📋 Tender Overview
Published Sept. 3, 2026 By Capt. Stephen J. Collier Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Harris, 377th Missile Maintenance Squadron missile handling team chief, briefs Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, on recent work done to a Minuteman III transporter erector trailer during a visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Aug. 3, 2026. The commands leaders visited the installation and nearby Promontory during a two-day immersion that provided a direct look at the ongoing efforts to build and field the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The Air Forces senior leaders charged with overseeing the services nuclear enterprise took part in a two-day immersion at Hill Air Force Base August 3-4, gaining insight into how Air Force Global Strike Command and its partners are fielding the Sentinel LGM-35A intercontinental ballistic missile. U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of AFGSC, and Chief Master Sgt. Shawn M. Aiello, command chief of AFGSC, had a direct look at the ongoing efforts to modernize the land-based leg of the nuclear triad. Day one included a review of the Minuteman missile transporter erector development and a discussion on how the Air Force Repair and Enhancement Program could be leveraged to better benefit the Minuteman III ICBM fleet. Davis and Aiello also met with members of AFGSCs Detachment 13, a cadre of missileers and missile maintainers providing operational insights for the future of Sentinel. Reflecting on Sentinels progress, Davis said the new ICBM will significantly improve the effectiveness of Americas ICBM force, allowing the nation to deter any aggressors. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Bickley, 581st Missile Maintenance Squadron ground systems section deputy flight chief, points out key updates to a Minuteman III transporter erector trailer to Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, during a visit at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Aug. 3, 2026. The commands leaders visited the installation and nearby Promontory during a two-day immersion that provided a direct look at the ongoing efforts to build and field the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res It was good to see the progress on Sentinel firsthand, Davis said. Sentinel is not simply an upgrade to our ICBM mission; its a necessary leap forward that improves our capabilities while also improving safety and security. The dedication of our Airmen and industry partners is what will make this critical modernization effort possible. While visiting Northrop Grummans Roy Innovation Center on day two, the leaders experienced the advanced digital engineering processes driving the programs development. There, Northrop demonstrated how computerized digital environments have increased the speed and efficiency of developing new ICBM capabilities. The team then traveled to Northrops test and development facilities in nearby Promontory. The visit provided a look at Sentinels launch silo prototype, allowing Davis and Aiello to view the new, standardized silo designs evolution. Contractors also provided an overview of Sentinels case manufacturing and booster integration facilities. Aiello pointed out how Sentinel will allow Airmen to apply their skillsets seamlessly. Sentinel is an evolutionary step in our ICBM capabilities, Aiello said. Our maintainers, defenders, command post controllers, our weather Airmen, airfield operations ... our Airmen are going to see a newer version of our ground based strategic capability in Sentinel. Its great to see the progress made in the last two years with our partnerships. In the coming years, Airmen will start seeing pieces and parts of this that will make it very real. Davis echoed the chiefs sentiments, emphasizing that Sentinel is a national imperative. What were building here is more than just a new missile; we are building the future of national defense. The work being done here in Utah is at the very heart of that effort. The Sentinel system will provide a more effective, safe and secure force well into the 2070s, supporting the Department of Wars effort to deliver peace through strength. U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, center, poses with members of AFGSCs Sentinel Task Force Detachment 13 and other missileers during a visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, August 3, 2026. The commands leaders visited the installation and nearby Promontory during a two-day immersion that provided a direct look at the ongoing efforts to build and field the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, speaks with Airmen on the progression of the commands nuclear modernization efforts during a tour of a Minuteman III transporter erector maintenance facility at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Aug. 3, 2026. The commands leaders visited the installation and nearby Promontory during a two-day immersion that provided a direct look at the ongoing efforts to build and field the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Chris Boots Coffelt, Director of Government Relations, Northrop Grumman, Katie Parks, Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, Justin Erikson, Sr. Director of Launch Infrastructure Programs, Northrop Grumman, U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, Ben Davies, Corporate Vice President and President, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, Maj. Gen. Glenn Harris, Director of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Modernization, Pat At
