U.S. Air Force Activates Detachment 12 at Minot AFB to Support Next-Gen Sentinel ICBM Program

In a major step toward strengthening America’s nuclear deterrent, the U.S. Air Force officially activated Detachment 12 of the Sentinel Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, on May 21, 2025. The ceremony, led by Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s strategic defense as preparations move ahead for the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system.

The activation of Detachment 12 is a vital part of the larger modernization program for America’s land-based nuclear arsenal. This program will gradually replace the long-serving LGM-30 Minuteman III missiles, which have protected the U.S. since the 1970s. More than 400 Minuteman III missiles currently deployed across various missile fields in the United States will be phased out and replaced with the advanced Sentinel missile system.

About the Sentinel ICBM Program

The Sentinel program is designed to ensure that the land-based leg of America’s nuclear triad remains modern, secure, and capable for the decades ahead. While the nuclear warheads themselves will stay the same in number, size, and configuration — managed by the Department of Energy — the missiles, launch facilities, command systems, and supporting infrastructure are being completely rebuilt.

The Sentinel ICBM, known by its official designation LGM-35A, brings a host of improvements over the Minuteman III. These include enhanced security features, modern propulsion systems, updated guidance technologies, and advanced digital command and control capabilities. It is built with adaptability in mind, making it better suited to respond to future threats in a rapidly changing global environment.

Key Specifications of the Sentinel LGM-35A:

• Missile Type: Land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

• Range: Over 6,000 miles (approximately 9,600 kilometers)

• Stages: Three solid-propellant rocket stages

• Payload: Single nuclear warhead (future configurations may allow for multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles or MIRVs if needed)

• Warhead: Existing stockpile managed by the U.S. Department of Energy

• Launch Method: Silo-based, with updated hardened facilities

• Propulsion: Modernized solid-fuel rocket motors

• Guidance: State-of-the-art inertial and satellite-aided navigation systems

Detachment 12’s Role at Minot AFB

The activation of Detachment 12 is a crucial step in ensuring that Minot’s infrastructure is ready for the arrival and operational deployment of the Sentinel system. The detachment is responsible for overseeing and managing transition efforts, construction projects, and operational preparations as Minot AFB prepares to host the next generation of ICBMs.

The ceremony at Minot was more than a routine activation — it represented a reaffirmation of the U.S. Air Force’s dedication to strategic readiness. It also highlighted the importance of close collaboration between military units, defense industry partners, and local communities like Minot, which have long played a central role in America’s strategic deterrent.

A Legacy of Strategic Strength

During the ceremony, Gen. Bussiere emphasized the importance of a smooth and disciplined transition from the Minuteman III system to Sentinel. He noted that the men and women of the 90th, 91st, and 341st Missile Wings depend on a clear and effective plan to maintain uninterrupted strategic deterrence during the modernization process.

Lt. Col. Nicholas Conover, commander of SATAF Detachment 12, expressed pride in returning to Minot and underscored the vital partnership between the Air Force and the local community. He noted that the success of the Sentinel program would be built on teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to national security.

As the Sentinel program moves forward, its effects will be felt beyond military installations. The program promises not only cutting-edge defense technology but also economic and infrastructural investment in communities surrounding missile bases. Sentinel represents a generational leap in ICBM capabilities, providing a reliable and secure deterrent in an increasingly unpredictable world.

The transition from Minuteman III to Sentinel ensures that the United States’ land-based nuclear forces remain modern, effective, and ready to meet future security challenges — preserving peace through strength for years to come.