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Nuclear policy official visits Malmstrom
Posted 2/11/2011
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2/11/2011 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. (AFNS) -- The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs obtained a close-up view of the Air Force's nuclear deterrence mission while visiting with Airmen and local civic leaders Feb. 6 through 8 here.
Andrew C. Weber highlighted the Defense Department's responsibility for the nuclear triad and how Air Force Global Strike Command's 341st Missile Wing supports that mission.
"What you do matters," Mr. 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 that the New Start Treaty would be implemented in the near future, he said 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."
Mr. Weber made several stops during his visit, observing first-hand the security forces, maintenance, operations and support activities involved in the mission.
He observed convoy operations and he viewed Airmen undergoing missile maintenance proficiency training.
Other stops included visiting missileers during predeparture 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," Mr. Weber said.
During evening events, Mr. Weber thanked attending 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," Mr. Weber said.
"We are incredibly honored they took time out of their busy schedules to come to Malmstrom (AFB) and see first-hand how we perform our mission every day," said Col. Anthony Cotton, the 341st Missile Wing commander. "And I couldn't be prouder of the men and women of 'Wing One' for standing tall for our guests."
(Courtesy of 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs) |
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