ICBM generals address 'warfighter' issues

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  More than 30 top Air Force leaders gathered here April 12 for the third in a series of meetings focusing their attention on how best to sustain the ICBM weapon system, an effort begun after the launch of Air Force Global Strike Command in 2009.

Ann Mitchell, Air Force Global Strike Command's Director of Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, chaired the conference to bring together key decision-makers on nuclear sustainment issues and strategic planning for the ICBM. "There was no solid system in place for the wings to get the help they needed" when Global Strike Command took on the ICBM mission here, at Minot AFB, N.D., and at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., in December 2009, Ms. Mitchell said.

"Now we have partnered together and proven that the system can and will continue to work," she said.

"We started with a template, we worked action items, and now we are seeing the tremendous progress and commitment from our wings," said Ms. Mitchell.

"Being a part of this team and solving some of the more difficult issues is very satisfying," said Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander. "The Steering Group is key to ensuring nuclear sustainment."

"We are here to provide guidance as well as gain insight into the warfighters' perspective," Ms. Mitchell said in her opening remarks to the group. "We want to answer the question, what can the provider provide?"

Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston, 20th Air Force commander added, "Getting the leadership that's responsible for the sustainment of the ICBM together to discuss the most important issues affecting the weapon system, and then having them commit their organizations to achieving timely solutions has direct payoff for the warfighter."

Members of the steering group discussed the unique issues faced by each wing as well as issues faced by Global Strike Command as a whole. Since the first ICBM Steering Group, many significant improvements have been made, officials say.

"Hosting the ICBM General Officer Steering Group this year was a great honor," Colonel Tims said. The group has previously met at Malmstrom AFB, Mont. and Kirtland AFB, N.M.