Air Force Leaders Visit Minot AFB for Sentinel Upgrade

Gen. Dale R. White assesses progress on the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system

Mar. 25, 2026 at 9:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gen. Dale R. White, Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems, visited Minot Air Force Base on March 19-20 to assess mission requirements and ongoing preparations supporting the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system modernization efforts. The visit focused on ensuring alignment between program development and operational execution as the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III system to the LGM-35A Sentinel.

Why it matters

The Sentinel program is a critical part of the nation's nuclear triad and will replace the aging Minuteman III infrastructure with a modernized, flexible weapons system. This visit underscores the importance of the ICBM force in strategic deterrence and the need for deliberate planning and sustained investment to ensure the system is ready for Airmen to operate.

The details

During the visit, White met with Airmen and leaders across the installation to better understand operational considerations, infrastructure requirements, and the phased approach to transition. At Minot AFB, Sentinel Site Activation Task Force Detachment 12 is leading efforts to prepare for the system's arrival, including managing early planning, deactivation sequencing, and construction integration. The Air Force continues to advance the Sentinel program through ongoing missile development and testing, supply chain stabilization, and refinement of a modular, repeatable construction approach designed to improve efficiency and cost predictability at scale.

  • Gen. Dale R. White visited Minot Air Force Base on March 19-20, 2026.
  • The Sentinel program is expected to reach initial capability in the early 2030s.

The players

Gen. Dale R. White

Department of War direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems.

Col. James L. Schlabach

91st Missile Wing commander at Minot Air Force Base.

Sentinel Site Activation Task Force Detachment 12

The team at Minot AFB leading efforts to prepare for the Sentinel system's arrival.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Sentinel program is foundational to our nation's security, which is why these engagements with our operational Airmen are so critical. It's my responsibility to ensure the capability we deliver is not only modern, but executable, sustainable, and aligned to the realities of their mission. My ultimate accountability is to the warfighters operating this mission around the clock; they deserve a weapon system that honors their unwavering commitment to our nuclear deterrent.”

— Gen. Dale R. White

“The transition to Sentinel is a once-in-a-generation effort that requires close coordination between our Airmen, industry partners, and program leadership. Our team is focused on conducting precision operations for Minuteman III as long as it's needed, while ensuring we are ready to execute the transition to Sentinel.”

— Col. James L. Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander

“This is about delivering credible deterrence on a predictable cost and schedule. We are applying lessons learned early, reducing risk where we can, and ensuring the system we field is ready for Airmen to operate on day one.”

— Gen. Dale R. White

What’s next

The Air Force continues to advance the Sentinel program through ongoing missile development and testing, supply chain stabilization, and refinement of a modular, repeatable construction approach designed to improve efficiency and cost predictability at scale.

The takeaway

The Sentinel program is a critical modernization effort for the nation's nuclear triad, requiring close coordination between Airmen, industry partners, and program leadership to ensure the new system is ready for operations and delivers credible deterrence on a predictable schedule.