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Minot AFB celebrates 50th Anniversary

by Senior Airman Danny Monahan

Base officials here celebrated Jan. 10 Minot's 50th anniversary of becoming an official entity of the U.S. Air Force.

Though the groundbreaking ceremony took place July 12, 1955, and the first unit, the 32nd Fighter Group, wasn't activated until Feb. 7, 1957, Jan. 10 holds just as much significance in Minot Air Force Base history.

"There are several dates that could be considered the 50th anniversary of the base, but January 10 is significant as the anniversary of when the Air Force took beneficial occupancy of the base," said Master Sgt. Robert Michel, 5th Bomb Wing historian. "Until that day, the base commander was housed in the Minot Chamber of Commerce building."

The base was founded in the early 1950s to combat the threat of a northern attack by enemy bombers. Air Force leaders began looking for possible sites for air bases in the northern U.S., and Minot was chosen as one of them.

"Minot was constructed during the buildup of several other installations in the 1950s to counter the Soviet threat," said Sergeant Michel. "Since that time, many of the bases built then have closed, but Minot remains as strong as ever."

The base, which started out as an Air Defense Command base, has evolved considerably over the last 50 years.

"Minot has seen several changes throughout the years," Sergeant Michel said. "Jets from the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron have come and gone, as well as KC-135 Stratotankers and Minuteman I missiles. But for more than 40 of the base's 50 years, Team Minot's missions of bombers and missiles have shown the continuing importance of Minot Air Force Base to the defense of our nation."

For some, Minot's 50th birthday marks a significant tradition.

"I hope it's here for at least another 50 years. I have always felt this is a great place for the Air Force to have a missile and bomber presence," said retired Tech. Sgt. Tom Levesque, who served here from 1979 to 1989 and ended his career as a 741st Missile Squadron facility manager.

"Minot Air Force Base has gone through many changes in half a century," said Col. Eldon Woodie, the 5th Bomb Wing commander, "but one thing remains the same: Our Airmen have kept this base going for 50 years because 'Only the Best Come North.'"

Source: U.S. Air Force

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