MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Recently, Team Minot welcomed its newest deputy commanders. U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jensen and U.S. Air Force Col. George L. Chapman assumed deputy commander duties for the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing respectively.
Jensen most recently served as Chief of the Bomber Requirements Division at Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters. In this role, he supported nuclear weapon system and strategic force modernization across bomber platforms, enabling AFGSC to provide combat-ready forces to combatant commanders for strategic nuclear, global strike, and deterrence operations.
Chapman previously served as Chief of the Nuclear Force Development Division and as the nuclear and missile operations career field manager at Air Force headquarters. He is a master nuclear and missile operations officer with more than 5,560 hours of nuclear alert duty.
With Minot AFB being the only dual-wing nuclear capable base in the Air Force, it plays a significant and unique role in the AFGSC mission. As deputy commanders, Jensen and Chapman agree that executing this mission requires a high level of synchronization between their respective wings.
“We support two missions that carry vital strategic impact,” said Jensen. “We have to communicate together, think together, and work through any challenges together.”
“Having a solid partnership and being a team player allows us to work well together,” said Chapman. “The relationship between the 5th BW and 91st MW is crucial to accomplishing the mission.”
Jensen is no stranger to Minot AFB, having been stationed here twice previously. Chapman, however, will be serving here for the first time. Both say they are looking forward to what lies ahead and are excited to be a part of Team Minot.
“The sense of community and teamwork here is unmatched, and that excites me,” said Jensen. “It’s very impressive the way Airmen and their families come together day in and day out to execute the mission here.”
“Retired veterans often talk about how important the people to their left and right were, and it’s places like Minot AFB where those meaningful bonds are forged,” said Chapman.
In addition to supporting Minot AFB’s mission of global strike and nuclear deterrence, Jensen and Chapman say they look forward to investing in and identifying ways to benefit the careers of Team Minot’s Airmen.
“A big priority of mine is focusing on the Airmen and their families, and seeing what can be done to help their growth and development as they serve here at Minot AFB,” said Jensen.
Chapman added, “As the saying goes, ‘Only the best come North,’ and it’s about the people. Caring for Airmen and their families is very important to us.”