Funding to improve MAFB, national security

by : Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

12/29/2011 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven held a press conference here, Dec. 27, in conjunction with local civic leaders known as Task Force 21, to discuss how the Department of Defense Appropriations Act will affect the base and its Airmen.

The senator recognized how important Minot Air Force Base is to its surrounding communities, as well as to the nation's security. With the base playing such a key role in this nation's defense, the senator said it was important to provide the necessary funding to ensure the mission of deterrence remains unaffected.

The senator stated that the top priorities for the fiscal year 2012 Defense Appropriations Act include taking care of military members and their families, supporting military readiness, protecting military forces, maintaining a technological edge, and improving fiscal accountability.

With the base supporting two nuclear-capable wings, Team Minot received funding to upgrade and maintain weapons systems for both the 91st Missile Wing's ICBM fleet and the 5th Bomb Wing's B-52H Stratofortress fleet.

"When upgrading Minot AFB's weapons systems, it is also about becoming more cost-effective," the senator explained. "When looking at the ICBM and B-52 fleets and the funding they are receiving, it's not just about ensuring we have the best technology for our warfighters and the defense of our nation, but also about being the most cost-effective. Ultimately, these improvements are saving money."

Equally important, the senator spoke of plans to renovate and build more housing for Minot Airmen, something Airmen and their families desperately need, especially after the historic Souris River flooding Minot experienced this year.

"In the military construction area, there are a few key projects that will be funded," said the senator. "Minot needs more housing, and funding will support the building of more dormitories," said the senator. "Between military, civilians, and dependents, Minot AFB makes up approximately 12,000 people affiliated with the base. This funding will support another 168-room dormitory for our Airmen."

Also important is the maintenance of Minot's aircraft, both during the winter and summer months. With the cold weather up north, maintainers face harsh winds and negative temperatures while performing maintenance duties. While these conditions do not make maintenance impossible, the senator recognized that this process could be made simpler. This is something the senator spoke of funding as well.

"Although it isn't as cold this year, normally, the weather makes it difficult to work on the B-52s," said Hoeven. "To have the ability to work on these large aircrafts indoors is very important. Funding is going towards building a two-dock facility where B-52s can be worked on without dealing with the outdoor elements."

A new control tower and renovated flightline was also funded and approved. There are a lot of improvements happening around this base, and rightfully so, said the senator.

"This is a very important base," he said. "When considering both the nuclear mission for both bombers and missiles, as well as the conventional mission, there is a lot going on here, giving Minot AFB a strong role in our nation's defense."