Minot AFB continues nuclear modernization with Detachment 12 activation

U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, (left) prepares to present to Lt. Col. Nicholas Conover, Site Activation Task Force Detachment 12 commander, (middle) the Detachment 12 guidon at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 21, 2025. SATAF detachments are tasked with laying the groundwork for Sentinel support operations by overseeing and coordinating transition and deployment activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot AFB continues nuclear modernization with Detachment 12 activation

U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, (left) presents the Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) Detachment 12 guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Conover, SATAF Detachment 12 commander, for the detachment’s activation ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 21, 2025. The activation of SATAF Det. 12 marks an important step in preparing the base’s infrastructure to support the employment of the next-generation Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot AFB continues nuclear modernization with Detachment 12 activation

Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Barron, Air Force Global Strike Command strategic deterrence and nuclear integration member, unwraps the new Detachment guidon at the Site Activation Task Force for Detachment 12. SATAF detachments are tasked with laying the groundwork for Sentinel support operations by overseeing and coordinating transition and establishment activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Nottingham)

Minot AFB continues nuclear modernization with Detachment 12 activation

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Conover, Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) Detachment 12 commander, gives a speech on the newly activated SATAF Detachment 12 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 21, 2025. The SATAF Detachments that have been activated are part of a comprehensive modernization program focused on replacing the Minuteman III missiles with new Sentinel missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot AFB continues nuclear modernization with Detachment 12 activation

U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, gives a speech about the importance of the Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) Detachment 12 activation at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 21, 2025. The activation of SATAF Det. 12 marks an important step in preparing the base’s infrastructure to support the establishment of the next-generation Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies)

Minot AFB continues nuclear modernization with Detachment 12 activation

Published May 30, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Wesley Davies
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, activated Sentinel Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) Detachment 12 during a ceremony here, May 21, 2025. The event marked a crucial step in preparing the base’s infrastructure to support the establishment of the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system, which will replace the LGM-35A Minuteman III ICBM system currently stationed across the continental United States.

The Sentinel system is part of a comprehensive modernization program focused on providing a secure land leg of the nation’s nuclear triad for decades to come. All 400+ Minuteman III missiles are slated to be replaced by the new Sentinel missile system. The program will replace all key delivery components with updated technology. Although the missile and launch facilities are being completely rebuilt, the nuclear warheads themselves, which are provided by the Department of Energy, will remain unchanged in number, size, configuration and design.

The activation of Detachment 12 is a vital step toward ensuring Minot’s infrastructure is ready to support the next generation of ICBMs. This activation comes amid ongoing construction and preparation activities at ICBM bases across the country. The U.S. Air Force and its industry partners are continuing to execute the original Sentinel roadmap, including the establishment of SATAF detachments tasked with laying the groundwork for Sentinel support operations by overseeing and coordinating transition and establishment activities.

“The men and women of the 90th, 91st, and 341st Missile Wings rely on us to have a very coherent and disciplined transition plan between the Minuteman III and Sentinel weapon system,” said Bussiere. “This base is the center of gravity in our Air Force and our nation’s defense.”

The ceremony at Minot Air Force Base was not only a formal activation but also a symbol of commitment to strategic readiness and modernization. It highlights the dedication of both military and civilian personnel involved in the program, and the importance of collaboration between Air Force and industry teams.

“I'm extremely excited to be back in the Minot community. As a returning Roughrider, I know firsthand how critical this incredible community is to the strategic strength of Minot AFB,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Conover, SATAF Detachment 12 commander. “The dedication and partnership we share are essential to our success.”

As the Sentinel program progresses, its impact will be seen not only in technological advancements but also in the strengthening of partnerships within local communities such as Minot. The transition from Minuteman III to Sentinel signifies a generational leap in ICBM capabilities, ensuring that the United States’ most responsive leg of the nuclear triad remains safe, secure, reliable and strategically positioned in a rapidly changing global landscape.