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Sen. Cramer Joins Air Force Secretary Kendall on Visit to Minot Air Force Base

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

***Click here for photos.***

MINOT – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on his visit to Minot Air Force Base today. During the visit, they toured the 54th helicopter squadron, missile alert facility, and 91st Missile Wing “Rough Riders.” Following the tour, they visited with the base airmen. 

 

“I’m grateful Secretary Kendall came to Minot to see North Dakota’s Air Force capabilities and potential firsthand. As the home to two of the three legs of the nuclear triad, Minot is a critical piece in our nation’s nuclear deterrent policy. Visits like these are a great chance to advocate for the base, meet the hardworking airmen, and emphasize the need to be moving at the speed of China to advance nuclear modernization and support intelligence capabilities,” said Senator Cramer. 

 

Last night, Senator Cramer joined Secretary Kendall, the North Dakota congressional delegation, and Minot civic leaders for an evening social.

 


 

 

Background

As a member of the SASC, Senator Cramer spoke with Mr. Kendall in late May about his nomination, where the two discussed the Air Force bases at Minot and Grand Forks. Following his confirmation by unanimous consent in July, the Senator urged Secretary Kendall to visit North Dakota.  

 

Earlier this month, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes funding authorization and language for missions both directly and indirectly benefiting North Dakota’s military community. This year’s bill fully funds nuclear modernization efforts, supports efforts to develop increased intelligence capabilities, grows the Space Force, and authorizes a litany of North Dakota-specific military projects. Specifically, the language Senator Cramer was able to successfully secure in this year’s NDAA for Minot includes: 

 

Advancing Nuclear Modernization at Minot Air Force Base (AFB)

  • Provides $2.6 billion for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), the scheduled replacement for the Minutemen III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), and prohibits FY22 NDAA funds from being used to diminish the use or availability of ICBMs like those housed at Minot.   
    • Since becoming a member of SASC, Senator Cramer has been a vocal supporter of the nation’s nuclear triad and has pushed military leaders at the highest levels to keep the GBSD timeline on track. Watch a recent hearing here.
  • Provides $661 million for the B-52 Bomber program – along with $609 million for the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) weapon – flown and operated at Minot.
    • In April, Senator Cramer spoke with Admiral Charles Richard, Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, about the problems for the B-52 that would be caused by a delay to LRSO weapons at Minot Air Force Base. Learn more here.
  • Provides $436 million for the Nuclear Command, Control & Communication (NC3) program, which will modernize the communications equipment used at Minot.