Senator Heitkamp Overseas

News | October 26th, 2016

By C.S. Hagen

cshagen@hpr1.com

As North Korea closes in on its nuclear capabilities, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp participated in an official U.S. Senate “fact-finding trip” to examine the nation’s missile defense capabilities.

Heitkamp has returned from a 10-day trip through Alaska, South Korea, Japan, Guam, and Hawaii, investigating active defense systems currently in use. She also worked to strengthen ties with national and international government leaders of allied countries, Heitkamp said in a press release.

"Building a secure nation for tomorrow begins with the bonds and the defense capabilities we cement today,” Heitkamp said. “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.”

Heitkamp also saw operations using Global Hawks from Grand Forks where B-52s could be deployed.

“I’ll keep working to reinforce our country’s commitment to robust missile defense in North Dakota and abroad,” Heitkamp said.

As a cofounder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp continues her work to reinforce the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base, the Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base, and hopes to position Grand Forks to play a critical role in future Arctic missions, she said.

In Minot, Heitkamp met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, where he reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the base’s intercontinental ballistic missiles and long-range strike bombers. In Grand Forks, she spoke with General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle who oversees the Global Hawk missions. Last year, Congress passed a plan to improve the military’s Arctic strategy by making Grand Forks a hub for Arctic missions, and Heitkamp invited General Lori Robinson to the Grand Forks Air Force Base to inspect its potential.

In Alaska, Heitkamp examined the state’s missile defense system, including its Arctic mission and ground-based interceptors that can help destroy missiles before reaching U.S. soil. She also met with delegates in Japan overseeing the Patriot batteries that help defend U.S. troops and military assets in the Korean Peninsula. In Guam, Heitkamp learned about the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense mission that is responsible for critical deterrence and surveillance capabilities, while in Hawaii she examined sea-based interceptors and radars that detect and deflect nuclear and ballistic threats.

“This trip also aimed to fortify relationships with our allies, who are needed partners in our national security efforts overseas,”Heitkamp said.

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