Armstrong Says New North Dakota Air National Guard Detachment to Support B-52 Operations

(U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis via the North Dakota Monitor)

(KNOX) – Governor Kelly Armstrong  said that military leaders have agreed to establish a second North Dakota Air National Guard detachment to support operations at Minot Air Force Base.

The B-52 Operational Classic Association detachment was approved by U.S. Air Force Headquarters.

Currently, the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219^th Security Forces Squadron works jointly with active-duty Air Force personnel to provide security for the missile field complex at Minot Air Force Base. The new detachment involving the Air Force’s 5^th Bomb Wing and Air National Guard’s 119^th Wing will augment portions of the B-52 mission at the base, with a proposed total of approximately 40 personnel by Oct. 1, 2026. Global Strike Command also will develop plans for future expansion of the detachment beyond operations and maintenance.

“Minot Air Force Base and the North Dakota Air National Guard are always exceeding the standard and setting new expectations of what it means to serve in our military,” Armstrong said. “The military in North Dakota continues to play a critical role in our national security, ensuring peace through strength, and this new detachment reinforces that role.”