48

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48 years ago yesterday (July 27, 1962) the Strategic Air Command’s first Minuteman 1A went into site Alpha-09 which is under the command and control of Malmstrom AFB near Great Falls, Montana.

Although Malmstrom AFB has been around quite a few more years (1939), missiles have been the mainstay at the base since 1961.

48 years of protecting our freedoms and liberties and still going strong! Congratulations to all the men and women who have served at Malmstrom AFB over the past 48 years. It has been a job well done!

Malmstrom has seen a high of 200 missiles deployed over 23,500 square miles of Montana. In 2007 after the loss of some clout in the U.S. Senate, Malmstrom lost 50 missiles. Currently they have 150 missiles, but more cuts may be on the horizon under the Obama Administration.

I hope the Air Force and communities across Montana plan a big event for July 2012 which will be the 50th anniversary of the first missile going into the ground here in Montana.  Many folks have passed through the gates of Malmstrom AFB over the years. It would be a heck of a reunion.

Additionally, let’s hope that everyone works together to ensure Malmstrom AFB continues to protect the United States for another 50 years.

3 thoughts on “48”

  1. The cost of maintaining those 50 extra missiles was astronomical because they were the “odd squad”. It hurt almost as much to lose them.

    My hubby has been maintaining missiles here at Malmstrom for 16 years.

    Malmstrom is a huge part of GF history. I have not heard of any celebrations but I if I do I will pass them on.

    • Hey thanks ZenPanda. Yes, the “odd squad” missiles were more costlier to maintain but they were also newer. As one who worked the missile field for several years at Malmstrom and other missile bases, some of the reasons given to remove them did not make sense. I think it is a slippery slope to start losing part of the main mission. Sadly, more missiles may be removed and one of these days there may be only one ICBM base. Thanks for stopping by.

      • The big part of “different” was the actual site itself. When Grand Forks closed so the the only other place to get parts for those sites. It was not cost effective to manufacture part for just 50 sites. They harvested everything from GFAFB they could.

        Thank you for your service. I have to say that missiles is one of the most ignored job in the AF.

        🙂

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