VCJCS visits Warren, conveys importance of nuclear mission

by Lan Kim
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

8/14/2015 - F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Gen. Paul J. Selva, the 10th--and newly appointed--vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the 90th Missile Wing Aug. 13-14 to meet with ICBM combat crews, tour a missile alert facility and get a glance of the operational environment of the ICBM leg of the nuclear triad.

F.E. Warren was the first stop for Gen. Selva, as he visits all three legs of the nuclear triad. As the nation's second highest ranking military officer, Selva fulfills several nuclear enterprise oversight roles for the country's intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear-capable bombers, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

"I am extraordinarily proud of the men and women of F.E. Warren Air Force Base," Selva said.  "Maintaining a strong, credible nuclear deterrent is a key element of U.S. National Security Strategy, and the vigilant professionals who operate and support our nuclear assets provide our leaders with combat capability for a more peaceful world."

This visit to Warren marks his first visit to an Air Force base, since being sworn in as VCJCS on July 31, and demonstrates the importance of the nuclear deterrence mission and the ICBMs that the 90th MW controls.

"Gen. Selva's visit, within days after assuming the position of vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, clearly conveys the critical importance that our ICBM force provides to the defense of our nation," said Lt. Col. Russell Williford, 320th Missile Squadron commander.

"Gen. Selva stated in his July confirmation hearings the greatest threat to our nation are the nuclear-capable countries that present an existential threat to the United States; his immediate visit to F.E. Warren communicates the immeasurable value and capability of ICBMs in securing our way of life," he said.

During his visit to Warren, Selva emphasized the responsiveness and reliability of the ICBM leg of the triad, and the exceptional Airmen who provide that power. In meeting with ICBM combat crews and touring a MAF, he was able to get first-hand insight into the operations of the ICBM force.

"Those who execute the nuclear mission are some of the most skillfully trained and educated the U.S. military has to offer, and safeguarding the health of our nuclear deterrent force is among the most important things we do," he said. "Rest assured that your leaders are committed to invest in you ... to train, encourage and empower you to succeed in this no-fail mission."

According to the DOD, it is the mission of the ICBM force to stand ready in providing a safe, secure and effective deterrence against potential adversaries, and to assure allies within the complex security environment facing the nation.