Gen. Klotz

Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, exchanges greetings with members of the 341st Medical Group during his visit to Malmstrom April 20-22. Pictured from left to right are Lt. Col. Dale Grey, 341st Medical Operations Squadron commander; Lt Col. Jennifer Ravenscroft, 341st Medical Group Chief of Medical Services; and Lt. Col. Paul Toth, 341st Medical Group administrator. The medical group was one of several areas the commander visited while here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Beau Wade)

Commander makes first visit to Malmstrom since assuming ICBM missions

Published April 30, 2010
By Valerie Mullett
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited the members of the 341st Missile Wing April 20-22 carrying the message that Malmstrom's mission continues to be vital to national security.

The general said he wanted to come in person to spend time, face-to-face, with Airmen here to listen to what the wing needs from the Headquarters, to tell Airmen how important their mission is, and to get updates on the unit's preparation for the upcoming re-inspection.

"I think it's important for the leadership, at all levels, from the major command all the way down to the flight, to get out from behind the desk, walk out of their office and go see where the work is actually being done," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz. "It's important for all leaders to make this a part of how they exercise their responsibilities."

While here, the general met with first sergeants and chiefs; held a commander's call with officers and senior noncommissioned officers; toured the medical group; met with missile maintainers; addressed operators during a pre-departure briefing; and attended a security forces guardmount.

The general also spent time touring the weapons storage area. In addition, he had a private meeting with Malmstrom Wounded Warriors, had breakfast with the Airmen and NCOs of the Year, and had dinner with senior leaders and local community leaders.

General Klotz said he wanted to remind Airmen here "they have noble and worthy work to perform."

One purpose for the visit was to check the progress of the wing's preparation for the upcoming nuclear surety re-inspection.

"I wanted to make sure that the wing is doing all it needs to do in order to prepare for the inspection and to see if there is anything the Headquarters needs to do in order to help set the wing up for success," the general said.

The recently released Nuclear Posture Review continues to highlight the importance of Malmstrom's mission, the general said.

"That document revalidates the importance of the strategic nuclear triad to the defense of this nation as well as to our friends and allies," General Klotz said. "It also revalidates the importance of the intercontinental ballistic missile as part of this triad and calls for continued efforts to sustain the ICBM."

"What that means for the people at the 341st as well as the other ICBM wings is that they have a mission that is critically important to the United States and to our allies," he said.

The other two ICBM missile wings are based at Minot AFB, N.D. and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.