Minot, North Dakota, home to Minot Air Force Base (MAFB) is one of the three communities recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community.
The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced the three selected communities at the Defense Communities National Summit earlier this month of which Minot was recognized for support of Minot Air Force Base. The two other communities recognized this year are Greater Buckley Region in Colorado for their support of Buckley Space Force Base and Yuma, Arizona for their support of Marine Corps Air Station.
“We’re excited to welcome Minot, North Dakota as a 2025 Great American Defense community,” said ADC President Karen Holt. “We are especially honored to recognize Minot’s unwavering commitment in educating stakeholders on nuclear deterrence and national security.”
The Great American Defense Communities program was launched by ADC in 2016 to recognize and celebrate the communities and regions that support military installations for their exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for military.
“North Dakota is committed to being the most military-friendly state in the nation, and this recognition of Minot as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “The dedicated airmen of the 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing, along with the support personnel from the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron, play a crucial role in safeguarding our nation and are an incredibly important part of the Minot community.”
Minot will be spotlighted by ADC throughout the year with plans for leadership from the association to travel to North Dakota and celebrate with the community this summer. Then Minot will be featured at the ADC Innovation Forum in Monterey, California at the end of October.
“Minot has always been a proud military community, and being named a Great American Defense Community is a testament to the deep connection between the Minot area and Minot Air Force Base. This recognition highlights what we in Minot have always known—our community and the base share an unbreakable bond,” said Ryan Ackerman, MACEDC Board Chair. “We are honored to support them in every way possible.”
“Minot Air Force Base is not just a military installation—it’s a driving force in our community,” expressed Pete Hankla, Task Force 21 Chair. “With a $651 million economic impact, its presence strengthens our local businesses, schools, and workforce, while its mission strengthens our national security. This recognition as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment.”
Communities are chosen through a competitive nomination process based on community building efforts, such as educational and employment opportunities, and support and collaboration with neighboring military installations. In ten years, 50 communities have been selected as Great American Defense Communities across all branches of military. To learn more about ADC, visit defensecommunities.org.
