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The Twentieth Air Force’s mission is: America’s ICBM Team Deterring Conflict
With Professional People And Safe, Secure, Ready Missiles, Ready to Employ
Force Upon Direction.
Twentieth Air Force has a proud heritage as America’s long-range strategic force. Activated April 4, 1944, the unit’s B-29 Superfortresses bombed the Japanese Islands. Twentieth Air Force bombers, the Enola Gay and Bock’s Car, brought an early end to World War II after they dropped the first atomic bombs on Japan. Twentieth Air Force units also supported United Nations’ forces during the Korean War.
Inactivated on March 1, 1955, the unit was reactivated Sept. 1, 1991, as a component of the Strategic Air Command and was located at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Operationally responsible for all land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, Twentieth Air Force’s rebirth came at a time when America’s nuclear forces were entering a decade of unprecedented force reductions and changes. Spawned by the Cold War’s end and the breakup of the Soviet Union, these changes reshaped the basic fabric of the nation’s nuclear deterrent forces. For the men and women of America’s ICBM team, it proved to be a period of sustained, dramatic change. In the short years since its rebirth, Twentieth Air Force experienced three major command identities. After one year in Strategic Air Command and another year in Air Combat Command, Twentieth Air Force found a permanent home in Air Force Space Command in 1993. Twentieth Air Force headquarters’ location also changed in 1993, moving from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to its current home at F.E. Warren.
ICBM force structure was reduced radically as well since the 1990s and early 21st Century, going from six wings to three, and from 1,000 alert ICBMs to 500. These reductions posed major leadership challenges for Airmen at all levels of command. In the last year, the Air Force reduced the force by another 50 ICBMs, leaving the Nation with 450 alert ICBMs in the inventory.
Twentieth Air Force headquarters is unique in that it has dual responsibilities to Air Force Space Command and United States Strategic Command. As the missile Numbered Air Force for AFSPC, Twentieth Air Force is responsible for maintaining, operating and securing the Air Force’s ICBM force. Designated as United States Strategic Command’s Task Force 214, Twentieth Air Force provides on-alert, combat-ready ICBMs to the President of the United States.
Francis E. Warren Air Force Base is home to the 90th Missile Wing, which was activated July 1, 1963, with the original designation as the 90th Strategic Missile Wing. Warren became the nation’s first operational ICBM base with the introduction of the Atlas missile in 1958. Today, the Mighty Ninety operates 150 Minuteman III on full alert 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
In the early 1960s, 200 Minuteman I missiles replaced the Atlas. Unlike previous weapon systems, Minuteman had the capability of being fired
from hardened and widely dispersed underground silo launchers. The first Minuteman missiles deployed at Warren were the “B” models, which contained one warhead. These missiles incorporated significant advances beyond the liquid-fueled, remote-controlled Atlas missiles.
The 90th Missile Wing employs about 3,500 military and 960 civilian employees. Family members of assigned military members add another 5,445 to the local population. Also, some 5,000 military retirees live in the area.
The Minuteman III missiles are deployed over a 9,600-square mile area in three states: eastern Wyoming, western Nebraska and northern Colorado. They are dispersed in hardened silos to protect against attack and connected to 15 underground launch control centers through a system of hardened cables. Combat crews consisting of three officers perform around-the-clock alert in the centers. A variety of communication systems provide the president and secretary of defense with highly reliable, virtually instantaneous and direct contact with each launch crew.
From the start, Minuteman missiles have provided a quick-reacting, inertially-guided, highly-survivable component to America’s strategic triad. Today’s Minuteman III weapon system is the product of almost 30 years of continuous enhancement. The Minuteman III, which can carry a maximum of three warheads, replaced the Minuteman I in 1975. The Minuteman II missile was never deployed at Warren.
In 1988, 50 Peacekeeper missiles were brought on alert in modified Minuteman III missile silos. The Peacekeeper, the most powerful ICBM in the world, was capable of delivering 10 independently-targeted warheads with greater accuracy than any other ballistic missile.
Following the Cold War, the Air Force began restructuring and downsizing in 1992. Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command were inactivated June 1, 1992, and former elements, including the 90th Missile Wing, were aligned under the new Air Combat Command, headquartered at Langley AFB, Va. On July 1, 1993, Twentieth Air Force, headquarters for all U.S. ICBM operations, was realigned under Air Force Space Command, headquartered at Peterson AFB, Colo.
The 90th Missile Wing was selected as the first missile wing to upgrade Minuteman III launch control centers with the rapid execution and combat targeting (REACT) modification. Existing launch control centers had not been upgraded significantly since being brought online in the early 1960s. REACT replaced the outdated command and control consoles with a single, integrated, state of the art computer-processing console. Major improvements in automation allow combat crews to more rapidly process message traffic and carry out execution orders if needed.
With the ratification of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, the United States had until December 2001 to reduce its nuclear arsenal. As a result, the 90th Missile Wing reduced the Minuteman III fleet from three warheads permissible to a single warhead configuration. By Aug. 6, 2001, all 150 Minuteman IIIs had been converted to the single warhead, beating the treaty’s December deadline.
After completion of the deadlines required under START, other reductions were considered by the United States and Russia. The START II treaty, after being returned to the United States from Russia with several amendments, was never considered or ratified by Congress. Since that time, the president of the United States and the president of the Russian Federation have embarked on a new relationship, in a treaty called the Strategic Offensive Reduction Treaty, to further reduce the nuclear arsenal to numbers that do not exceed 1,700-2,200 for each party.
The Peacekeeper missile, based at Warren, was fully deactivated in 2005. This deactivation was by unilateral decision of the United States and was not based on the requirements of a reduction treaty. Although all of the deadlines for the START Treaty were achieved by December 2001,
the United States and Russia continue to abide by the START Treaty and it remains in force.
Regardless of the demands, the men and women of the 90th Missile Wing remain poised to accomplish their vital mission: “To defend America with the world’s premier combat ready ICBM force: On time, Every time, Any time.
The Warren chaplain’s office offers two base chapels and many different ministries, activities and counseling services. For those wanting to become involved in the religious community, the Chapel offers a variety of opportunities: worship services, religious education, music ministries, fellowship and study groups for women, men, youth and singles as well as other special programs and ministries to meet the needs of the
Warren community.
Chaplains minister to active duty and retired personnel and their family members. Religious involvement is not criteria for receiving help from the chaplain staff, and chaplains minister to people of all faiths.
Chaplains offer counseling for alcoholism, drugs, family, premarital and marital issues, moral issues, conscientious objector status, work-related and other areas of concern. The chaplains have 100% confidentiality.
Contact the chapel staff at:
(307) 773-3434 - DSN: 481-3434
The F.E. Warren Command Post provides continuous command and control capability for the 90th Missile Wing commander by accomplishing time-critical message processing, recalling wing members, making on- and off-base notifications and submitting time-critical reports to higher headquarters. The command post also recalls and provides support to the Commander’s Senior Staff (CSS) (formerly known as the Battlestaff).
In addition, the command post supports Twentieth Air Force by providing support and accomplishing required reporting functions in support of the 91st and 341st Missile Wings. The Command Post also manages the wing’s status of resources and training system (SORTS) program and enhanced SORTS (ESORTS).
The 90th Comptroller Squadron focuses on providing customers with professional, accurate financial service in a timely manner. Customers include military members, civilian employees, support agencies on base, commanders, first sergeants, resource advisors and local vendors.
This support comes from three basic teams within the squadron: customer service, accounting liaison and budget.
The comptroller squadron provides in-processing and out-processing for military members, assistance with a multitude of pay-affecting documents, payments to local and national vendors and financial oversight to the wing, group and squadron commanders. In addition, 90 CPTS informs the wing and its members on matters of fiscal policy to include the government travel card, military pay, travel and PCS pay entitlements, thrift savings plan and fiscal law. For more information call (307) 773-1851.
The mission of the F. E. Warren AFB Environmental Restoration Program is to identify, investigate and cleanup contamination associated with past Air Force activities. The vision is to execute and complete environmental cleanup using a risk-based approach, through partnerships with all interested parties and by the use of efficient and effective cleanup technologies. The goals are to:
- Pursue cost-effective remedial action strategies that are fully protective of human health and the environment.
- Offer open and sustained input into remedial decisions for all stakeholders.
- Use various management, partnering and contracting techniques to expedite the cleanup process and lower the program costs while
achieving quality results.
An information repository is located at the city/county library and includes information gathered for all of the cleanup sites on the installation.
For more information call (307) 773-4355 or (307) 773-4147.
The 90th Missile Wing History Office compiles and maintains an accurate and complete history of all units assigned under the wing. The History Office provides information to customer queries on current and past history of the wing, its assigned units, missions, lineage and honors, emblems and other historically significant events. The History Office also publishes the “History of the 90th Missile Wing” pamphlet on an on-going basis and provides historical inputs to public affairs for use in the Warren Sentinel. For more information call (307) 773-6062 or e-mail 90SW.HO@warren.af.mil.
The Air Force Inspector General Complaints Program is a leadership tool that:
- Indicates where command involvement is needed to correct systematic, programmatic or procedural weaknesses and ensures resources are
used effectively and efficiently.
- Promptly and objectively resolve problems affecting the Air Force mission.
- Creates an atmosphere of trust in which issues can be objectively and fully resolved without retaliation or fear of reprisal.
- Assists commanders in instilling confidence in Air Force leadership.
In addition, the IG ensures the concerns of the Air Force community and the best interest of the Air Force are addressed through objective fact finding. To contact the IG, call 773-4800.
The mission of the staff judge advocate’s office is to provide responsive and timely legal services in support of the 90th Missile Wing. The office provides a full range of legal services from advising commanders on military justice, administrative discharges, and civil law, to providing service members with legal counsel on a variety of topics including landlord-tenant issues, small claims, and wills.
Legal assistance is provided by appointment from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, and on a walk-in basis from
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Notaries are provided free of charge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday. Wills are accomplished on an appointment basis Wednesday mornings.
The office is located in Building 232 room 215. For more information call(307)773-2256 or email 90MW/JA JudgeAdvocate@warren.af.mil.
EO focuses on human relations issues by assisting commanders to improve mission effectiveness by countering the adverse effects of discrimination, sexual harassment and human relations conflicts.
EO provides human relations education to all people initially entering military or civil service as well as newcomers arriving to FEW from other bases. Equal opportunity awareness training, human relations education and briefings are available by request for individual work units, commander’s calls and work centers.
EO keeps commanders informed on matters of discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin or sex to include sexual harassment. Military members, family members and retirees may file discrimination complaints with the EO office.
For more information call (307) 773-2741 or e-mail 90MW.ME@warren.af.mil.
The F.E. Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum has two missions. The primary mission is to explain the development of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles from the Atlas to the present day Minuteman III missile. The second mission is the story as the oldest active base in the Air Force system and the interpretation of the rich heritage of the base and region from 1867 to present day. The museum is housed in the 1894 Post Headquarters building which is one of the several hundred buildings listed on the National Register. Exhibits offer a unique look at how the base has grown and changed over the years.
Lithographs of historic buildings and quarters, ornaments, books and many other gifts are available at the bookstore. The museum is located at 7405 Barnes Loop and is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The museum is closed weekends and holidays. For more information please visit the Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum, 7405 Barnes Loop, F. E. Warren AFB, WY 82005, or call (307)773-2980.
The 90th Wing Plans and Programs Office manages four key areas for the commander: readiness evaluation, self-inspection program, plans management and Critical Infrastructure Program.
Within the readiness evaluation area, the XP office plans, implements and evaluates base-wide exercises and manages the wing exercise evaluation teams.
The self-inspection program manager ensures the wing is prepared for higher headquarters inspections by tracking and reporting all
previous findings.
The plans management section monitors and ensures that all wing plans are updated annually and tracks progression of each plan during the review process.
The Critical Infrastructure Program (CIP) is responsible for collecting all CIP information from the groups to enter into the CIP database.
The public affairs staff operates as the wing commander’s liaison with the internal Warren community, the external communities surrounding the base and missile field and the media.
Their mission is to keep the public informed of the ICBM mission through active community relations, external and internal programs for the
90th Missile Wing commander. From the earliest days of the base’s rich history, reaching back to 1867 as Fort D.A. Russell, the base has
been at the forefront of our nation’s defense. From muskets to missiles, the base has had an important role in meeting our country’s national security objectives.
Public affairs provides support for tours, speakers, wing mission and historic information, as well as logistical support when authorized.
The public affairs office writes and edits the “Warren Sentinel,” the weekly wing newspaper, and www.warren.af.mil, the base Web site.
Public affairs provides members and their families a direct line to ask questions of the wing commander through the commander’s action line at 773-4422. Feel free to call the action line for answers to questions or problems.
For more information call (307) 773-3381 or e-mail: 90MW.PA@warren.af.mil. To provide story ideas for the base newspaper, e-mail: Sentinel@warren.af.mil.
The 90th Missile Wing Safety Office is responsible for maintaining safe working and living conditions for the entire base. Three sections comprise the safety office: ground safety, flight safety and weapons safety.
Ground safety manages the wing’s ground safety program, including operational and occupational safety, industrial safety, contractual safety requirements, sports and recreation safety and traffic safety. Ground safety also ensures ground mishaps are investigated and reported in accordance with applicable Air Force instructions.
Flight safety monitors the flying operations of the wing’s helicopter flight, investigates all aircraft mishaps within the wing’s area of responsibility and directs the wing’s flight mishap prevention programs.
Weapons safety monitors operations involving explosives to ensure the wing’s units understand and comply with all safety standards. The weapons safety program comprises three disciplines: explosive safety, missile safety and nuclear surety.
The treaty compliance office is a liaison office working directly for the 90th Missile Wing commander conducting short notice inspections in response to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and ensuring base compliance with other international treaties such as The Strategic Offensive Reduction Treaty (SORT), Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and Open Skies. The START inspections are conducted on-site
here at Warren by Russian inspectors and fall into two categories: data update inspections - occurring on base, inspecting buildings and equipment; and reentry vehicle on-site inspections - occurring in the missile complex, inspecting a randomly selected missile site. Both of these types of inspections are conducted for the purpose of verifying Warren’s compliance with the START Treaty. START inspections and verifications will continue through December of 2009, and can be extended beyond 2009 by Congress.
On Dec. 4, 2001, Warren became the first Air Force installation to reduce the number of warheads on the Minuteman III missile by completing the single reentry vehicle program. On that date, Warren, and the United States, completed a reduction of warheads to achieve the START mandated number of 6,000. By September 2005 Warren had deactivated the Peacekeeper system to further reduce the deployed offensive nuclear forces; a process reduce overall numbers to between 1,700 and 2,200 by December 31st 2012 in accordance with SORT requirements.
The 90th OG has command and control of 15 missile alert facilities and 150 ICBM missiles in a 9,600 square mile area covering three states. The 90th Operations Support Squadron, 319th, 320th and 321st Missile Squadrons, and the 37th Helicopter Squadron comprise the 90th OG. More than 450 missileers, pilots, chefs and facility managers work together to accomplish the mission of providing the Unites States Strategic Command with nuclear deterrent capability.
The Missile Alert Facility (MAF) provides shelter and work space for support and security members. The Launch Control Capsule (LCC) is a fully self-sufficient entity with its own air, power and water supplies, providing survivable command and control capabilities. A two-officer missile combat crew performs 24-hour alert duties in Minuteman III hardened underground LCCs. A variety of communication systems provide the president and secretary of defense with highly reliable, virtually instantaneous direct command for each launch crew.
The 90th OSS is the evaluations and testing arm of the 90th Operations Group. They maintain the weapon system proficiency of 245 combat-ready crew members. In addition, they ensure combat readiness through emergency war order, cryptographic codes, weapon system, and chef/facility manager training. The 90th OSS is responsible for all targeting and cryptographic codes accuracy for the wing’s 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. Finally, the 90th OSS delivers mission-critical intelligence and weather support to 20th Air Force and 90th Missile Wing.
The 319th Missile Squadron is comprised of approximately 90 officers and enlisted members. Five two-officer Missile Combat Crews from the squadron deploy daily to man underground Launch Control Centers which are spread throughout 3,200 square miles in eastern Wyoming, western Nebraska and northern Colorado. These crews ensure proper configuration, security and maintenance of the 50 Minuteman III ICBMs assigned to the squadron. On-site enlisted squadron members who support the crew during their 24-hour alert tour include a facility manager, charged with maintaining the topside portion of the alert facility, and a chef, who masterfully prepares meals for the Missile Combat Crew and any personnel visiting or assigned to the remote facility.
The 320th Missile Squadron activated in 1964 with five flights of 10 Minuteman I Missiles. Currently, two-officer missile combat crews perform
24-hour alert duties in five Minuteman III hardened underground LCCs in Colorado and Nebraska.
The 321st Missile Squadron is responsible for five missile alert facilities and 50 launch facilities located in northern Colorado, southeastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. This team of professional “Frontier Warriors” work rotating shifts seven days a week, 365 days a year,
to ensure the readiness, security and reliability of our nation’s strategic deterrent force.
The mission of the 37th Helicopter Squadron is to contribute to the defense of America by providing aerial support to the 90 MW. The 37 HS operates UH-1N Bell Helicopters in support of four missions: wartime contingencies, wing support, training and search and rescue.
Wartime contingencies support provides a flexible, rapid-response aerial platform in support of wartime requirements.
The squadron support mission encompasses aerial surveillance for off-base movement of nuclear weapons, emergency deployments of security response forces throughout the base and missile field and 24-hour coverage for priority airlift of cargo and passengers.
Through an agreement with civilian law enforcement and regional hospitals, 37 HS assists with search and rescue and airlift medical evacuations in Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska.
The 90th Maintenance Group is responsible for maintaining 150 Minuteman III ICBMs, and 15 associated missile alert facilities throughout a 9,600 square mile tri-state area. The professional members of the maintenance group work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure the world’s most powerful ICBM force remains safe, reliable and effective. They provide training and evaluation for over 600 maintenance personnel, maintaining over 200 specialized maintenance vehicles and thousands of mission specific pieces of equipment.
The 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron maintains the alert posture of 150 Minuteman III ICBMs and 15 associated Missile Alert Facilities. The squadron provides organizational and intermediate level repair for reentry systems, conventional/nuclear munitions, guidance systems, downstages, mission-critical communications equipment and power/environmental control systems. Its members also maintain required special-purpose vehicles and support equipment.
The 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron is responsible for controlling, planning, scheduling, training, parts disbursement and administrative support of the maintenance activities of over 600 personnel who maintain 150 Minuteman III and 15 associated missile alert facilities on strategic alert throughout a 9,600 square mile tri-state area.
The 90th Mission Support Group provides mission support to Twentieth Air Force, the 90th Missile Wing and all associate organizations. This support includes base engineering, food services, billeting, recreational programs, transportation, contracting support, central base administration and educational and personnel services for more than 4,000 military and civilian employees and their families. Five squadrons comprise the 90th Mission Support Group; 90th Civil Engineer Squadron, 90th Communications Squadron, 90th Contracting Squadron, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 90th Force Support Squadron.
The 90th Civil Engineer Squadron maintains many base historic facilities and provides the quality control and assignment of base housing. The squadron designs, constructs, maintains and plans future development of all on-base and missile site facilities. The squadron is also responsible for maintaining all base pavements and grounds, through reconstruction and snow removal. The 90th Civil Engineer Squadron consists of the engineering flight, environmental flight, housing flight, missile engineering flight, operations flight, resource flight, fire department and the explosive ordnance disposal flight.
The 90th Communications Squadron plans, manages, operates and maintains fixed command, control, communications, computers and administrative systems, equipment, personnel and facilities for the wing and its associates in support of emergency war action message traffic.
The squadron also provides a wide variety of communications-computer and administrative services to the wing and manages the base computer network and all e-mail accounts, web servers and network defense operations. They also provide visual information and publication support, which includes still photography, video documentation and production, graphic arts and video teleconferencing. The publishing element manages publications and AFI supplements.
The 90th Contracting Squadron supports all wing local purchase requirements. The squadron works directly with all wing agencies to ensure timely and cost effective purchases of goods and services.
The 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron manages the base vehicle fleet of more than 750 vehicles and provides transportation services for Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. The squadron also manages the supply and logistics planning functions for the wing.
The 90th Force Support Squadron provides responsive, credible and essential employment, personnel services, human resource development/management, education and training for our military and civilian workforce and family support for more than 10,000 personnel and is responsible for the First Term Airmen’s Center and the Airman Leadership School. The 90th FSS also provides combat support and community service programs to enhance the quality of life of Department of Defense members. The programs offered by the squadron are for fun, fitness, peace of mind, personal development and relaxation. Force Support offers a variety of activities and events that can help maximize time spent visiting or working at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. Activities and programs are advertised on the Internet at www.90fss.com, in the base newspaper and through a free monthly mailer.
The 90th Medical Group’s mission is to provide exemplary health and preventive care to nearly 14,000 eligible beneficiaries. Clinic hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Services include family practice, flight medicine, pediatrics, mental health/family advocacy and dental. Also provided are a laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, physical therapy, allergy/immunotherapy and a health and wellness center at Freedom Hall. As Warren has no emergency room, patients must call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room (locally, proceed to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, 214 East 23rd Street).
Appointments for all clinics can be obtained by calling (307)773-3461 beginning at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays. Flight Medicine holds active-duty sick call on a walk-in basis from 7 to 7:30 a.m. weekdays. If urgent care is needed after hours (to include dental for active duty), please utilize the “Take Care of Yourself/Child” book or call the on-call primary care manager at (307)773-3461. For information on local dentists that participate in the United Concordia Dependent Dental Plan, call the TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration Flight at (307)773-3011.
The 90th Security Forces Group provides command and control for more than 1,100 security forces directly responsible for active defense of the weapons storage area, 150 Minuteman III missiles and 15 missile alert facilities geographically separated throughout 9,600 square miles of a missile complex spanning three states. The squadron also provides law enforcement protection for a community of more than 3,000 military and family members located on a 5,946-acre military installation. The 90th SFG also manages the information security, force protection, combat arms training and maintenance, resource protection, armory, pass and identification and personnel security programs for Warren.
The 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron provides continuous security for the 90th Missile Wing and ICBM force. The squadron’s mission includes the protection of 15 MAFs and 150 Minuteman III missiles on constant 24-hour alert throughout a 9,600-square-mile area spanning
three states. The squadron also sustains a combat-ready force deployable worldwide in support of wartime and peacetime taskings.
The 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron provides security for priority resources covering the 9,600-square-mile missile complex in support
of emergency war orders, including camper teams for launch facilities with inoperative alarms, security escorts for maintenance trips and mobile fire teams for daily security, open launcher security and nuclear weapon movements. The squadron also maintains combat-ready forces deployable worldwide.
The 90th Security Support Squadron provides support for the wing security mission by coordinating security actions in the 12,600 square-mile missile field. The squadron also trains more than 1,100 Security Forces members and provides combat arms training for the installation. The squadron operates a fleet of more than 200 vehicles, maintains non-contingency individual equipment and worldwide deployment assets.
The 90th Security Forces Squadron provides continuous base security for the nation’s most powerful ICBM wing. The members of the squadron maintain the safety of the base community through the proactive enforcement of federal laws and multiple community services, and the unit maintains the security of numerous resources associated with the Minuteman III missiles assigned to the 90th Missile Wing. In addition, the unit sustains a combat-ready force deployable worldwide.
The 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron ensures Air Force Space Command’s Security Forces are prepared by conducting pre-deployment training for the command’s security forces and by developing and training new tactics, techniques and procedures for nuclear and space
systems security.
Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 805, is the focal point for criminal, fraud and counterintelligence investigations and services in support of Twentieth Air Force and the 90th Missile Wing. The unit covers Wyoming, northern Colorado and western Nebraska. Det. 805 works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to identify, deter and neutralize criminal, terrorist and foreign intelligence service threats to Warren. They provide protective service assistance and threat assessments vital to the protection of Air Force people and resources. The unit also conducts joint investigations with other law enforcement agencies and provides specialized investigative services such as polygraph, technical services, forensic guidance and computer crimes expertise to resolve investigative matters. For more information call 773-1852.
The Area Defense Counsel provides free legal defense services to all active-duty members in UCMJ proceedings and adverse administrative actions. The ADC can not assist or represent members with civilian matters. The ADC staff assists members with courts-martial, Article 15s, discharge and demotion actions. They can also provide assistance with reports of survey, line of duty determinations, medical evaluation boards, letters of reprimand, referral enlisted promotion reports, letters of counseling, personal readiness program issues, unfavorable information files
and control roster actions. All information divulged to the ADC staff is confidential. Clients are seen by appointment only. For more information
call 773-3248.
The 153rd Command and Control Squadron is part of the Wyoming Air National Guard but is located on F.E. Warren and functions as a tenant unit. Its primary mission is to provide a mobile, survivable and endurable command, control, communications, computers and intelligence capability to the Northern Command commander. Its capabilities include situation monitoring; connectivity between survivable ground forces, command post and national leaders; intelligence; tactical warning; communications and ground nuclear detection. The 153 CACS employs about 173 people assigned to 23 Air Force specialty codes and 4th Space Operations Squadron members. The unit participates in 40 exercises annually and has a half billion dollar budget.
The 153 CACS was activated in July 2002. Its roots stem from the 721st Mobile Command and Control Squadron stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The 721 MCCS was deactivated and the 4 CACS was activated with operational control at F.E. Warren in June 1999. However, the mission was transferred to the Wyoming Air National Guard. In July 2002, the 4 CACS was deactivated and the 153 CACS stood up in its place. Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., provides organization, training and equipment to the unit. The Wyoming Air National Guard and the 153rd Airlift Wing has administrative control over the unit.
For more information call Master Sgt. Neil Priest, 153 CACS, at 773-6715.
The 30th Airlift Squadron is the Air Force’s first-ever active duty associate squadron. It provides tactical support to combatant commanders through airland or airdrop of personnel, equipment and supplies in visual or adverse weather conditions. The 30 AS trains, organizes and equips 137 combat-ready personnel capable of operational, maintenance, logistical and aeromedical evacuation support for sustained combat operations using 12 C-130H3 Hercules aircraft that are shared with the Wyoming Air National Guard. Annually, the 30 AS executes 1,200 flying hours and has a $700,000 budget.
The 30 AS was reactivated July, 1 2006 at the Cheyenne Regional Airport, beginning a landmark partnership between Air Mobility Command and the Wyoming Air National Guard. Since standing up the squadron, 30 AS maintainers, support personnel and aircrews have deployed to three different areas of responsibility in support of Operations Coronet Oak, Joint Forge, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
For more information, call Capt. K.C. Young, 30 AS unit Public Affairs representative at 772-6906 or via e-mail at Keith.Young.1@wychey.ang.af.mil.
The LGM-30G Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile is an element of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces.
The Minuteman weapon system started in the late 1950s, and Minuteman I became operational in the early 1960s. Minuteman was a revolutionary concept and an extraordinary technical achievement. Both the missile and basing components incorporated significant advances beyond the relatively slow-reacting, liquid-fueled, remotely-controlled intercontinental ballistic missiles of the previous generation.
From the beginning, Minuteman missiles have provided a quick-reacting, inertial- guided, highly-survivable component to America’s nuclear triad. Minuteman’s maintenance concept uses a “remove and replace” approach to achieve a near 100 percent alert rate.
Through state-of-the-art improvements, the Minuteman system evolved to meet new challenges and assume new missions. Modernization programs have resulted in new versions of the missile, expanded targeting options and improved accuracy and survivability. Today’s Minuteman weapon system is the product of almost 35 years of continuous enhancement.
The current Minuteman force consists of 500 Minuteman III’s located at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and Minot AFB, N.D. With deactivation of the Peacekeeper, Minuteman III is the only land-based ICBM.
The Minuteman is a strategic weapon system using a ballistic missile of intercontinental range. Missiles are located in hardened silos to protect against attack and connected to an underground launch control center through a system of hardened cables. Launch crews, consisting of two officers, perform around-the-clock alert in the launch control center.
A variety of communication systems provide the president and secretary of defense with highly reliable, virtually instantaneous direct contact
with each launch crew. Should command capability be lost between the LCC and remote a MAF, a specially-configured E-6B aircraft would automatically assume command and control of the isolated missile or missiles. Fully-qualified airborne missile combat crews aboard the E-6B aircraft would execute command orders.
An extensive life extension program is under way to keep the missiles safe, secure and reliable well into the 21st century. These major
programs include replacement of the aging guidance system, remanufacture of the solid-propellant rocket motors, replacement of standby
power systems, repair of launch facilities, and installation of updated, survivable communications equipment and new command and control consoles to enhance communications.
The UH-1N Huey is a light, utility helicopter primarily used for search and rescue operations, but it can also be used for priority maintenance dispatch support, disaster response forces, medical evacuation and security surveillance of off-base movements of nuclear weapons convoys. Other uses include airlift of missile support personnel, airborne cable inspections and distinguished visitor transport. The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Canadian Armed Forces also have the UH-1N.
The UH-1N entered the Air Force inventory in 1970 to provide search and rescue capabilities. The missions expanded to include missile, distinguished visitor and survival school support. Some of the UH-1Fs supporting the missile wings were replaced by the UH-1N due to the
greater safety and capability offered by the twin engine. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc., the UH-1N is the military version.
A UH-1N crew consists of a pilot and co-pilot, who sit side-by-side in the cockpit. The helicopter may be flown by a single pilot depending on weather and mission requirements. Depending on the mission, one flight engineer and one pararescue specialist may be added to the crew.
Entrance to the passenger and cargo area of the UH-1N is through two sliding doors, one on each side of the aircraft. The sliding doors permit items to be loaded straight into the cabin. The helicopter can accommodate up to 13 passengers. However, the amount of fuel necessary for the mission can affect its passenger- and cargo-carrying capability.
For medical evacuation and ambulance service, litter racks may be installed in the cabin to provide a place for six patients and one medical attendant.
A hoist with 240 feet of cable can be used for rescue missions. The ability to retrieve people without landing the helicopter has saved
numerous lives.
Each missile is located in an unmanned remote site called a launch facility. All LFs are located at least three miles from any missile alert facility and are situated in unpopulated land areas. The LF is hardened to permit survival in the event of an attack and sealed by a steel-reinforced concrete slab weighing 110 tons. A security system also monitors and detects any unauthorized activity at the LF site. The security functions and architecture of the site ensure the missiles remain ready to launch.
The missile alert facility is a manned facility that includes a launch control equipment building, an encapsulated launch control center and additional support facilities. The MAF provides housing, protection and support to launch control operating personnel and equipment. The MAF is located a minimum of three miles away from the nearest LF, and like the LF, is also designed to protect against attack or sabotage.
A single LCC, with two crewmembers, monitors 10 missiles. The spider-web interconnectivity allows the missiles to communicate with the LCC.
Even if a direct communications pathway to the LCC is damaged, missiles can use various redundant communications paths as back doors to communicate with the LCC. Warren’s LCCs are interconnected to missiles with 2,664 miles of hardened, buried-wires, which relay data on status, missile programming and launch actions.
Within a squadron, five separate flights are interconnected. This command and control design allows crews to monitor all 50 missiles within
their squadron.
The F.E. Warren Air Force Base Guide is published by Benchmark Publications Incorporated, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Air Force, under exclusive written contract with F.E. Warren. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or Benchmark Publications, Incorporated of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The F.E. Warren Air Force Base Guide is an unofficial publication authorized by AR 360-81. Editorial content is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of F.E. Warren. All photos are provided by the Public Affairs Office unless stated otherwise.
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