Happy birthday Minot AFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danny Monahan
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Though the ground-breaking ceremony took place July 12, 1955, and the first unit, the 32d Fighter Group, wasn't activated until Feb. 7, 1957, Jan. 10 holds just as much significance in Minot Air Force Base history.

The day marks the 50th anniversary of the base becoming an official entity of the U.S. Air Force.

"There are several dates that could be considered the 50th anniversary of the base, but Jan.10 is significant as the anniversary of when the Air Force took beneficial occupancy of the base," said Master Sgt. Robert Michel, 5th Bomb Wing historian. "Until that day, the base commander was housed in the Minot Chamber of Commerce building."

The base was founded in the early 1950s to combat the threat of a northern attack by enemy bombers. Air Force leaders began looking for possible sites for air bases in the northern U.S., and Minot was chosen as one of them.

"Minot was constructed during the buildup of several other installations in the 1950's to counter the Soviet threat," said Sergeant Michel. "Since that time, many of the bases built then have closed, but Minot remains as strong as ever."

The base, which started out as an Air Defense Command base, has evolved considerably over the last 50 years.

"Minot has seen several changes throughout the years," Sergeant Michel added. "Jets from the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron have come and gone, as well as KC-135 Stratotankers and Minuteman I missiles. But for more than 40 of the base's 50 years, Team Minot's missions of bombers and missiles have shown the continuing importance of Minot AFB to the defense of our nation."

For some, Minot's 50th birthday came as quite a surprise to some.

"Wow! That's incredible, I had no idea," said (ret.) Tech. Sgt. Tom Levesque, who ended his career as a 741st Missile Squadron facility manager. "I hope it's here for at least another 50 years. I have always felt this is a great place for the Air Force to have a missile and bomber presence."

Mr. Levesque served here from 1979 to 1989 and, like many before and after him, recognized its Team Minot's people who keep the base going.

"Minot AFB has gone through many changes in half a century," said Col. Eldon Woodie, 5th Bomb Wing commander, "but one thing remains the same: our Airmen have kept this base going for 50 years because 'Only the Best Come North.'"