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[[Image:Minot Air Force Base with B-52.jpg|thumb|right|A B-52 with the 5th Bomb Wing taxis past the Minot AFB [[control tower]]]]Minot Air Force Base is home to two major units:
[[Image:Minot Air Force Base with B-52.jpg|thumb|right|A B-52 with the 5th Bomb Wing taxis past the Minot AFB [[control tower]]]]
'''Minot Air Force Base''' ('''Minot AFB''') {{airport codes|MIB|KMIB}} is a [[Air Force Base|base]] of the [[United States Air Force]] in [[Ward County, North Dakota|Ward County]], [[North Dakota]], 15 km (8 mi) north of the city of [[Minot, North Dakota|Minot]], headquarters of the [[5th Bomb Wing]] and [[91st Space Wing]]. In the [[2000]] census, the base was counted as a [[census-designated place|CDP]] with a total population of 7,599.
'''Minot Air Force Base''' ('''Minot AFB''') {{airport codes|MIB|KMIB}} is a [[Air Force Base|base]] of the [[United States Air Force]] in [[Ward County, North Dakota|Ward County]], [[North Dakota]], 15 km (8 mi) north of the city of [[Minot, North Dakota|Minot]]. In the [[2000]] census, the base was counted as a [[census-designated place|CDP]] with a total population of 7,599.

It is the home of two major Air Force Wings. The [[Air Combat Command]] (ACC) [[5th Bomb Wing]], and the [[Air Force Space Command]] (AFSC) [[91st Space Wing]].


==Units==
==Units==
===The 5th Bomb Wing===
===The 5th Bomb Wing===
The [[5th Bomb Wing]] is the host unit at Minot AFB; its commander is the base commander, and the unit is responsible for all base services, such as housing, the library, the Officer's Club, etc. The primary mission of the 5th Bomb Wing is to maintain and operate [[B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H Stratofortress]] bombers assigned to the [[23d Bomb Squadron]]. Minot AFB is one of two bases with B-52s; the other is [[Barksdale Air Force Base]] in Louisiana.
The [[5th Bomb Wing]] is the host unit at Minot AFB; its commander is the base commander, and the unit is responsible for all base services, such as housing, the library, the Officer's Club, etc. The primary mission of the 5th Bomb Wing is to maintain and operate [[B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H Stratofortress]] bombers assigned to the [[23d Bomb Squadron]]. Minot AFB is one of two bases with B-52s; the other is [[Barksdale Air Force Base]] in Louisiana.

The 5th Bomb Wing consists of the following groups:

* '''5th Operations Group'''<BR>The 5th Operations Group is the backbone of the 5th Bomb Wing, providing the aircrews who fly the wing's B-52H Stratofortress aircraft. The 5th OG is comprised of the 23rd Bomb Squadron and the 5th Operations Support Squadron.

* '''5th Mission Support Group'''<BR>The 5th MSG consist of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, 5th Communications Squadron, 5th Force Support Squadron and 5th Security Forces Squadron, 5th Contracting Squadron and 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

* '''5th Maintenance Group'''<BR>The 5th Maintenance Group supports the dynamic operations of both the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Space Wing. It provides on- and off-equipment maintenance on B-52H Stratofortresses, and special support on Minuteman III missiles and UH-1N helicopters. The group also provides munitions, aircraft maintenance and maintenance operations support. Squadrons assigned to the 5th MG are the 5th Munitions Squadron, 5th Maintenance Squadron, 5th Maintenance Ops Squadron and 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

* '''5th Medical Group'''<BR>The 5th Medical Group offers outpatient services including family practice, dental, pediatrics, internal medicine, aerospace medicine, physical therapy, optometry and Women’s Health Care. The group consists of the 5th Medical Operations Squadron and 5th Medical Support Squadron.


Whilst the policy is to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons <ref>
Whilst the policy is to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons <ref>
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===The 91st Space Wing===
===The 91st Space Wing===
The [[91st Space Wing]] is responsible for maintaining the [[Minuteman missile|Minuteman III]] [[Nuclear weapon|nuclear]] [[missile]]s located in three main fields across [[North Dakota]]. Operational squadrons attached to the 91st SW are the [[740th Missile Squadron]] ("Vulgar Vultures"), [[741st Missile Squadron]] ("Gravelhaulers"), and the [[742d Missile Squadron]] ("Wolf Pack"). The [[91st Security Forces Group]], assigned to the 91st, provide security to the surrounding missile fields. The 91st Security Forces Group consists of the 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron, the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron, and the 91st Security Support Squadron(SSPTS)
The [[91st Space Wing]] is responsible for maintaining the [[Minuteman missile|Minuteman III]] [[Nuclear weapon|nuclear]] [[missile]]s located in three main fields across [[North Dakota]]. Operational the are

* '''91st Operations Group'''<BR>The 91st Operations Group is the operational backbone of the 91st Space Wing, with its mission to defend the United States with safe and secure Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) -- ready to immediately put bombs on target. Through its five squadrons, the group remains a key facet of our nation’s deterrent force.<P> The five squadrons assigned to the group are the:
** [[740th Missile Squadron]] ("Vulgar Vultures")
** [[741st Missile Squadron]] ("Gravelhaulers")
** [[742d Missile Squadron]] ("Wolf Pack")
** 91st Operations Support Squadron
** 54th Helicopter Squadron
* '''91st Maintenance Group'''<BR>The 91st Maintenance Group is the maintenance backbone of the 91st Space Wing. The group was originally activated as the 91st Maintenance and Supply Group on November 10, 1948. Today, the group is responsible for providing maintenance and logistics support for the wing’s ICBM fleet.<P>The two squadrons assigned to the group are:
** 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron
** 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron

* '''91st Security Forces Group'''<BR>The 91st Security Forces Group provides command and control for three squadrons -- the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron and 91st Security Support Squadron -- for the active defense of assets vital to national security.


==Geography==
==Geography==

Revision as of 12:56, 12 October 2007

Minot Air Force Base
Summary
Airport typeMilitary
OperatorUS Air Force
LocationMinot, North Dakota
Elevation AMSL1,668 ft / 508.4 m
Coordinates48°24′55.8″N 101°21′27.6″W / 48.415500°N 101.357667°W / 48.415500; -101.357667
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
11/29 13,197 4,022 Concrete
A B-52 with the 5th Bomb Wing taxis past the Minot AFB control tower

Minot Air Force Base (Minot AFB) (IATA: MIB, ICAO: KMIB) is a base of the United States Air Force in Ward County, North Dakota, 15 km (8 mi) north of the city of Minot. In the 2000 census, the base was counted as a CDP with a total population of 7,599.

It is the home of two major Air Force Wings. The Air Combat Command (ACC) 5th Bomb Wing, and the Air Force Space Command (AFSC) 91st Space Wing.

Units

The 5th Bomb Wing

The 5th Bomb Wing (ACC) is the host unit at Minot AFB; its commander is the base commander, and the unit is responsible for all base services, such as housing, the library, the Officer's Club, etc. The primary mission of the 5th Bomb Wing is to maintain and operate B-52H Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 23d Bomb Squadron. Minot AFB is one of two bases with B-52s; the other is Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.

The 5th Bomb Wing consists of the following groups:

  • 5th Operations Group
    The 5th Operations Group is the backbone of the 5th Bomb Wing, providing the aircrews who fly the wing's B-52H Stratofortress aircraft. The 5th OG is comprised of the 23rd Bomb Squadron and the 5th Operations Support Squadron.
  • 5th Mission Support Group
    The 5th MSG consist of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, 5th Communications Squadron, 5th Force Support Squadron and 5th Security Forces Squadron, 5th Contracting Squadron and 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
  • 5th Maintenance Group
    The 5th Maintenance Group supports the dynamic operations of both the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Space Wing. It provides on- and off-equipment maintenance on B-52H Stratofortresses, and special support on Minuteman III missiles and UH-1N helicopters. The group also provides munitions, aircraft maintenance and maintenance operations support. Squadrons assigned to the 5th MG are the 5th Munitions Squadron, 5th Maintenance Squadron, 5th Maintenance Ops Squadron and 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
  • 5th Medical Group
    The 5th Medical Group offers outpatient services including family practice, dental, pediatrics, internal medicine, aerospace medicine, physical therapy, optometry and Women’s Health Care. The group consists of the 5th Medical Operations Squadron and 5th Medical Support Squadron.

Whilst the policy is to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons [1] there have been statements made to the press by the Air Force acknowledging the presence of nuclear weapons on the base, including the W80-1 warhead. [2]

The 91st Space Wing

The 91st Space Wing (AFSC) is responsible for maintaining the Minuteman III nuclear missiles located in three main fields across North Dakota. Operational groups of the wing are:

  • 91st Operations Group
    The 91st Operations Group is the operational backbone of the 91st Space Wing, with its mission to defend the United States with safe and secure Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) -- ready to immediately put bombs on target. Through its five squadrons, the group remains a key facet of our nation’s deterrent force.

    The five squadrons assigned to the group are the:

  • 91st Maintenance Group
    The 91st Maintenance Group is the maintenance backbone of the 91st Space Wing. The group was originally activated as the 91st Maintenance and Supply Group on November 10, 1948. Today, the group is responsible for providing maintenance and logistics support for the wing’s ICBM fleet.

    The two squadrons assigned to the group are:

    • 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron
    • 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron
  • 91st Security Forces Group
    The 91st Security Forces Group provides command and control for three squadrons -- the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron and 91st Security Support Squadron -- for the active defense of assets vital to national security.

Geography

Minot AFB is located at 48°24′59″N 101°19′39″W / 48.41639°N 101.32750°W / 48.41639; -101.327501.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Minot AFB CDP has a total area of 19.7 km² (7.6 mi²). 18.7 km² (7.2 mi²) of it is land and 1.0 km² (0.4 mi²) of it (5.01%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census2 of 2000, there were 7,599 people, 2,112 households, and 1,943 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 406.9/km² (1,053.9/mi²). There were 2,441 housing units at an average density of 130.7/km² (338.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 79.14% White, 10.23% African American, 0.70% Native American, 2.84% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 2.80% from other races, and 4.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.17% of the population.

There were 2,112 households out of which 68.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 86.5% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 8.0% were non-families. 6.6% of all households were made up of individuals and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.25 and the average family size was 3.40.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 36.3% under the age of 18, 24.0% from 18 to 24, 38.1% from 25 to 44, 1.5% from 45 to 64, and 0.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females there were 120.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $32,255, and the median income for a family was $32,306. Males had a median income of $22,458 versus $16,659 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,629. About 5.0% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.


History

Construction of Minot Air Force Base initiated on 19 May 1956, and the base officially opened on 10 January 1957.

Air Defense Command Use

The initial USAF host unit was the Air Defense Command (ADC) 32d Air Base Group, activating on 8 Feburary 1957.

The ADC 32d Fighter Group was the first operational unit at Minot, with it's 433d Fighter-Interceptor squadron. However, no aircraft were assigned to the unit, and January 1958 the 433d FIS was inactivated. It was replaced in Feburary 1960 by the 5th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (The Spittin Kittens) was transferred to Minot from Suffolk County Airport, N.Y The 5th FIS flew the Convair F-106 Delta Dagger. .

ADC F-106 operations continued at Minot until the command was deactivated in 1979.

A Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) facility was built and activated in June 1961. SAGE was housed in a huge, windowless blast-resistant concrete building with a pair of 275-ton computers. The computers processed air surveillance information and sent the data to Air Defense Command units. While the SAGE network operated until 1983, the Minot AFB website says the Minot SAGE facility was deactivated after less than two years of operation, in May 1963. The facility was then renamed the PRIDE Building ("Professional results in daily effort") and became a large office building (four stories including the basement) housing many different organizations.

Strategic Air Command Use

Strategic Air Command had units assigned to Minot AFB in 1958 for air refueling support. Under the 4136th Strategic Wing, the first SAC KC-135A Stratotanker, nicknamed "Miss Minot," arrived September 23, 1959 and remained on base until the 906th Air Refueling Squadron (Tail Flash - "The Sun Never Sets on the 906th")was relocated to Grand Forks AFB, ND in January of 1994.

The scope of operations grew as the Air Force assigned bombers to Minot in 1961 by the activation of the 525th Bombardment Suadron, being equipped with the new Boeing B-52H Stratofortress. Demonstrating the capabilities of the B-52 bomber, on 10-11 January 1962, a B-52H from the 4136th Strategic Wing at Minot set a new distance in a straight line world record, flying unrefuelled 12,532 miles from Kadena AB, Okinawa to Torrejon AB, Spain. SAC increased it's B-52 presence in Feburary 1963 with it's activation of the 720th Bomb Squadron and the formation of the 450th Bombardment Wing simultaneously.

In 1961, the Air Force selected the land around Minot for a new Minuteman I ICBM complex. The 455th Strategic Missile Wing [ICBM-Minuteman] was activated in July 1962. The 740th and 741st Strategic Missile Squadron operationally controlled the ICBMs. In January 1963, the 743d Strategic Missle Squadron was activated with a third squadron of Minuteman ICBMS. During the 1970s the 150 missile sites around the region (10-70 miles from the base) were converted to Minuteman IIIs; a model of the older Minuteman I stands at the main gate.

Command of Minot AFB passed from Air Defense Command to Strategic Air Command on 1 July 1962 as the base's mission changed. The new host unit became the SAC 810th Air Division (AD).

In July 1968, the 4316th SW, 450th BW and 455th SMW were inactivated, being replaced by the 5th Bombardment Wing from Travis AFB, California when jurisdiction of travis Travis was assumed by the Military Air Transport Service and the 91st Strategic Missle Wing from Glasgow AFB, Montana, when Glasgow was closed. These changes were in line with the Air Force policy of keeping active those units with the most illustrious histories. The 23d Bomb Squadron assumed operational control of all B-52 aircraft for the 5th BW.

The 862d AD was deactivated on 31 July 1972, with host unit duties being taken over by the 5th BW.

In June 1992, the newly formed Air Combat Command took over the Eighth Air Force, and through it, the 5th Bomb Wing and host command of Minot Air Force Base.

On August 30th, 2007 a B-52 bomber accidentally took off with 6 nuclear warheads.

References

  1. ^ http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cold.war/experience/the.bomb/broken.arrows/intro.html
  2. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6980204.stm
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