Hoeven Meets With General Bussiere to Accelerate Sentinel ICBM Program, Ensure Minot has Upgrades Needed to Operate New Cruise Missile

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MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today met with Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, at Minot Air Force Base as part of his efforts to keep the base’s nuclear modernizations on track. Hoeven stressed the need to ensure Minot has the facilities necessary to house and operate the new weapon systems, including the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile, as soon as they are fully developed. Accordingly, Hoeven urged Bussiere to work with him on:
“There are real, concrete steps we can take to accelerate our nuclear modernization programs, reduce the costs of the Sentinel program and ensure Minot is ready to field these missions as soon as the weapons systems are ready to deploy. Doing so is vital in ensuring our nation can continue to effectively deter the aggressions of our adversaries,” said Hoeven “Today’s meeting with General Bussiere is making sure key officials are on the same page and working with us on building the new missile facilities at the three ICBM bases and getting a plan in place to upgrade Minot’s facilities for the new cruise missile. We had a productive discussion, and I will continue working to move the ball forward on these important priorities.”

As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has been working to:
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