📋 Tender Overview
Published Oct. 30, 2026 By Senior Airman Wesley Davies 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. (AFNS) -- Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visited Minot Air Force Base Oct. 27-28, assessing progress on the installations multiple modernization efforts, including the transition to the LGM-35A Sentinel program, the nations next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile. Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier sits for a combined mission briefing with base leadership from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing during his visit to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 27, 2026. During his visit, Lohmeier saw firsthand how the two separate wings coordinate with each other to maintain combat ready bombers and a 24/7/365 missile alert status. (U.S. Air Force Photo Details / Download Hi-Res During the visit, Lohmeier met with leadership from the bases 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, as well as Minots Sentinel Task Force Detachment 12. The engagements provided an opportunity for the Air Forces second-highest civilian leader to see firsthand how the base maintains 24/7/365 alert status operating the B-52H Stratofortress and the current Minuteman III ICBM, while simultaneously preparing for Sentinels future. Few missions carry a responsibility as profound as safeguarding our nation through strategic deterrence, Lohmeier said. I was greatly impressed by the exceptional Airmen whose discipline, technical expertise, teamwork and commitment ensure the force is ready whenever called upon. When fully operational, Sentinel will replace the 91st MWs existing Minuteman III ICBM fleet. Throughout the visit, discussions highlighted progress and planning tied to military construction projects as well as the regional utility corridor surveys bringing Sentinel online. Meetings with leadership emphasized the dual-track training pipeline and the unique technical demands of the transition. The visit also provided Lohmeier with a deeper understanding at how Sentinels modernized command-and-control and advanced infrastructure aims to dramatically enhance real-time operational awareness and mission readiness across Minots missile field. Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier walks through ongoing military construction for the 54th Helicopter Squadron building during his visit to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 27, 2026. The visit also provided Lohmeier a deeper understanding at how Sentinels modernized command-and-control and advanced infrastructure aims to dramatically enhance real-time operational awareness and mission readiness across Minots missile field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier watches a B-52H Stratofortress taxi down the flight line during his visit to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 27, 2026. During his visit, Lohmeier saw firsthand how the two separate wings coordinate with each other to maintain combat ready bombers and a 24/7/365 missile alert status. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier views a 91st Missile Wing Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during his visit to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 27, 2026. The transition to the Sentinel ICBM system is a comprehensive overhaul of the land-based nuclear deterrent, replacing missiles, command-and-control systems, and physical infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res I was able to see firsthand how the Minot mission is more than operating advanced weapon systems -- especially as the only location with two legs of the nuclear triad -- they are preserving peace, protecting our nation and carrying a responsibility that few will ever fully understand, Lohmeier said. Engagements with installation leadership also provided an opportunity to discuss the role Airmen play in maintaining readiness while modernizing. From the Warbirds conducting bomber operations and supporting the 91st MW to the Rough Riders sustaining the Minuteman mission, Airmen across Minot AFB are crucial to executing nuclear defense responsibilities and managing the transition to the future weapon system. Modernization is essential to ensuring our nations nuclear deterrent remains credible, ready and effective for decades to come, said U.S. Air Force Col. John Burrell, 5th BW commander. As we continue advancing the B-52H Stratofortress toward its next generation of capabilities and prepare the infrastructure needed for the Sentinel ICBM, our focus remains on delivering todays mission while building the force of tomorrow. As the Air Force continues to prioritize Sentinels modernization, visits with operational units provide senior leaders with firsthand perspectives on the transitions progress, resources and local challenges. Direct engagement with Airmen and leadership helps inform an understanding of how strategic nuclear modernization priorities translate into daily operations, ensuring the Air Force meets its critical strategic deterrence requirements now and in the future. U.S. Air Force Logo
