USSTRATCOM commander conveys mission importance, hosts ICBM stakeholders meeting

by Airman 1st Class Brandon Valle
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

4/29/2015 - F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo.  -- "As commander of Strategic Command, my top priority is to deter and detect strategic attack against the United States of America and its allies," said U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, during a visit to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, April 27 and 28. "The ICBM capability here at F.E. Warren is used 24/7, 365 days a year in terms of that deterrence mission."

As the commander of USSTRATCOM, Haney is responsible for the global command and control of strategic forces, providing a broad range of capabilities and options for the president and the secretary of defense.

"As I look at my capability, whether it's the responsiveness of the intercontinental ballistic missile force, the survivable nature of our submarines or the flexibility and visibility of our strategic bombers, all three are important parts of the U.S. Strategic Command mission," he said. "And as such, I value what goes on here at F.E. Warren."

During his visits with Airmen on base and in the missile field, Haney reinforced how essential the ICBM mission is. This face-to-face engagement allowed Haney to seek bottom-up feedback from Airmen of all ranks.

"Airmen see the interest leaders have in those on the ground and how new equipment improves or hinders our performance," said Master Sgt. April Borecki, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron convoy commander. "Their opinions and decisions can have a dynamic effect on future personnel."

The admiral's visit to F.E. Warren was twofold; he not only engaged with the men and women who carry out the mission every day, he also chaired an ICBM stakeholders meeting with various Department of Defense officials who have a vested interest in ICBM operations.

"This is a forum that allows me to listen to our leadership," Haney said. "We can meet as one team and look at how we can sustain this very important capability for the U.S."

Stakeholders meetings assess the health and direction of the nation's strategic forces, including bomber, ICBM and submarine forces, as well as the communication networks and sensors that tie them all together.