There’s devastating news today for Montana about a squadron of Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles at Malmstrom AFB.
In a press release today, Congressman Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., has confirmed the Pentagon plans to remove the 50 missiles (one squadron) from Malmstrom AFB. This story was also picked up by the Associated Press.
It looks like they could begin removal in mid-April.
The first question everyone has: Is this the first step in closing the base?
With the loss of 50 missiles, Malmstrom will house the same number of missiles as the other two missile bases, FE Warren in Wyoming and Minot in North Dakota. The Western Word (TWW) contends that the loss of 50 missiles from Malmstrom’s 200 missile arsenal is a defining moment for the Montana congressional delegation. Montana’s delegation does not hold positions on any defense committee in the House or Senate, which may prevent them from stopping it.
Let’s take a look at the other missile bases:
FE Warren in Wyoming has 150 missiles. Their three-person congressional delegation also lacks anyone on a defense committee, but in their corner they have the Vice President of the United States who calls Wyoming home.
Minot AFB in North Dakota has 150 missiles. Their three-person congressional delegation has Senator Byron Dorgan, D-ND, who holds a seat on the full Appropriations committee and the all important seat on the defense appropriations sub-committee.
On March 20, 2007, TWW commended Senators Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Jon Tester, D-Mont., for their work in trying to keep the 50 missiles. At that time, I predicted there was an 80% chance of losing the missiles.
I also commend Rehberg for his toughly-worded press release today.
But today, the chance of losing the missiles went up to 95%. I say 95% because the first one has not left the ground, yet.
TWW urges the Montana delegation to work together to make this probable loss a gain for Montana. One angle would be to use some of the seniority of Baucus in the Senate and Rehberg in the House to get a replacement military mission for the base just as former Senator Conrad Burns, R-Mont., spearheaded when he brought the Red Horse mission to the base after the aircraft refueling mission was taken from Big Sky Country.
As I said in an earlier post, I was fortunate enough to work at two missiles bases in my military career and enjoyed the job immensely. I think in today’s world, we need the 500 missiles more than ever, as I am Pro-Defense all the way and believe in Peace Through Strength.