BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Stike Command has directed units within the command to stop use of the AN/PRM-10 test oscillator set, a signal generator used to examine intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) communications systems.
This order stems from a notification AFGSC and 20th Air Force received in August that an Airman assigned to F.E. Warren AFB discovered and was exposed to residue on a component of an AN/PRM-10 kit while performing a routine inspection. The Airman reported the issue, received medical attention, and was returned to duty with no adverse effects.
Subsequent tests on the residue confirmed the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a substance commonly used in electrical devices during the time that equipment was developed to maintain the Minuteman III ICBM system.
Upon notification confirming the presence of PCBs in one AN/PRM-10 unit at F.E. Warren AFB, 20th AF directed a one-time inspection (OTI) to assess all AN/PRM-10 kits. Officials also directed updated safety warnings, precautions, and mandatory personal protective equipment requirements where legacy testers remained in use.
The OTI-directed review was completed within three days of issuance and covered the entire inventory of AN/PRM-10 kits across the command. Inspections found potential residue on six of eight AN/PRM-10 systems. Residue samples have been collected and are being sent for testing.
Upon receiving the OTI findings indicating the presence of residue on additional AN/PRM-10 kits, and as a precautionary measure while sample test results are pending, units in 20th AF are immediately stopping use of the AN/PRM-10 and transitioning from the AN/PRM-10 to a modern, PCB-free replacement tester.
“Twentieth Air Force takes the responsibility to protect our Airmen very seriously,” said Maj. Gen. Colin Connor, 20th AF commander. “As our Airmen are our greatest asset, their safety and health are my top priority.”
In addition to these measures, AFGSC and 20th AF officials are working closely with the Minuteman III systems program office to appropriately dispose of existing AN/PRM-10 kits and identify any other pieces of test equipment that may contain PCBs.
There are no mission impacts as a result of these actions, and U.S. ICBM forces remain safe, secure, and effective to protect the U.S. homeland.
“We remain vigilant for issues like these and will continue to aggressively and immediately take the appropriate actions,” added Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of AFGSC.
This effort is the latest in a series of initiatives Air Force officials have directed, following the launch of the Missile Community Cancer Study in 2023, to review the Minuteman III system and its associated equipment to ensure a safe, hazard-free working environment for America’s ICBM force.
For more information on the Missile Community Cancer Study, please follow this link: https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/Resources/Missile-Community-Cancer-Study/.