Security to Weather the Storm

Article Body

Security to Weather the Storm

By: Gov. Larry Rhoden

March 6, 2026

About a week ago, I went to sleep on Friday night as a peacetime Governor, then woke up Saturday morning as Governor at a time of war. While we slept, President Donald J. Trump's Operation Epic Fury struck a decisive blow against state-sponsored terrorism in Iran. This mission decimated the Iranian government and killed the Ayatollah - his reign of terror and tyranny finally came to an end.

When actions like this happen on the international level, they impact us here at home. South Dakota's own Ellsworth Air Force Base played a key role in Operation Epic Fury, and we thank the brave men and women who spent long hours flying our military ordnance to deliver a crippling blow to our adversary.

This moment carries a great deal of gravity, and it deserves careful thought and discernment. It is the honor of my life to serve as Commander in Chief of our National Guard. When the nation enters a conflict, therein lies the potential that our Guardsmen will be called up to active duty. So, I received a briefing from the Adjutant General of our South Dakota National Guard on the situation in Iran and how it could potentially impact our Guard.

This situation also brings emerging threats. There's a heightened risk of cyber attacks or other nefarious activity from malicious actors. Keeping South Dakotans safe is my number one priority, so I am working with my Department of Public Safety and our National Guard to coordinate with our military, law enforcement, and intelligence partners to identify and monitor any emerging threats.

Last year, I established the Governor's Resilient Infrastructure Task Force (GRIT) to protect against potential threats to our infrastructure, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities. And GRIT got a bill to enhance our state's cybersecurity support to my desk - I was proud to sign it.

National Security should be something that each of us takes seriously. Earlier this year in my State of the State Address, I declared that National Security would be South Dakota's "Next Big Industry," and we're delivering on that commitment. From the new B-21 Raider that is soon coming to Ellsworth to our emerging cybersecurity program at Dakota State University, we have a lot to hang our hat on in national security. We're an ag state, meaning we grow the world's food - and food security is a matter of national security. Our energy industry continues to grow, and continuing to support that growth is a matter of national security.

By coordinating between all of these strengths and advancing them where necessary, we will expand South Dakota's role in our nation's security and guarantee that our state - and the 49 others - remain strong, safe, and free.

Every day, I am honored to serve as your Governor. That honor carries extra significance and weight at a time such as this, and I pledge to live up to the responsibility at all times - especially during this conflict. God bless America.

###