Minot honored as 'Greater Defense Community'; Air Force commanders brief council on readiness and community ties
December 02, 2025 | Minot, Ward County, North Dakota
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Minot received the Association of Defense Communities’ Greater Defense Community Award, and city leaders on Dec. 1 viewed a video highlighting local projects that support Minot Air Force Base and military families.
At the council meeting, Col. Jesse Lammeran, the fifth Bomb Wing commander, and Col. Jimmy Schlebaugh, the 90th Missile Wing commander, described the relationship between the base and the city. Lammeran said the base is “the air leg of the nuclear triad” and thanked the community for support that helps maintain readiness. He noted recent investments, like an indoor sports shelter dubbed “the Bubble,” which he said enhances airmen quality of life.
Schlebaugh emphasized continuous missile alert operations and modernization activities. He highlighted a recent successful nuclear surety inspection and the Omaha Trophy recognition for the missile wing, saying the results “ensure that the American people can trust that the most powerful weapons ever designed are in good hands.”
City leaders and base commanders also described joint infrastructure work, including federal and DOD-supported flood projects and community programs that, officials said, help both the installation and local residents. Lammeran told the council the base, its personnel and families represent about 12,000 people and estimated the 2025 economic impact of the installation at “more than $650,000,000.”
Why it matters: Minot’s economy and public life are closely linked to the base; council and staff cited the award as recognition of community support that officials say underpins military readiness and local economic activity. The presentation concluded with council thanks and a scheduled early‑January joint meeting planning note between city and Ward County leaders.
What’s next: Council accepted the presentation and will proceed with regular business; city and base leaders plan continuing community engagement and follow‑up on shared infrastructure projects.
At the council meeting, Col. Jesse Lammeran, the fifth Bomb Wing commander, and Col. Jimmy Schlebaugh, the 90th Missile Wing commander, described the relationship between the base and the city. Lammeran said the base is “the air leg of the nuclear triad” and thanked the community for support that helps maintain readiness. He noted recent investments, like an indoor sports shelter dubbed “the Bubble,” which he said enhances airmen quality of life.
Schlebaugh emphasized continuous missile alert operations and modernization activities. He highlighted a recent successful nuclear surety inspection and the Omaha Trophy recognition for the missile wing, saying the results “ensure that the American people can trust that the most powerful weapons ever designed are in good hands.”
City leaders and base commanders also described joint infrastructure work, including federal and DOD-supported flood projects and community programs that, officials said, help both the installation and local residents. Lammeran told the council the base, its personnel and families represent about 12,000 people and estimated the 2025 economic impact of the installation at “more than $650,000,000.”
Why it matters: Minot’s economy and public life are closely linked to the base; council and staff cited the award as recognition of community support that officials say underpins military readiness and local economic activity. The presentation concluded with council thanks and a scheduled early‑January joint meeting planning note between city and Ward County leaders.
What’s next: Council accepted the presentation and will proceed with regular business; city and base leaders plan continuing community engagement and follow‑up on shared infrastructure projects.
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