91 MW Command Team visits Capitol Hill

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Yazmin Garcia Smith
  • 742nd Missile Squadron
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Lawmakers received an update on the missile mission and Global Strike concerns last week, courtesy of the 91st Missile Wing command team.

Col. Colin Connor, 91st Missile Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. John Burks, 91st Missile Wing command chief, recently conducted visits with North Dakota Senators and Congressman as part of the Commander's Capitol Hill Visit Program. The initiative’s primary focus is building open lines of communication, allowing commanders to address issues affecting the Airmen and units directly with state legislators.

“Hearing from leaders like Col. Connor about the outstanding work our Airmen perform in Minot helps me advocate for the base and its nuclear missions in the U.S. Senate,” said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp. “These missions are critical for North Dakota and for our national security. It was a pleasure to host Col. Connor and get insight about what I can do to fight for the base, and I look forward to working with him down the road as we push to secure updated helicopters, modernized missiles and other resources for Minot.”

Included topics of discussion were local and base housing cost and availability, UH-1 Helicopter replacement, needed updates to the Combat Arms Training and Marksmanship range, and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile modernization, in addition to progress under the Force Improvement Program. Senators John Hoeven (R) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-NPL) as well as Representative Kevin Cramer (R), each praised Minot Airmen, noting several times they consider the 91st MW to be “Their Airmen,”, and expressed deep pride in the Wing’s nuclear deterrence mission.

"After meeting Col. Connor in Washington, it is clear we share the same commitment to a strong nuclear deterrence," said Congressman Kevin Cramer. "We agree Minot Air Force Base has a vital role ensuring our nation's nuclear force remains flexible, functional and responsive. I believe the cost of maintaining this important force is far less than the price tag of rebuilding it, should it become necessary. Other countries are engaged in maintaining, expanding and modernizing their nuclear programs. And, while some argue the U.S. taxpayer is funding the maintenance of weapons never used, I believe the U.S. taxpayer is funding the maintenance of hundreds of ICBMs being used every day, successfully deterring our enemies from launching their own nuclear weapons."

Connor took time to thank each legislator for their support and highlighted the close ties between the base and local community. He also extended invitations for each to visit in hopes of increasing their understanding of the Wing’s quickly evolving area of responsibility.

The 91 MW visit came at a crucial time, with the recent passing of the National Defense Authorization Act bills through both the House and the Senate. Legislators will now meet in conference to bring the two bills together in order to make a decision on how to fund the President’s Department of Defense budget request.