Improving missile assets

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Missile Combat Crew members from Minot Air Force Base's 91st Missile Wing now have enhanced capabilities for accessing their integrated data network via computers installed at Missile Alert Facilities.

Titled the Netlink 2.0 system, this fiber optic cable structure and peripheral upgrade allows crew members in below-ground Launch Control Centers to log into government computers and access records using their Common Access Card. The upgrade also replaced aging monitors and added audio capability.

Master Sgt. Scott Buchanan, 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron NCO in charge of Technical Engineering Section, explained this new operational capability increases mission effectiveness and training efficiency.

"The updated switches are quicker and they add computer sound to the monitor in the Launch Control Centers," said Buchanan.

He added one of the most important factors about the new upgrade is the improved response time and the possibility of additional on-line processes in the near future.

"The response has been overwhelmingly positive," said Buchanan. "The crews who work in the field could not wait for the modification of the system to take place."

In conjunction with the new upgrades, a Launch Control Center water intrusion study was conducted in order to catalog information which will be used to develop individual abatement and sustainment plans for the centers.

All facilities were inspected and assessed in combination with the Netlink upgrades in order to "kill two birds in one stone." Both jobs were completed together to avoid multiple trips by contractors.

"This study was conducted to get a baseline of information to start the sustainment process across the fleet," said Buchanan.

The engineers conducting the survey are aware of past flooding and other issues Minot has endured, added the sergeant.

"A great push has already been made to assist in the battle against Mother Nature to keep our assets dry," Buchanan explained.

Members have already installed surface water diversion pumps and fine tuned topography and drainage areas.

"Furthermore, the information gathered will be used to ensure the viability of the weapon system well into the future," said Buchanan. "While this is an ever changing problem the engineers are dealing with, the information attained by the water intrusion inspections will assist in making logical decisions in the future."