The mission of Team Minot:

5th Bomb Wing Mission: Known by its nickname, the Warbirds, the 5th Bomb Wing and its fleet of B-52H Stratofortress bombers serve as part of the Air Force's conventional and strategic combat force as AEF warriors. The men and women of the wing are capable of flying anywhere around the world and delivering a wide range of precision-guided bombs and munitions. Excellence is the daily standard and is echoed by its motto, "Guardians of the Upper Realm."

91st Missile Wing Mission: As one of the Air Force's three operational intercontinental ballistic missile units, the 91st Missile Wing, whose members are known as the Rough Riders, are responsible for strategic deterrence by operating, maintaining and securing a fleet of 150 Minuteman III missiles located in underground launch facilities positioned in a 8,500 square mile missile complex located in the northwest part of the state.

In the early 1950s, as the Cold War was warming up, military leaders feared a possible threat of a northern attack by enemy bombers. The city of Minot, North Dakota, sold the Air Force on becoming a site for a new base in 1954; the groundbreaking took place July 12, 1955, and construction started shortly after. The base started out as a Air Defense Command Base and the first unit was the 32nd Fighter Group, activated on Feb. 7, 1957.

Minot Air Force Base

• 5,494 active duty
• 14,624 Total Base Population

Minot

• Approximately 48,377

Minot Metro Area: 77,546

The base is located in Ward County, 13 miles north of Minot, North Dakota and only 50 miles from the Canadian border. The base is an integral part of all the local communities. The people are friendly, helpful, and honestly glad to have you here. Known as the home of Team Minot, the name emphasizes the great working relationship the base has with the community. Minot is surrounded by military-friendly towns. The base operator's phone number is 701-723-1110, or DSN 312-453-1110.

For those traveling by air, you will be landing at the Minot International Airport on the city's northern edge. If your sponsor is not meeting you at the airport, there are a couple of taxi companies that will take you to base: Central Cab Company, 701-852-8000; Taxi-9000, 701-852-9000. Remember to claim the taxi fee on your travel voucher.

Driving Directions

If driving, follow US Highway 83 north through the city of Minot, the highway is called "Broadway" in the city limits. Coming from the South you will pass the town of Ruthville, about two miles south of the base. The first gate is the south gate, but don't stop there. A mile further is the main gate and the base's Visitor Control Center, your first stop.

Navigating around Minot is made easy with the city divided into four quadrants; Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. Most of the roads are numbered with streets running North and South and Avenues running East and West.

Traveling by Bus or Train

For those traveling by train, you will be arriving at the train station in the center of the city. If your sponsor is not meeting you at the train station; there are a couple of taxi companies that will take you to base: Central Cab Company, 701-852-8000; Taxi-9000, 701-852-9000. Remember to claim the taxi fee on your travel voucher. Minot does not have a commercial bus service.

The Base Taxi is available for "Official" business. You can make arrangements for the Base Taxi by calling 701-723-3121.

Free transportation is provided year round to students living on base and attending downtown public schools. Bus Service is also provided to the on-base schools from November through March. Specific dates will be published yearly.

701-723-1110, or DSN 312-453-1110