Air Force Nuclear Oversight Board Convenes at Minot

Air Force senior leadership gathered yesterday at Minot AFB for the quarterly meeting of the Nuclear Oversight Board (NOB) established by former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in November, days before announcing his resignation, according to a Minot press release. While the board usually convenes in Washington, members met at Minot this time to get a “first-hand perspective” of the nuclear enterprise, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said in a statement. NOB members include James, as well as the Air Force’s Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, and Global Strike Command chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson. Airmen told the NOB team the Force Improvement Program has had a “huge impact” since it was established a year ago, and added they recently received new gear for defenders, deep cleaning for missile alert facilities, and an increase in base personnel, according to the release.

 

"The Airmen at Minot have the unique challenge of performing both the ICBM and strategic bomber missions in an austere, demanding environment," Wilson said in a statement. "Hosting the Nuclear Oversight Board at Minot provided an excellent opportunity for the Air Force’s senior leaders to experience the nuclear mission first-hand and see how the ongoing changes to the nuclear enterprise have improved both Airmen’s ability to do the mission and quality of life for them and their families."