releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=008AFB30-FC4F-43FB-AA60-3EF7C7E33043
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=008AFB30-FC4F-43FB-AA60-3EF7C7E33043 | Heitkamp Travels to Asia-Pacific to Review U.S. Missile Defense Capabilities, Improve National Security | 2016-10-21 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she participated in an official U.S. Senate fact-finding trip examining the nation’s missile defense capabilities in deterring rising nuclear and ballistic missile threats from North Korea. Along with members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, Heitkamp – a strong supporter of the nuclear mission in Minot and Global Hawks in Grand Forks – traveled for 10 days through Alaska, South Korea, Japan, Guam, and Hawaii. Heitkamp got a firsthand view of active defense systems being used to address and deter threats from potential adversaries, and worked to strengthen bonds with leaders and government officials of allied countries that help keep our nation secure. "Building a secure nation for tomorrow begins with the bonds and the defense capabilities we cement today,” said Heitkamp. “It’s no secret that the United States faces growing nuclear threats from known adversaries like North Korea, and in North Dakota we understand the importance of maintaining and strengthening our country’s nuclear deterrence and surveillance capabilities. This past week and a half, I joined my colleagues on a fact-finding mission to the Asia-Pacific to see our military’s missile defense systems at work, including operations using Global Hawks from Grand Forks and opportunities where B-52s from Minot could be deployed. The trip also aimed to fortify relationships with our allies, who are needed partners in our national security efforts overseas. I’ll keep working to reinforce our country’s commitment to robust missile defense in North Dakota and abroad.” During the 10-day tour, Heitkamp examined missile defense in Alaska, which included its Artic mission and ground-based interceptors that can help destroy missiles before they reach U.S. soil. Heitkamp also saw firsthand the strong missile defense cooperation our nation has with Japan, as well as the Patriot batteries that help defend U.S. troops and military assets on the Korean Peninsula. She learned about the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) mission that defends critical deterrence assets and surveillance capabilities in Guam, which included Global Hawks from Grand Forks. And in Hawaii, Heitkamp examined sea-based interceptors and radars that detect and deflect nuclear and ballistic threats. A cofounder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has long worked to reinforce the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base, the Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base, and efforts to position Grand Forks to play a significant role in Artic missions in the future. Heitkamp’s support includes efforts to promote: Nuclear Mission in Minot: After calling on U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to clarify his department’s commitment to nuclear modernization efforts, Heitkamp helped host Carter for his first visit to Minot Air Force Base where he reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the base’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range strike bombers. Heitkamp has also pressed top leaders for and helped secure key investments to modernize and bolster Minot’s nuclear mission. In August Heitkamp announced that – as she had long called for – the U.S. Air Force hit key milestones in modernizing Minot’s ICBMs and developing the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) cruise missile for Minot’s B-52 long-range strike bombers. The Global Hawk Mission: In February, Heitkamp spoke with General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, who oversees the remotely-piloted Global Hawk missions, before he visited the base to stress that Grand Forks is ideal for Global Hawk and other missions. The 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base flies combat support missions as well as training and sensor operating missions. In June, Heitkamp invited General Lori Robinson, who oversees the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base to see for herself the base’s innovation in remotely piloted aircraft operations and training. Arctic Missions: Heitkamp successfully amended the defense authorization bill Congress passed last year to improve the military’s Arctic strategy and make Grand Forks attractive for future Arctic missions. The bill requires DOD to submit a report on protecting national security in the Arctic region. Heitkamp’s amendment strengthens the report and positions Grand Forks to play a significant role in Arctic missions. Heitkamp invited General Robinson in June to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base to see its potential for Arctic missions. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |