Nuclear policy official visits Malmstrom

Published Feb. 9, 2011
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs obtained a close-up view of the Air Force's ICBM mission, while visiting with Airmen and local civic leaders here, Feb. 6-8.

Secretary Andrew C. Weber highlighted the Department of Defense's responsibility for the nuclear triad, and how Air Force Global Strike Command's 341st Missile Wing supports that mission.

"What you do matters," Secretary Weber said. "You've been given a special trust as stewards of the nation's most powerful weapons . . . because of you, the nation is a safer place."

Acknowledging the New Start Treaty would be implemented in the near future, he stated the wing's unique mission will remain constant.

"I would expect ICBMs will have an enduring mission and as the number of warheads goes down, the Triad will endure," he said. "The special things that ICBMs give our nation are irreplaceable."

Secretary Weber made several stops during his visit, observing first-hand the security forces, maintenance, operations and support activities involved in the mission.

He observed complex weapon convoy operations and he viewed Airmen undergoing missile maintenance proficiency training at the on base launch facility trainer.

Other stops included visiting missileers during pre-departure briefings, a trip to the weapons storage area, briefings by Personnel Reliability Program managers and lunch with key civilians.

"In my visit here today, I have seen how you represent the discipline and pride of the mission entrusted to you by Air Force Global Strike Command," Secretary Weber said.

During evening events, Secretary Weber thanked civic leaders and those from the surrounding Great Falls community for their continued support of the base and its personnel.

"Everywhere I go, everything I hear highlights the close relationship between the military, DoD civilians, contractors, family members and their host community and the state of Montana," said the Secretary, who traveled to Malmstrom with Dr. Bradley Roberts, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy.

"We are incredibly honored they took time out of their busy schedules to come to Malmstrom and see, first hand, how we perform our mission every day," said Brig. Gen. (Sel) Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing commander. "And I couldn't be prouder of the men and women of Wing One for standing tall for our guests."