8,500-square-mile missile complex in northwest North Dakota.

“It’s imperative to understand the overall mission and day-to-day operations of our military members in order to support them in the best way possible. This engagement was a unique opportunity for leaders from across the state to learn more about North Dakota’s unique role in protecting the nation. Proud to be a part of Team Minot,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, Minot Area Chamber EDC Board chair and Task Force 21 member.