USSTRATCOM commander instills message of assurance, deterrence for Team Malmstrom

by Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

2/4/2014 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont.  -- Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Alston, USSTRATCOM senior enlisted leader, visited Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 30 to meet with Airmen and see what role the 341st Missile Wing plays in the nation's nuclear deterrence and assurance mission.

During his first visit to Malmstrom, Haney met with Team Malmstrom members who support the Air Force's nuclear enterprise through specialized capabilities, including security forces members, missileers, maintainers and missile facility chefs.

"The purpose of this visit was to really get an opportunity to see Malmstrom Air Force Base and the people working behind the scenes here conducting the deterrence and assurance mission -the mission that Strategic Command is all about - and to understand the complexities of the business," Haney said.

During his tour, Haney visited a variety of settings to better understand the complex mission of Wing One. He toured at a variety of locations, including a missile alert facility, Weapons Storage Area, dining facility and hosted a Wing All Call, giving him the opportunity to address Airmen and hear their thoughts directly.

"My first impression was, we have a great group of professional people here who are working hard trying to get the business right," he said. "And they are working through today's issues to ensure we have a good future tomorrow."

As Haney spoke with Airmen across the base, he also stressed the importance of Malmstrom's role in assuring allied nations and partners.

Haney said he'd observed the leadership and Airmen of the wing in various forums, and is confident Malmstrom will recover from its current challenges and be a very strong force.
Haney pointed out that the visit was one of several he had planned shortly after taking command of USSTRATCOM so he could get out and understand the business and the people working the various legs of the triad. Haney said he'd observed the leadership and Airmen of the wing in various forums, and is confident Malmstrom will recover from its current challenges and be stronger in the future.

"I also wanted to carry a message to them of just how important this mission is for the United States of America and why I have to depend on them to execute it professionally," said Haney.