91st Missile Wing welcomes new commander at Minot AFB

U.S. Air Force Col. George Chapman, incoming 91st Missile Wing (91st MW) commander, right, passes the 91st MW guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, 20th Air Force commander, left, during a change of command at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 8, 2026. The 91st MW is one of the Air Force's three operational missile units. The 91st MW maintains a fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and its mission is to defend the nation with a combat-ready nuclear force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Benjamin Selchow)

91st Missile Wing welcomes new commander at Minot AFB

U.S. Air Force Col. George Chapman, incoming 91st Missile Wing (91st MW) commander, renders a salute to a formation of 91st MW Airmen during a change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 8, 2026. Chapman was the deputy commander of the 91st MW previously and reflected on the steadfast and lethal force that the 91st MW represents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Benjamin Selchow)

91st Missile Wing welcomes new commander at Minot AFB

U.S. Air Force Col. George Chapman, incoming 91st Missile Wing (91st MW) commander, gives remarks after becoming the 91st MW commander during a change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 8, 2026. Chapman pledged to build on the 91st MW legacy by remaining dedicated to the mission and the people who make it possible. He assured those in attendance that the team will continue to be loyal in service, steadfast in resolve and lethal in combat capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies)

91st Missile Wing welcomes new commander at Minot AFB

U.S. Air Force Col. James Schlabach, outgoing 91st Missile Wing (91st MW) commander, right, receives the 91st MW guidon from U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, 20th Air Force commander, left, assuming command of the 91st MW during a change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 8, 2026. Schlabach reflected on the accomplishments of the 91st MW, praising the Airmen and staff that worked under his command for their dedication and work towards the mission of global deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Benjamin Selchow)

91st Missile Wing welcomes new commander at Minot AFB

U.S. Air Force Col. James Schlabach, outgoing 91st Missile Wing (91st MW) commander, middle, relinquishes command to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, 20th Air Force commander, left, during a change of command at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 8, 2026. Schlabach reflected on the accomplishments of the 91st MW, praising the Airmen and staff that worked under his command for their dedication and work towards the mission of global deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies)

91st Missile Wing welcomes new commander at Minot AFB

Published July 8, 2026
By Senior Airman Wesley Davies
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – U.S. Air Force Col. George Chapman assumed command of the 91st Missile Wing (91st MW) from U.S. Air Force Col. James Schlabach during a change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, July 8, 2026.

Before assuming command of the 91st MW, Chapman served as the deputy commander of 20th Air Force at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, after previously serving as the deputy commander of the 91st MW at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, 20th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and presented the guidon to Chapman. Those in attendance at the ceremony included the families of both commanders, support staff, government officials and the Rough Riders of the 91st MW.

“You’re here doing this mission every day to provide the assurance to enemies that they should pause before action,” said Huser. “To do what you do, you require a motivated and highly effective leader.”

Schlabach reflected on the accomplishments of the 91st MW, praising the Airmen and staff that worked under his command for their dedication and work towards the mission of global deterrence.

“To the men and women of the 91st Missile Wing, my fellow rough riders, thank you,” said Schlabach. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your commander.”

Chapman pledged to build on the 91st MW legacy by remaining dedicated to the mission and the people who make it possible. He assured those in attendance that the team will continue to be loyal in service, steadfast in resolve and lethal in combat capability.

“Freedom requires constant uncompromising vigilance,” said Chapman. “There is no mission more critical to the defense of our nation and our allies and there’s no team I would rather lead into this next chapter than this team.”

The 91st MW is one of the Air Force's three operational missile units. The 91st MW maintains a fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles with the help of the 91st Operations Group, 91st Operations Support Squadron, 91st Security Forces Group, 91st Maintenance Group and the Missile Squadrons. Its mission is to defend the nation with a combat-ready nuclear force.