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.