ICBM Road Show updates Airmen on future of ICBM force

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

12/1/2014 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Representatives from Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command visited Malmstrom Air Force Base Nov. 17-18 as part of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Road Show.

The team held five briefings informing Airmen about sustainment and modernization programs that are being developed and deployed by AFGSC.

Topics discussed included manpower, ICBM investment programs, new funded programs for fiscal years 2015-2020, ICBM sustainment/normalization, future missile systems, UH-1N helicopter sustainment/modernization and helicopter replacement.

To better help with manpower, AFGSC will receive funding for over 1,100 authorizations.

Across the three missile wings, missile security forces will be receiving over 287 additional billets, and munitions squadrons will be receiving more than 50 additional  billets. Missile crew operations will be receiving more than 20 additional 13N - nuclear and missile operations officer billets and can expect to see crew members mid to late 2015. Additionally, helicopter operations will be receiving over 100 members - pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers - and more than 50 additional personnel to stand up a helicopter operations group. In missile maintenance, more than 45 additional military and civilian billets have been added across the wings.  

The team also spoke about ICBM investment programs AFGSC has recently completed such as the Fast Rising B-plug and others that have been set in motion to include diesel replacements at launch facilities and missile alert facilities, and updating reentry field support equipment.

The Force Improvement Program acted as a catalyst to help get several sustainment programs completed. In fiscal year 2014, the Air Force reallocated $161 million to ICBM force support to include upgrades in maintenance parts, equipment and facilities.

A program for missile wings to receive new payload transporters is currently being developed, said Tech. Sgt. Michael Shedd, an AFGSC ICBM Systems Manager.

The new payload transporters will be fully up-armored and have increased protection.

To better enhance the ICBM force, launch control centers will receive upgrades such as new control panels, printers and oxygen regeneration units.

"With all of the new upgrades, we also have to update the trainers to meet all of the requirements," Shedd said.

In fiscal year 2016, the T-9 launch facility trainer at Malmstrom will begin its upgrade conversion.
The team also spoke about the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent - the follow on for the Minuteman III weapon system. Instead of replacing parts and pieces of the current system, a new integrated system will be developed.

They will do this by restoring missile alert facilities and launch facilities, integrating new flight systems to place in restored launch facilities and by deploying a new command and control system and supporting ground equipment.

The current UH-1N helicopters will also be modernized with newer pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer seats for better crash survivability, and cockpits compatible with night vision goggles. These changes will be installed between July 2015 to July 2017.

AFGSC is also looking into replacing the aging fleet of the current UH-1N with a replacement helicopter. The new aircraft will come with weapons mounts, common missile warning systems, ballistic armor plating and cold weather kits.

"We are optimistic on a replacement for the UH-1N," said Col. H.B. Brual, AFGSC Deputy Director, Strategic Plans, Programs, Requirements and Assessments. "However, the replacement helicopter is contingent on receiving the required funding."

"It's valuable to know what direction we are heading," said Col. Marné Deranger, 341st Missile Wing vice commander. "It makes all of the pieces and parts we are working on make sense. This is important stuff to understand and ask questions about."