2 more "jobs done right!" Published Dec. 6, 2007 By Capt. James Olson 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A silent sentinel providing the United States an unmatched immediate strike and, therefore, strong strategic deterrent capability, the Minuteman III (MMIII) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) has been on alert since 1970. The first operational MMIII was emplaced April 17, 1970 at Minot Air Force Base. Thirty-seven years later, 450 launch facilities remain between Malmstrom AFB, F.E. Warren AFB, and Minot AFB. A viable deterrent requires a credible capability and the Air Force maintains the capabilities of the MMIII through extensive upgrade and sustainment programs. The current upgrade and sustainment programs include propulsion replacement program, guidance replacement program (GRP), propulsion system rocket engine life extension program, diesel engine unit replacement, fast-rising secondary door upgrade and launch facility battery age-out program. These programs and others touch almost every subsystem within the MMIII and extend the service life through 2030. The maintenance teams helping to push this evolution forward work closely with the proud professionals in the 91st Operations Group and the 91st Security Forces Group to accomplish the Launch Facility (LF) maintenance. Keeping ICBM's on alert requires a large number of sustainment programs; however, the one-team-one-fight mentality at Team Minot ensures meeting the goal of sustaining the MMIII through 2030. "This is a historic milestone," said Col. Raytheon Scott, 91st Maintenance Group commander. "The 91st SW is unique in that we truly exemplify the 'one-team one-fight' mentality. Thanks to all who supported maintenance with this historic undertaking."' The 91st Space Wing is proud to announce the completion of two major modernization programs for the MMIII. First "Job, Done Right," the launch facility battery age-out program was completed in early June 2007. This program replaced nearly 1,800 emergency batteries, which had reached the end of their service life. These batteries, weighing 1,450 pounds each, enable the ICBM to remain on continuous alert in the event of a commercial and standby power failure. Electro-Mechanical Teams (EMT) worked strenuous 12 or more hour days, in all-types of weather to complete this historic undertaking. Their dedication propelled the 91st Space Wing to be the first unit in Air Force Space Command to complete the program. The Second "Job, Done Right" was completed Dec. 4, when the last NS-20 missile guidance set (MGS) was removed and replaced by a newer GRP NS-50 MGS. The GRP primary modification provides the warfighter updated guidance electronics without degrading MMIII accuracy. This upgrade replaced the guidance computer and software, while reusing the existing gyro stabilized platform. "The NS-20 MGS was a great system, but the NS-50 extends the life span and increases reliability," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Salyards, 91st MXG technical advisor. A huge cross-section of Team Minot executed the work behind the GRP upgrade. This cross-section includes representatives from all of the groups within the 91st Space Wing and key contributors within the Mk12A shop of the 5th Munitions Squadron. The 91st Maintenance Group coordinated the schedule that blended together everyone's contributions. There are many important steps to ensure that proper targeting is available to allow the LF to be removed from and then returned to alert, none more important then the complex scheduling involved. Also, the Mk12A shop within the 5 MUNS must configure the reentry system (RS) for the NS-50, a four-day process. The 91st Security Forces Group provides security for the transport of the RS to and from the LF. Missile Combat Crews of the 91st Operations Group control entry to the LF. After entry, the Missile Maintenance Teams (MMT) "penetrates" the LF using codes obtained by the Security Escort Team (SET) and MMT from the Flight Security Controller (FSC) and MCC respectively. The MCC monitor all activities on the LF and the maintenance teams have already been on the job for approximately five hours at this point and the work at the LF is just beginning. MMT's work at the LF will proceed for another four to five hours. After MMT has "built the LF up," an EMT team will continue the maintenance flow. The EMT team will load programming and operational codes into the MGS. The missile returns to alert when the MCC completes remote data change targeting and post-maintenance tests to ensure the weapon system is completely ready. Safety, security, and reliability are focal points throughout any process involving the MMIII. These upgrade programs are critical to ensuring MMIII's contribution to a viable deterrent force through 2030. All of Team Minot is justifiably proud of their contributions to the difficult and exacting efforts required to maintain, operate, and secure this awesome deterrent force. When asked what it was like working with so many different people and organizations to accomplish this mission, Staff Sgt. Jason Keen didn't hesitate. "It has its challenges," he said. "But it helps you become a better person and a better team overall." Sergeant Keen is a 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron MMT member.