Congressmen visit Minot to meet Airmen, see mission Published Dec. 18, 2013 By Capt. Jeff M. Nagan Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Two members of House Armed Services Committee visited Minot Air Force Base, Dec. 13-15, where they had a firsthand view of the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing missions in supporting two legs of the nuclear triad. As part of their visit, Rep. Mike Rogers, of Alabama, and Rep. Jim Cooper, of Tennessee, toured a missile alert facility prior to seeing the B-52H Stratofortress, granting them insight not only of the mission but also of the Airmen who support it. "This is the only base in the world where you have two legs of the triad," said Cooper. "It's a very important place for America and for the world. We are proud to be here." The Strategic Forces Subcommittee oversees America's strategic weapons, ballistic missile defense, space programs and Department of Energy national security programs. Rogers is the chairman of the subcommittee, while Cooper is the ranking democrat on the subcommittee. "This is a great base, and it's essential to American security," said Cooper. "We are proud to visit, and I hope that everybody on the Armed Services Committee can come see how important Minot, North Dakota is." Despite sub-zero temperatures in the winter, Airmen here illustrate dedication and commitment to the mission few understand but should appreciate, said Rogers. Beyond the mission, meeting with Airmen was the high point of their visit. "These are extremely impressive men and women in uniform, whether at the bottom of a missile silo or working with very dangerous weapons or doing other highly technical and vitally important work," said Cooper. "This is an amazing group of people from all over America."