An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ArticleCS - Article View

News | Oct. 5, 2009

AFSPC, USSTRATCOM, 20th AF commanders to hold media opportunity at 50 years of ICBM commemoration

Air Force Space Command


F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. - The commanders of Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command and 20th Air Force will hold a joint media opportunity Oct. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. MDT during the 50th Anniversary of the ICBM commemoration here.

Gen. C. Robert Kehler, AFSPC commander, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USSTRATCOM commander and Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg, 20th AF commander will provide interviews to attending TV media from 2 to 2:30 p.m. followed by a 30-minute media roundtable for attending and call-in print and radio journalists.

The media opportunities will specifically address the 50th Anniversary of the ICBM and the nuclear enterprise. Air Force senior leaders, ICBM pioneers and Airmen are commemorating 50 years of continued commitment to the highest standards of performance and reliability in maintaining, securing and operating the series of ICBM weapon systems from the Atlas D in 1959 to our current system, the Minuteman III here, Oct. 7 to 9.

In addition to the roundtable, media are invited to the keynote address during the commemoration dinner delivered by the Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable Michael B. Donley, Oct. 8 and the memorial and dedication ceremonies Oct. 9.

Media opportunities:

8 Oct:
  • 2 to 2:30 p.m. : TV interviews with Generals Kehler, Chilton and Burg
  • 2:30 to 3 p.m. : Print media roundtable with Generals Kehler, Chilton and Burg
  • 8:45 p.m. : Secretary Donley's keynote address (visuals include crowd shots and SECAF)
9 Oct:
  • 9 a.m. : Memorial Service to Honor Departed Missileers & Commemorative Dedication (visuals include presentation of original commemoration artwork, senior leadership, crowd)
""We owe 50 years of success to the visionary leaders and technical experts - the pioneers who designed and employed the ICBM weapon system and fail-safe command and control structure,"" said General Burg, responsible for the nation's ICBM force. ""Their understanding of the vital importance of the strategic deterrence mission and their solemn respect for the awesome power of nuclear weapons influenced the necessary standard of perfection we strive to achieve every day. ""

Deployed across almost 45,000 square miles of the Great Plains of the United States, dedicated Airmen operate, maintain and secure America's only land-based strategic deterrent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Media interested in participating in the roundtable should contact Capt. Mary Danner at the 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs at 307-773-3381, or by email at Mary.Danner@warren.af.mil by Noon MDT Oct 7. Media unable to attend the event are welcome to call-in to the roundtable. Please call for the phone number. Media must RSVP.